Hello World! Welcome Friends! Washing machines are arguably the “greatest invention of the industrial revolution”. It’s hard to imagine just how much time and physical effort went into washing clothes before we could use machines. If your washing machine isn’t working as it should, you might be getting an inkling of what life would be like without one. So what can you do about it? If the washing machine is clogged, can you put a drain cleaner in it to fix the problem? Let’s take a look at the advice from Rider Drains on drain cleaning products.
Will Drain Cleaner Damage My Washing Machine?
Some people will tell you that you should never use drain cleaners because they cause damage to your pipes and plumbing system. For those who do use them, however, they are unlikely to do any more damage to your washing machine than anywhere else.
With that being said, you should absolutely make sure to use a drain cleaner that is safe for PVC pipes (i.e. one without sulfuric acid) as these are the type that lead from your washing machine.
Drain cleaner residue could have the potential to damage your clothes if it is used in the washing machine itself. You could find your clothes develop spots, stains, or even holes.
You can get similar results to drain cleaner by using a mixture of baking soda and vinegar (and it’s better for the environment too) and these are unlikely to cause any damage to your clothes.
The First Step – Figure Out What the Problem Is
You could just go straight in and throw some drain cleaner into your washing machine but if you haven’t figured out what’s causing the problem first, then this could easily be a waste of time.
Is There a Blockage and What Is It Made Of?
The clearest sign that your washing machine is clogged is if you find water pooling in the drum when you open the door. Other signs can be slow draining of water, water backing up into your sink, and bad smells.
Often, washing machine clogs are caused by materials or items that have come from your clothes. These could be coins, lint, or other items. Drain cleaner is unlikely to help with these types of clogs as it can’t break them down the way it would grease and grime.
Where is the Blockage Located?
It’s no use pouring drain cleaner into your washing machine drum if the blockage is in the drain pipes or elsewhere. You can figure out where the blockage might be by using a process of elimination.
Water Coming Up into the Kitchen Sink
If you find water backing up into the kitchen sink when you are washing your clothes, then this tells you that there is a clog in the main drain line. For this, you will need to bring in some professional help.
A plumber will use technical equipment to find the exact location of the blockage in your plumbing system and remove it.
Drains Overflowing
You might notice water overflowing from your drains after you have finished a load of washing. This indicates a potentially serious problem because it suggests a blockage in your sewer drain.
Again, you will need a professional for this job. No amount of drain cleaner will shift a clog in your sewer line. It is important to get the problem resolved as soon as possible because this could quickly turn into a health hazard.
Slow Draining
For standard slow drainage problems, the blockage is probably closer to the washing machine drain itself. Again, we can use some logic to figure out where the blockage is.
How to Unclog a Washing Machine
Check the Filter
Before you start investigating the drains, you should always give the washing machine filter a clean. A clogged filter can cause similar problems to a clogged drain and it is a very easy fix. You simply manually remove the filter according to the manufacturer’s instructions and give it a wash under a tap.
Remove the Hose
If that doesn’t fix it, turn off the water supply lines by turning the red and white valves clockwise. You should also grab some towels and a bucket as this can be a wet and messy job.
Next, you will need to locate the washing machine drain pipe. This will go into the back of the machine alongside the hot and cold pipes. Do not disconnect these! You should be able to identify the washing machine drain pipe because it will be thicker than the other two and won’t have any valves.
Now you need to disconnect the washing machine hose from the machine. You will need to use pliers and/or channel locks to do this.
Once you have disconnected the washing machine hose, you can check to see if it is clogged by looking through it with a torch. If it is, you simply need to remove the blockage.
If your washing machine drain hose connects to your sink U-bend then you can be fairly certain that the problem is with the drain hose itself. If the hose connects to a pipe in the wall, then it could be the hose or the washing machine pipe.
Clean the Pipes
If the washing machine drain hose isn’t clogged, then the problem is likely with the washing machine’s drain pipes. Problems with the washing machine’s drainage system can be tackled in a few different ways.
- If the water drains, albeit slowly, then you can give drain cleaner or baking soda and vinegar a try. Boiling or very hot water on its own can also be enough to break down clogs and remove them.
- A drain snake is an effective method for removing blockages in your washing machine drains. This is a thin metal wire that you can feed through the pipe and then turn so that it scrapes away the clog.
When in doubt, call a professional. An experienced plumber will be able to identify the problem very quickly. If the issue is with the drainage pipe, they will have tools and equipment that you don’t have access to and which will do a far better job of clearing the clog for good.
Final Thoughts
Yes, if you want to you can put drain cleaners in your washing machine. Should you? Probably not. There’s a chance that a chemical cleaner could damage your clothes or your pipes and it is unlikely to address the root cause of your washing machine problems. It is better to identify exactly where the blockage is located and tackle it using tried and tested methods.
Click the links below for any posts you have missed:
Do Epoxy Resin Floors Scratch?
7 Key Steps to Take Before Starting a Kitchen Remodeling Project
Understanding the Kitchen Renovation Process
How to Select a Qualified Painter in Seattle
Unveiling the Honeycomb Smoker: A Culinary Marvel
8 Room Decoration Ideas for Your Apartment
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Thanks for stopping by! Have a wonderful day/night depending on where you are in the world! Go with God and remember to be kind to one another!
Toodles,
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