Washing machines drain water through a pipe that connects to your home’s plumbing system. This drain can become clogged with lint, soap scum, and other debris, leading to drainage problems.

If you notice water is not draining from your machine properly, hire a plumber for drain cleaning services. Here are some steps a plumber may take to clean your washing machine drain:

Inspection

A plumber starts the drain cleaning process by inspecting the drain and plumbing system to determine the root cause of the problem. They can insert a fiber optic video camera into the pipe to identify obstructions, such as lint, soap scum, or foreign objects.

Blockages can also occur at the connection points where the drain hose attaches to the washing machine, the wall, or the floor drain.

After a visual inspection, the plumber can run the washing machine through a test cycle. This allows them to observe how the machine drains and confirm any issues during operation. If there’s a significant blockage,

the plumber may observe water backing into the washing machine or overflowing from the drain pipe. Once the inspection is complete, the plumber will provide you with a detailed report of their findings for corrective action.

Removal of Obstructions

After identifying the location and intensity of the clog, a licensed plumber uses specialized tools to dislodge and clear the obstruction. Professionals often use plumbing snakes or augers to clear blockages in washing machine drainpipes.

The plumber feeds the flexible cables of these tools into the drainpipe until they encounter the blockage. They then rotate the tool to break down and remove the clog.

If the clogs within a washing machine’s drain pipe are made up of lint, fabric fibers, and small items of clothing, a plumbing expert may use a retrieval claw to pull out these items.

After removing the blockage, the plumber can run water through the drain to determine if it is clear and that water is flowing freely. If the drain remains clogged after these actions, the plumber may resort to other drain cleaning methods.

Cleaning

When a clog is stubborn or located further down the drainpipe, plumbers may use high-pressure water jetting equipment to remove it. This plumbing technique involves sending a powerful stream of water into the drain.

This helps to dislodge and flush out debris and obstructions. The high-pressure water carries the loosened particles downstream and out of the drainpipe, restoring proper flow and drainage.

High-pressure water jetting is efficient because it uses less water than traditional flushing or snaking methods. After the drain cleaning process, plumbers can conduct a post-jetting inspection. This allows them to confirm the drain is clean and functioning optimally.

A qualified plumber may also suggest routine lint filter cleaning. This can help prevent lint and fiber clogs in the washing machine drains.

Replacement or Repair

Plumbers may identify deteriorated components within the drainage system during inspection. If the damage is minor and can be repaired, the plumber con complete the necessary repairs. This may involve fixing leaks and patching holes in the drain pipes. It may also involve replacing a damaged section of the pipe.

In cases where the damage is extensive or the affected component is beyond repair, the plumber can recommend replacement services.

This process can involve replacing large pipe sections, fittings, or drainage lines to boost the plumbing system’s reliability. For old washing machine drainage systems, a plumber may suggest upgrading to more modern and long-lasting plumbing components. 

Prevention Measures

After cleaning your washing machine drains, a plumber can advise you on how to prevent future clogs. Plumbers often recommend installing lint traps or filters in the washing machine drain system to capture lint and debris before they enter the drainpipe.

For delicate items or clothing that sheds a lot of lint, use mesh laundry bags to contain lint and prevent it from entering the drain.

Plumbers msy advise scheduling occasional maintenance checks for your washing machine and drainage system. Routine checks can help identify potential drain issues before they become significant problems. Washing machine drain maintenance includes inspecting hoses, checking connections, and cleaning the drain system thoroughly.

Schedule an Appointment for Drain Cleaning

Experienced plumbers can clean your washing machine drain, eliminating clogs and boosting water flow. They inspect the drain and use specialized tools to clear obstructions in your drain.

After cleaning and repairs, plumbers will run a test cycle to assess the drainage system for water flow, leaks, and unusual sounds. Contact a professional plumber today to learn more about their drain-clearing services.