A clogged washing machine drain can disrupt daily routines and potentially cause water damage to your home. Understanding the common causes behind these clogs can help you prevent or resolve issues more efficiently. In this post, Clavey Plumbing & Drains, LLC lists the reasons why washing machine drains clog and what you can do about it.
Common Causes of Washing Machine Drain Clogs
A washing machine efficiently removes water from your clothes at the end of a cycle by pumping it through a drain hose to a standpipe or sink. However, various factors can interrupt this process, leading to clogs and overflows.
Lint Build-Up
Over time, lint, small garment threads, and other debris from clothes can accumulate in the drain system. This accumulation can lead to significant blockages if the washing machine’s lint trap or the standpipe’s lint catcher is not cleaned regularly.
Hose Kinks or Obstructions
The drain hose that connects your washing machine to the plumbing system can sometimes become kinked or obstructed by items left in clothes, such as coins or small toys. This can restrict water flow and cause back-ups.
Soap Residue
Using too much detergent or non-HE detergent in high-efficiency washing machines can create excess suds and residue build-up in pipes. This can further lead to slow draining and potential blockages.
Foreign Objects
Sometimes items forgotten in pockets or bits of fabric can escape the lint trap and get lodged in the drain pump. This can severely impact the machine’s ability to drain water.
Incorrect Hose Installation
The drain hose should be inserted into the standpipe at the correct depth. If it’s too deep, it might siphon drain water back into the machine. If it’s too shallow, water may spill out during the drainage cycle.
Solutions and Preventative Measures
Regular Maintenance
Regularly check and clean the lint trap or filter in your washing machine. Additionally, inspect the drain hose for kinks or damage and ensure it’s correctly installed with the right air gap to prevent siphoning.
Professional Cleaning
For persistent clogs that you cannot clear, enlist the help of professional plumbers. They have the tools and expertise to diagnose and remove blockages without damaging your plumbing system.
Right Detergent
Always use the appropriate amount and type of detergent for your washing machine model. Reducing excess soap can help prevent residue build-up in the pipes.
Screen Installation
Installing a lint catcher on the end of the drain hose can catch debris that escapes the machine’s lint trap, preventing it from entering the standpipe.
Water Quality
This can also play a role in how quickly residue builds up in your washing machine drain. Hard water, in particular, can contribute to faster accumulation of minerals and soap scum. Regularly maintain and monitor your washing machine’s drainage system to get ahead of potential issues.
Clavey Plumbing & Drains, LLC provides efficient and professional plumbing solutions. Call us at (704) 771-8808 or visit our contact page to schedule a consultation.