How To Unclog Washer Drain ~upd~ May 2026

Place your shallow pan and towels directly below the filter. Even a "drained" machine holds 1-2 gallons of water.

Shine your flashlight down the pipe. Can you see standing water? If yes, you have a clog. how to unclog washer drain

Give yourself a high-five. You just saved $150–$300 on a service call. Now go finish that laundry. Place your shallow pan and towels directly below the filter

Once you feel the snake push through (it will go in much easier), pour a kettle of boiling hot water down the pipe to flush out the remaining debris. Can you see standing water

Twist the knob counter-clockwise slowly. Water will gush out. Let it drain completely into your pan.

Use a flashlight to look inside the hole where the filter was. You may see a plastic fan (the impeller). If it is jammed with debris, use needle-nose pliers to carefully remove it. If it spins freely, you're good.