What Do You Put Down a Washing Machine Drain to Keep It From Clogging Up?

Wash Basin

• During a cycling process, the machine empties rinse water into a wash basin, generally a sink or a plastic basin situated near the machine. In many cases the basin has two sub-basins divided into two sinks but each basin drain shares the same drain pipe that leads to the main sewer line connection to the home. Over time and use, lint, hair and other debris collect in the drain pipe somewhere underneath the wash basin. This is generally the location of the clog and the culprit behind the machine not draining. By disconnecting the basin drain pipe with an adjustable wrench, you should be able to manually clean out any blockage. If there isn’t one, you’ll need to use either a plumbing auger or anti-clogging chemical agents to remove the clog deep inside the pipes.

Drain Hose

• In some cases the blockage is located in the drain hose, the part that hangs onto the side of the basin that provides an outlet port for rinse water. Just as the piping underneath the wash basin, the hose too can become clogged by the same debris. Because of the material the hose is made from, chemical agents can’t be used. However, to get to the clog you’ll need to turn off the water supply leading to the washer and disconnect the hose from the machine. Try laying the pipe out straight and using a plumbing auger to remove the clog.

Oulet Valve

• Like the drain hose, the outlet valve – the port where the hose connects to the machine and allows water to flow into the hose – can become clogged. This requires you to shut off the machine’s water supply, unplug the machine and remove the drain hose. You should be able to have direct access to the outlet valve. If you can’t see it or can’t determine its location, consult your machine’s manual.

Sewer Connection

• In some cases the point underground in which the plumbing from your home joins the sewer line is the point of blockage. You’ll know this is the culprit should other water lines, such as toilets and showers, back up as well. Depending on how long your auger is, you may be able to access the blockage from the line vent that’s generally located somewhere out in your yard near the closest street. Otherwise, this may be a case for you to call your local city department if the blockage lies in the main line, which is their responsibility.