Drain trapped water from the washing machine before cleaning its pump filter
A pump filter can hold trapped water; draining it first reduces spills, while clearing coins, lint, and debris can restore normal draining.
When it usually needs attention
Timing comes from the exact model manual or written service plan
The exact washer manual controls the interval and draining sequence.
When this guide applies
Applies only when the exact washer manual confirms both a homeowner-cleanable pump filter and a separate capped emergency-drain hose.
What to do
Follow the exact model manual. Do not loosen the filter first: route the manual-identified emergency hose into a low pan, or directly into a stable bucket only if it safely reaches without pulling, kinking, lifting, or tilting the washer; cap the hose before transferring pan water to the bucket, repeat until flow stops, then slowly remove and clean the filter.
Applies when: Applies only when the exact washer manual confirms both a homeowner-cleanable pump filter and a separate capped emergency-drain hose.
Who should handle it: Residents may follow documented user care; internal pump or wiring work belongs to service.
Tools
- Exact model owner manual
- Low, shallow drain pan or bowl that fits below the emergency drain hose
- Stable bucket for holding drained water
- Soft brush or sponge
Parts and supplies
- Absorbent towels
- Warm water for the removed filter only
Safety gear
- Waterproof household gloves
- Slip-resistant closed-toe shoes
Before you start
- Exact model owner manual confirms a homeowner-accessible pump filter and emergency drain
- Empty drum and cooled trapped water
- Stable bucket beside the washer and low pan beneath the manual-identified drain
- Children and pets kept away
Power, water, or fuel shutoffs
- Turn the washer off
- Unplug only when the plug, cord, receptacle, floor, and your hands are dry and the plug is reachable without moving the washer
Cleaner or chemical limits
Use warm water only on the removed filter unless the exact manufacturer manual explicitly names another cleaner; no general degreaser.
Stop and get help when
- Stop if trapped water is hot or the manual or access-panel layout differs
- Stop if the plug, cord, receptacle, controls, floor, or your hands are wet, or unplugging requires moving the washer
- Stop if the emergency hose or cap is stuck, damaged, too short to reach a low vessel safely, or will not reseal
- Stop if the pan or bucket cannot sit stable, flat, and below the drain outlet
- Stop if water reaches the plug, cord, receptacle, or controls, creates standing water, or continues flowing or leaking
- Stop if the filter will not turn slowly by hand
Who to call: Keep power off and arrange appliance service for a seized filter, unsafe electrical area, damaged or unsealable drain hose, continued flow or leak, or internal fault.
Reviewed sources
- Washing Machine MaintenanceSamsung — manufacturer example, not evidence of your home’s brand · reviewed July 13, 2026
Manufacturer example only; the home's exact model manual is controlling.