Here's What That Little Door On The Front Of Your Washing Machine Is For

If you have a front-load washer, you may have noticed that it has two doors. It's obvious what the large door is for — it swings open to provide you access to the drum to add or remove a load of laundry. But, the purpose of the second door, which is much smaller, may not be so obvious. Well, the little door located along the base of the front of the washing machine provides access to the unit's drain pump. The drain pump can become clogged with fibers, hairs, coins, buttons, and any other small items that are mixed in with a load of laundry.

A clogged drain pump can spell trouble for your washer. If your washing machine won't drain, is no longer spinning properly, or is shaking and vibrating much more than normal, it could be a sign that the pump has become clogged with debris. A clogged drain pump can cause additional problems, such as odors from the buildup of gunk or even water backing into the machine as you try to wash a load of laundry. Identifying that little door — and knowing how to use it to access and unclog the drain pump — can help you get your washer functioning properly. It can save you the need to hire a professional as you start worrying about how much it will cost to repair your washing machine.

A clogged drain pump is one of the common reasons why your washing machine isn't working properly. It's always a good idea to check the manual for your specific unit, but you shouldn't need any special tools for a front-load washer — just a shallow container to catch water. After opening the access door, pull out the drain hose (if there is one) and empty the water into the container. Then, unscrew the filter from the unit and pull off or dump any lint, hair, coins, or other debris that has accumulated inside or around it. Once clean, simply screw the filter back into place and close the access door.

The drain pump on a top-load washer is less likely to accumulate as much loose debris since these items typically remain at the base of the drum after each load. However, things can still make their way to the pump on occasion. For these models, start by unplugging the machine and removing the drain hose, which is typically found on the back of the washer. To clear the drain hose of any blockages, you'll need a long brush. Once the hose is clear, you can reattach it to the back and flush it by running a hot wash cycle. Because of the added steps, you may decide it is best to call a professional to clear a clogged top-load washer. After you've cleared the drain pump, you can prevent future clogs by cleaning it regularly, washing small items in mesh laundry bags, and taking care to avoid using too much detergent with each load.