How to Thaw Washing Machine Pipes-5 Tips

Have you ever gone to your basement to do a little laundry only to discover that your washing machine’s pipes are completely frozen solid? You are not alone; this occurs frequently, particularly during the chilly winter months.

However, you must be concerned about potential long-term harm to the motor and pipe. You should defrost your washer first so that doesn’t happen. Here are some of the steps you need to take.

Read more to see How to Bleed Air from Water Pipes.

Why is My Washing Machine Drain Frozen?

For a variety of reasons, a washing machine or any other appliance may freeze. The main problem, however, is that the outside temperatures have dropped, putting any water in your home’s pipes or appliances at risk of freezing if the proper safety measures aren’t taken.

• Cold temperatures: The washing machine drain may also freeze if your washer is in a cold area and the temperature falls below 32 degrees Fahrenheit.
• No insulation: Similar to a cold location for the washer, the room or the plumbing may not have enough insulation to keep the appliance from being severely damaged by extremely low temperatures.
• Water left behind: There must be water in the drain for it to freeze. There might be water that freezes in the plumbing, drain, or washing machine.
• Non-winterized appliance: When winterizing a washer, it’s crucial to drain the water and add antifreeze before departing for the holidays.

Signs of a Frozen Washing Machine Drain

You might not be able to complete the day’s laundry if a washing machine drain is frozen. The warning signs are listed below.

Visible Frost

Ice is one obvious indication that the washer’s drain is frozen. The drain, the washing machine, the pipes, or any other component containing water may have visible ice.

Water Around the Drain

More water cannot drain away because the drain is frozen. You might see a puddle near the drain after running the washer because this water can also freeze over time. This might be a sign of a blocked drain or another problem, like a frozen drain.

Washing Machine Errors

A common error code seen on many contemporary washing machines may even mention a failure brought on by freezing. This is a blatant sign of an icy issue, but older washers or simpler models might not provide this useful information.

How to Fix a Frozen Washing Machine Drain

There are some actions you can take to hasten the thawing process and return to the pile of dirty clothes in the hamper if you suspect a frozen washing machine drain.

Clear the Drain With Baking Soda and Vinegar

Cleaning with baking soda and vinegar is a powerful household hack, and you’ve probably used these items to unclog soap debris in a sink drain or scum in a showerhead. They can also be used to help your washing machine drain’s ice melt.

Directly into the drain, pour 1 part baking soda and 2 parts vinegar. Let it fizz for about five minutes.

Pour Salted Hot Water into the Drain

Although the ice clog may extend far into the drain, hot water can quickly melt a large amount of ice. To melt the ice, slowly pour a solution of 1 part salt to 3 parts water that has been brought to a boil.

Clear the Drain of Remaining Sediment

You don’t want the salt or baking soda to remain in the pipes where it could accumulate and cause a different kind of clog in the future. To help flush away any salt and baking soda sediment that might be left behind, boil another pot of water, then slowly pour it down the drain.

Use a Hair Dryer

Your bathroom’s hair dryer can be a useful tool for warming up a frosted drain and styling your morning hairstyle. Use an extension cord if there isn’t an outlet nearby to plug the hair dryer into a power outlet close to the drain. Utilize the hair dryer’s lowest heat setting to blow warm air over the pipes and drain. Keep moving it continuously to ensure even defrosting, and keep the hair dryer several inches away from the pipes to prevent overheating them.

Warm the Tub and Drain Hose

Any number of issues with a washing machine could occur, including a frozen drain. The drain hose and tub may also freeze if water remains in these washing machine components when the temperatures drop.

Fill the washing machine tub with water that has been heated to about 140 degrees Fahrenheit. (If using a front-load washer, fill it with warm water until it almost reaches the height of the door and let it sit for an hour or so.)

Place a bucket close to the drain hose after grabbing it. To let the warm water and thawed ice drain, unplug the drain hose. Change the drain hose and reinstall the plug.

How to Prevent a Washing Machine Drain from Freezing

Even though thawing out a frozen washing machine drain can be simple, it’s preferable to avoid the problem altogether. Washing machine parts that are frozen can cause the appliance to break down sooner, necessitating a replacement. Instead, use some of these recommendations to reduce the possibility of a frozen washing machine drain.

1. Store Your Washer in a Warm Area

Sometimes keeping the laundry appliances in a chilly basement or garage is your only option. If you have the choice, pick a location that is warm all year long. As a result, the chance of freezing will be reduced.

2. Drain and Spin

If you’re planning to head out for a warm beach vacation before the first winter storm of the season, make sure you winterize your vacant home. Make sure the washer’s water completely drains by running a spin cycle. You can take advantage of your vacation without worrying about the drain freezing if there is no more water in the washing machine.

3. Add Antifreeze

You can add antifreeze to washing machines to prevent them from freezing in colder rooms, RVs, and camper vans. RV antifreeze can be put in the washer tub after which you can run the spin cycle and let the antifreeze drain. When you get home, make sure to run a complete wash cycle with just water and detergent—no clothing. Before doing laundry, this cycle will remove any leftover antifreeze.

4. Wash Frequently

Using your washing machine frequently can help keep the water flowing and lower the likelihood that the washing machine drain will freeze if you anticipate being home during the cold season. Your sweaters, socks, blankets, and bedding should all be washed right now.

5. Use Hot Water

To reduce your energy costs, you might prefer using cold, warm, or the eco-cycle setting on your washer, but every now and then—especially during the chilly seasons of the year—wash a load of laundry with hot water. When the temperatures drop below freezing, this can help keep the pipes and drain of the washing machine warm.

6. Insulate the Plumbing

Plumbing is susceptible to freezing temperatures, particularly in buildings with poor insulation, such as a garage or the area outside a house.

Conclusion

Even though doing laundry is a hassle year-round, the winter is especially difficult. Not only do you typically wash more clothes, but freezing temperatures can result in a frozen washer drain. Here’s how to handle a frozen washing machine drain and keep it from freezing again once it has finally thawed out before the cold weather causes you to put off doing your laundry.

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