How to drain a washing machine manually

Why might you need to drain your washing machine manually?

We know how frustrating and inconvenient it is when you go to collect your clothes from the washing machine, but water remains even though the cycle has finished. Your washing machine might stop draining mid-cycle for a number of reasons (a kink in the drain hose or a rogue item of clothing stuck in the drain pump, for example). If it’s not draining by itself, you’ll have to drain it manually before you attempt to repair it. It’s important you plan out how to go about it safely and in a way that avoids massive spills.

How do you drain your washing machine manually?

There are a few ways you can manually drain the water, depending on the type of machine you have. We've compiled some easy to follow instructions below, but if you'd prefer to follow the manufacturer's guidance, you can find the manual for most makes and models here.

For all washing machines you'll need a shallow basin or tray at hand to catch any run off water. You'll also have to press the start/stop button to stop the machine from running before attempting to drain the water. Once you've done this, follow the below steps...