Hidden Plumbing Problems: What to Look for

Drain Cleaning Options When Your Washing Machine Drain Is Clogged With Lint

3 August 2019

Herbert Chambers

You're probably used to clogged drains in your shower or kitchen sink, but you might be surprised when the washing machine drain gets clogged. This drain can clog too, and you'll want to clear it promptly so you can do your laundry without water backing up the drain. Here are some tips for cleaning out a washing machine drain.

Try To Clear The Drain When You Hear Gurgling

If the sink in your laundry room gurgles when your washer drains, that's a sign the drain could be partially clogged. By clearing out the drain at that point, you might prevent the drain backing up and leaking on the floor. This also lets you know if you'll be able to clear the drain yourself or if you'll need to call in a plumber. Clogs in washing machine drains are usually a buildup of lint and soap scum. However, sometimes doll clothing or other small items might get sucked in the drain if you don't have a filter on the line. While the clog isn't grease, it can still be stubborn and difficult to remove.

Try A Drain Snake

If you have a manual drain snake, try using it on the clogged drain. You'll have to pull out the washer to access the drain and disconnect the hose so you can slip the snake into the drain. When you crank the handle, the snake should catch the clog so you can pull it out. The snake may also punch through the clog and tear it up so it will move on through when you flush the drain with water.

Call A Plumber To Bring Commercial Equipment

You might be able to fish a lint clog out of the drain or break it up with a drain snake, but when you have a deep, stubborn clog, it's best to let a plumber handle the problem. One reason to call a plumber is so you don't damage the pipes by being rough with a snake or by using chemical drain cleaners. A plumber has commercial drain cleaning tools, but the plumber may still want to look in the drain with a pipe camera to see what's causing the clog and to assess the condition of the pipe. That information allows them to clear the drain without hurting your pipes. The plumber may use a commercial snake or a water jet to clear out the line and move all the built up lint through the drain.

If you have a septic system and you're concerned about how the lint might affect it, or if you just want to avoid a clog in the future, ask your plumber about installing a filter on the discharge hose so lint is blocked from entering the drain when the washer empties.

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