Washing Machine Drain Overflows? (Here's a Fix)

Did you know washing machines use between 14 and 20 gallons of water per load? Now, imagine all that water overflowing onto your laundry room floor! No one wants that, but unfortunately, the washing machine drain overflows on occasion.

There are several reasons your washing machine might overflow. But usually, a washing machine drain overflows when the drainpipe behind the washer is clogged. This area is where the discharge hose fits in. Debris and residue build up in the pipe causing water leakage.

To fix the problem, first, move the washing machine away from the wall. There are several methods to clear a blockage depending on what it is.

The most common reason a washing machine drain overflows is due to a clogged drainpipe. As the machine washes your clothes, debris, like lint, goes through the discharge hose along with the dirty water. Sometimes, this debris gets caught in the pipe, causing it to back up.

Clogging typically means something is stuck and causing a blockage. Regular cleaning prevents this. But occasionally, foreign objects or debris get stuck because of improper installation or washing machine defects. The following video explains this in more detail.

Hopefully, detecting a clog in your washer is much less dramatic than a flooded laundry room floor. Sometimes, our washers give us hints that there’s a problem before it gets to that point.

One of the biggest indications your washer hose is clogged is if the water sits in the drum for a long time after a cycle is finished. You can also perform a quick test by pouring a cup of water down the drain. If you notice any leaks, this is an early sign that the drain is clogged.

There are a few different methods that may work to unclog the drain behind your washing machine. The methods depend on what’s causing the clog. Common methods include using an auger, chemicals, and natural home remedies, like hot water.

The most common method to unclog a drain is to use an auger. Also known as a snake, it’s a mechanical device that can physically remove any debris that is blocking water drainage.

There are several different types of augurs you can use to clear a drainpipe behind a washing machine. Some augurs are hand-operated while others are powered by a drill or similar tool.

For some, using chemical agents, such as Drano and other similar products, is the most convenient method for unclogging drains. Using chemicals has its limitations when compared to an auger. But for some types of clogs, the right chemical treatment can work wonders.

To use a chemical agent for clearing the washing machine drain, it is always important to read the usage instructions on the bottle thoroughly. Chemicals used to unclog drains are powerful. Following the manufacturer’s usage recommendations keeps you safe when unclogging the drain.

Though each product is different, many of them require time to sit in the drain before flushing with water. Detergents or dish soap may also be used to unclog a drain, but solutions with stronger chemicals are recommended.

For those who wish for an eco-friendly solution to unclog a drain, there are several options. In certain situations, flushing the line with boiling water and soap unclogs a drain. Vinegar and hydrogen peroxide solutions are also quite effective.

Using natural methods to clear drains may not yield results as long-lasting as the methods above. Home remedies are far cheaper than some of the more effective methods. But you may have to repeat the process more often.

The effectiveness of home remedies has a lot to do with the type of blockage that exists in the drain. If the blockage is caused by hair and other tough materials, hot water does little in terms of a long-term solution. On the other hand, if the blockage is caused by soap and lint buildup, very hot water may flush out the drain just fine.

It’s always a good idea to test the drain to make sure that the blockage has been removed. Reinsert the washing machine drainage tube into the drain. Then, run several rinse-and-spin cycles without laundry. Observe the drain pipe for leaks.

You’ll know the problem is resolved when the washing machine water successfully drains with no backup. Or the cycle completed without any leaks. At this point, you can remove the drop cloth and put the washer back in place.

If the water isn’t draining properly, you’re not in the clear yet. Check for obstructions under the washer or around the drainpipe. Sometimes, water backup happens if a drain is moved. Try relocating it to its original place, or call a plumber for help.

Occasionally, you may come across the opposite problem: a washing machine that drains too fast. This usually happens because the water flows out of the washer faster than the pipe can drain.

For this fix, you need to restrict the water flow so it slows down. This gives the drain additional time to handle the water discharge. There are several options to restrict water flow, including making or buying a flow restrictor.