How to Clean a Washing Machine Drain Hose
Washing machines are a true time-saver--most of the time. Sometimes washing machines back up, leaving you with a tubful of dirty water and dirty clothes. The culprit in these cases is a clogged washing machine hose, which carries the dirty water from your wash into your home's sewage system. Don't panic, however, as cleaning out your washing machine drain hose is a fairly simple process. Does this Spark an idea?
Instructions
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Unplug the washing machine from the wall. This will help prevent accidental electrocutions while you are working.
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Move the washing machine away from the wall far enough for you to be able to work behind it.
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Detach the hose from the back of the washer. In most models, you'll unscrew the coupling that holds the washer in place and then remove the hose. Some models have a hose that screws straight into the back of the washer. Don't let the hose fall to the ground after removal, or you'll have a floor soaked with dirty wash water.
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Remove the other end of the hose from the drainpipe. It might be clipped or tied into place, so remove that first.
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Empty the hose outside or in a sink, removing as much of the water and anything backing it up as you can.
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Attach a sprayer to your garden hose if it is not already on there. Aim the sprayer down the mouth of the washer hose and give it a full blast of water. If the hose still isn't draining properly, take a piece of wire or coat hanger and run it through the hose to push anything inside out the other end.
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Tips & Warnings
Always use caution when working around water and electricity.
References
Resources
- Photo Credit laundry image by timur1970 from Fotolia.com
