Storing Your Things Safely

How To Drain Leftover Water From A Washing Machine Before A Move

If you are moving from one house to another, then your best option to move quickly and to reduce stress is to hire professional movers. However, you will probably be in charge of making sure that all of your belongings are ready to go. For some things, this simply means placing them in a box. When it comes to your appliances, you may have a few tasks that you need to complete to reduce damage concerns. If you are moving a washing machine, then keep the following information in mind. 

Why Will Water Drip Out?

Your washing machine obviously needs to be disconnected from the cold and hot water intakes that supply the washer. Make sure to twist the shutoff valves or knobs before you do this. While this may seem like enough to make sure that the washer cannot leak water on your trip, this is unlikely. Water drains from your washing machine through the small holes that sit along the inner tub. The water then deposits in a solid outer tub. This tub has a small opening and a drain line that feeds into a water pump. This pump pulls the water from the tub and forces it up the drain hose and out the back of the washing machine. 

Most water will drain with the help of the pump. However, when the pump stops at the end of the last spin cycle, some water may be caught in the pump as well as the drain line feeding into it. When your washing machine is tipped backward as it is moved, the water can easily drip out. 

How Can You Remove Water?

The easiest way to not make a mess during the moving process is to make sure that all water has been removed from the washing machine. You can remove water in two different ways. The first way is to use a wet and dry vacuum. You can remove the drain hose from the drain by releasing the clamp from the hose and pulling it loose. Use your vacuum to suck up water through the end of the hose that is attached to the washing machine. 

If the vacuum does not remove water, then it may not have enough suction to pull fluid up through the drain hose. If you do not see any water in the vacuum container, then use a screwdriver to remove the back panel from the washing machine. Gently pull off the panel and follow the black drain pipe down to a cube-shaped part. This will be the water pump. Place a bowl underneath the pump and release the hose clamp that attaches the hose to the pump. Water should release from the hose and the pump when you do this. Some water may be trapped in the solid washer tub as well. Ask a friend or family member to gently tip the washer backwards. This should force the water down through the pump and out into your bowl. Attach the hose and secure the back panel. Your washer will be ready for the movers at this time. 

If you're still unsure about your ability to prepare your washer for moving, the moving company may be willing to take care of it for you. Contact local moving companies like Affordable Transfer Co Inc. to find out if their services include preparing appliances as well as moving them. 


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