Collecting water from the area near your washing machine's filter is a necessary step before attempting to clean or access the filter itself. This process prevents spills and ensures a safer maintenance experience. Most modern washing machines have a built-in system to drain residual water from the drum and hoses before you open the filter located at the bottom front of the unit.
Step-by-Step Guide to Draining Water
To effectively collect the water, follow these steps, which often utilize a dedicated emergency drain hose located near the filter access:
- Locate the Access Point: Find the small access door or panel typically located on the lower front section of your washing machine.
- Open the Access Door:
- Method 1 (Press Firmly): On some models, you can simply press firmly on the access door to pop it open.
- Method 2 (Use a Coin): Other models may have a slot or latch that requires using a coin or flat tool to gently pry or twist open the door. Choose the method appropriate for your specific washing machine model.
- Prepare for Drainage: Have a shallow dish, tray, or container ready. This is crucial for collecting the water that will flow out. Position it directly beneath the area where the drain hose is located.
- Access the Drain Hose: Once the door is open, you should see a small hose coiled or tucked inside. This is the emergency drain hose. Pull out the emergency drain hose from its storage position.
- Position the Hose: Carefully position the spout or end of the emergency drain hose over the dish or container you prepared. Ensure the end of the hose is fully inside the container to catch all the water.
- Drain the Water: Remove the cap from the end of the emergency drain hose. Water will begin to flow out into your dish.
- Wait for Drainage Completion: Let the water flow out into the dish until it stops flowing. This indicates that most of the residual water has been drained from the machine's system, making it safe to potentially access the main filter for cleaning (though accessing the filter itself involves separate steps after draining).
- Replace Cap and Hose: Once drainage is complete, replace the cap securely on the drain hose and tuck the hose back into its position behind the access door. Close the access door.
Important Considerations
- Water Volume: Be prepared for a significant amount of water, especially if the machine was stopped mid-cycle or has been unused for a while. You may need to empty and reposition your dish several times.
- Towels: Keep towels handy to wipe up any small spills that may occur during the process.
- Power Off: Always ensure the washing machine is unplugged from the power source before attempting any maintenance, including draining water.
By following these steps, you can safely collect the residual water from your washing machine using the dedicated emergency drain system before proceeding with filter maintenance.
