Standing water can be a breeding ground for bacteria and mold.
Ideally, though, you shouldn’t wait for special circumstances to do this important maintenance step.
So, it’s important to learn the correct process for draining.
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Even though a great deal of water and detergent flows through a washer, it still requires regular cleaning.
In humid areas, monthly draining and cleaning is recommended.
Error codes should be attended to immediately.
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You will need access to the back of the washer.
If the hose looks kinked, flattened, or improperly connected, it will prevent the washer from draining.
Never place anything on top of the drain hose and it should not be longer than 5 feet.
If the fit is too snug, it creates a suctioning effect that prevents the washer from draining.
All washing machines have a manual override to drain water from the drum.
Many washers have an automatic drain sequence if water remains in the drum for too long.
This process can take 15 minutes to 24 hours.
Instead, many front-loaders can be drained through the drain pump opening located on the front of the machine.
So be sure to start by figuring out where the drain pump is located on your machine.
Prepare Your Workspace
Unplug the washer.
Locate the drain pump filter cover, usually located on the lower right or left front of the washer.
Have a low-sided tray (or two) ready to catch the water.
Locate the Rubber Drain Hose
Remove the cover and pull out the rubber drain hose.
It should be about 10 to 12 inches long with a stopper on the end.
The hose is narrow and draining will be a slow process.
Note that some front-loaders do not have a drain hose.
Have a big tray handy.
Drain the Water
Uncap the hose and allow the water to drain into the tray.
Cap the hose to stop the flow as needed to empty the tray.
Empty the tray and repeat the steps until no more water flows out.
Replace the filter and reassemble the cap cover, hose, and exterior cover.
Call a repair technician for this issue.
