To drain a washer for moving, you primarily need to remove water from the drum, the drain pump, and the water supply hoses to prevent leaks and damage during transport.
Moving a washing machine requires emptying all residual water. This involves draining the main drum, the pump filter area, and disconnecting the water supply hoses.
Why Drain Your Washer Before Moving?
Leaving water inside your washing machine before moving it can lead to several problems:
- Weight: Water adds significant weight, making the appliance harder and riskier to move.
- Leaks: Water can leak during transport, potentially damaging the moving truck or your belongings.
- Damage: Water left in hoses or pumps can freeze in cold conditions or potentially cause mold/mildew.
Essential Steps to Drain Your Washing Machine
Follow these steps to ensure your washing machine is properly drained and prepared for moving:
Gather Your Supplies
Before you start, have these items ready:
- Towels or old cloths
- A shallow tray or pan (large enough to hold a few gallons of water)
- A bucket
- Pliers or a wrench (for water hoses)
Prepare the Washer
Safety first!
- Unplug the Machine: Locate the power cord and unplug the washing machine from the electrical outlet.
- Turn Off Water Supply: Find the hot and cold water faucets connected to the back of the washer and turn them off completely.
Access and Drain via the Pump Filter Area
This step is crucial for removing water that settles in the pump and filter area, as highlighted in the reference steps.
- Locate the Drain Pump Cover: As mentioned in the reference, you first need to locate the drain pump cover. This is typically a small door or panel at the bottom front of the washing machine. Ensure the machine is unplugged and turned off beforehand.
- Prepare for Drainage: Place the plastic tray or shallow pan directly near the drain pump cover area. This tray will catch the water you're about to drain.
- Access the Drain Hose: Open the drain pump cover. You will likely see a large circular filter cap and a small, plug-like hose (sometimes called a pump drain hose). Extend and open this small hose. Keep it pointed down into your tray.
- Drain the Water: Allow all the water trapped in the pump and filter housing to drain out into the tray. This might take a few minutes. You may need to empty and reposition your tray multiple times depending on the amount of water.
- Clean the Filter: Once the water flow stops, remove and clean the drain pump filter (the larger cap). Debris like coins, buttons, or lint can accumulate here. Rinse it under water and clean out its housing.
- Secure the Hose: Once drained, recap the small drain hose securely.
- Close the Cover: Reinsert and close the drain pump cover securely.
Drain the Main Drain Hose
The large hose at the back of the washer, which normally goes into the standpipe or utility sink, also contains residual water.
- Remove the main drain hose from its standpipe or hook.
- Hold the end of the hose down into a bucket or over a drain to let any remaining water empty out.
Disconnect and Drain Water Supply Hoses
The hot and cold water hoses connected to the back of the washer still hold water.
- Using pliers or a wrench if needed, loosen the connections where the hoses attach to the washing machine.
- Keep the ends of the hoses pointed down into a bucket as you disconnect them fully to catch the water.
- You may also want to disconnect them from the wall faucets after turning the faucets off (ensure your bucket is underneath!).
Final Checks Before Moving
- Wipe down the exterior and interior of the machine.
- Use towels to absorb any last drips around hose connections.
- Secure the drain and water hoses to the back of the washer using tape or rope so they don't dangle during the move.
- Most top-load washers require a 'moving kit' or shipping bolts to secure the drum; consult your washer's manual. Front-load washers always require shipping bolts.
Following these steps ensures your washing machine is properly drained and prepared, reducing the risk of water damage during your move.
| Tool | Purpose |
|---|---|
| Towels | Soak up spills, clean surfaces |
| Shallow Tray | Catch water from the pump filter drain hose |
| Bucket | Drain main hoses, supply hoses |
| Pliers/Wrench | Disconnecting water supply hoses |
