To empty a washing machine that has water in it, you typically need to manually remove the water, especially if the machine isn't draining on its own.
When faced with a washing machine tub full of water due to a drainage issue or a stopped cycle, you will need to manually remove the standing water before attempting any repairs or calling a technician.
Steps to Manually Drain Your Washing Machine
Based on the reference, the process involves a few key initial steps:
- Turn off the power to the washing machine by unplugging it from the wall outlet or turning off the circuit breaker that controls the washer.
- Open the lid of the washing machine.
- Use a cup or scoop to remove as much water as possible from the tub.
- Pour the water into a bucket or other container.
This manual method addresses the immediate problem of standing water in the drum, allowing you to safely access the machine or begin troubleshooting why it didn't drain.
Practical Tips
- Use a large cup, small bucket, or even a turkey baster for smaller amounts of water.
- Have multiple buckets ready to collect the water. Washing machine tubs can hold a significant amount.
- Protect your floor with towels or old sheets, as spills are likely.
- Once the majority of the water is removed manually, you may need to drain the remaining water from the drain hose or the drain pump filter, but this requires further steps depending on your machine model. The manual scooping is the first and safest way to reduce the water level significantly.
Common Scenarios Requiring Manual Drainage
- The wash cycle stopped unexpectedly with water still in the drum.
- The machine completed its cycle but failed to drain the water out.
- You need to retrieve items from the machine mid-cycle and the water hasn't drained.
Manually emptying the water is a necessary first step before diagnosing drainage issues like a clogged drain hose, a malfunctioning drain pump, or problems with the machine's control system.
| Step | Action | Purpose |
|---|---|---|
| Safety First | Turn off power (unplug or circuit breaker). | Prevent electric shock. |
| Access | Open the washing machine lid/door. | Gain access to the water inside the drum. |
| Manual Removal | Use a scoop, cup, or small bucket to remove water. | Reduce the water level in the tub. |
| Containment | Pour collected water into a separate bucket or container. | Store removed water safely for disposal. |
| Initial Cleanup | Continue scooping until most standing water is removed. | Prepare for further drainage or troubleshooting. |
This process directly utilizes the method described in the reference to tackle the initial problem of standing water in the washing machine.
