To drain your washing machine and make moving (or removing) it easy, begin by turning off the flow of water to the machine. This is accomplished by turning the valves on the hot and cold water lines clockwise, to the closed position. Then, put the washing machine on a warm wash cycle for 1 minute to drain water from the lines. Switch to a spin cycle for 1 minute to drain all the water out of the machine. Once this is done, turn off the washing machine, unplug it from the wall socket, and disconnect the hoses that feed water to the machine. Finally, disconnect the drain hose from the pipe it feeds into. Now, you’re ready to move your washing machine.
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Do You Have to Drain a Washer Before Moving It?
It’s a great idea to drain your washing machine before moving. This prevents messy and hazardous spills. It is normal for some trapped water to remain in water lines feeding your washer. Our process purges the water from these lines, which makes moving your washer easy and mess-free.
- Draining your washing machine before you move it prevents large water spills.
- Our washing machine moving process clears water from your lines to make for a no-mess process.
- After moving your washing machine, clean up the floor where your washing machine was sitting.
After you’ve moved your washing machine, it’s best to clean up the floor near the machine. Dust and lint can collect under the machine. As long as you follow our process and prevent big water spills, clean-up will be a breeze.
How to Drain and Move a Washing Machine in 5 Minutes
Washing machines are heavy and cumbersome to move. You have enough to worry about maneuvering the machine in the tight space of a laundry room without also worrying about excess water spilling onto the floor or the risk of electric shock. The tools you need for this job are:
- A pair of sturdy gloves.
- An adjustable wrench.
- Duct tape or zip ties
With just this simple equipment and a few minutes of your time, you can disconnect your washing machine. Here’s how:
Turn Off the Water
Begin by locating the two water lines that run from the floor or wall to the back of your washing machine. These are the hot and cold water supplies. You may need to pull the washing machine a few inches away from the wall to spot these and reach them. Once you do, find the valve handle on these lines. Turn them to the right (clockwise). This will shut off the flow of water to the machine. This way, when you disconnect the lines in a later step, water will not come pouring out.
Run On Warm Wash
After closing the water flow to your washing machine, turn the machine on and start a warm wash cycle. This will purge the water trapped in the lines and pour it into the washing machine drum. Run the warm wash cycle for 30–60 seconds.
Change to Spin Cycle
60 seconds into the warm wash cycle, switch your washing machine to a spin cycle. This will drain the water out of the washing machine itself and into the drain pipe. It’s the most surefire way to prevent water from spilling when you remove the washing machine in later steps. Run this spin cycle for another 60 seconds, or until the washing machine no longer has any water in the drum.
Turn Off and Unplug Washing Machine
Power off your washing machine once there is no more water remaining inside it. Then, you can safely unplug your washing machine from the wall. It is always essential to unplug the machine before disconnecting any water hoses. This prevents water from splashing onto live electrical connections, which could increase the risk of accidental electric shock.
Disconnect the Water Hoses
Use an adjustable wrench or similar tool to disconnect the two washing machine water hoses from the valves on your wall or floor. Make sure to disconnect the hoses from the valve, not from the back of the washing machine. You should leave these hoses hanging from the back of the machine. You will need them to hook your machine to the valves in your new home after you move.
Disconnect the Drain Hose
Locate the drain hose that funnels water from your washing machine to the drainpipe. The drain hose is typically larger in diameter than the two hoses that supply hot and cold water to your washer. The drain hose will run from the washing machine to a drain pipe. Disconnect the drain hose from the drain pipe, not the back of the washing machine. The water hoses and drain hoses should remain attached to the machine. That way the machine can be reconnected in a new home within minutes.
Bundle and Secure Hoses and Cables
Now that your washing machine is fully disconnected, take the time to coil up the power cord, water supply hoses, and drain hose that are connected to the machine. Secure them with duct tape or zip ties so that they are out of the way when you are moving the machine. Wipe up any spilled water on the floor. Now, you’re ready to use a furniture dolly to move your washing machine.
How Do You Drain Water From Your Washing Machine Before Moving?
Drain excess water from your washing machine supply hoses and prepare the machine for moving with this quick process. To do it:
- Locate the two valve handles controlling the flow of hot and cold water to the washing machine. Turn them to the closed position.
- Turn the washer on and run a warm wash cycle for 30–60 seconds. This will pull in any stored water in your water supply hoses.
- Switch your washing machine to a spin cycle for 30–60 seconds. This will drain any bit of water that entered when you started the warm wash.
- Turn off the washing machine and unplug it.
- Disconnect both water supply hoses from the wall. Leave them hanging from the back of the washing machine for now.
- Unhook the washing machine drain hose from the drain pipe. Leave the drain hose attached to your washing machine.
- Coil the power cord, water supply hoses, and drain hose. Use zip ties and/or duct tape to secure them for moving.
This method works for both front-loading machines and top-loading machines, so you’ll have your washing machine fully drained and ready for transport with these simple steps.
