Insert the plumbing snake into the standpipe. Crank the handle while pushing down. You are trying to break up the blockage (usually a mix of lint, soap scum, and fabric fibers).
Place your shallow pan and towels directly below the filter. Even a "drained" machine holds 1-2 gallons of water. how to unclog washer drain
Few things are as frustrating as starting a load of laundry only to return to a puddle of dirty, soapy water on your laundry room floor. Before you panic and call an expensive plumber, know this: you can usually fix a clogged washer drain yourself in under an hour. Insert the plumbing snake into the standpipe
Use a flashlight to look inside the hole where the filter was. You may see a plastic fan (the impeller). If it is jammed with debris, use needle-nose pliers to carefully remove it. If it spins freely, you're good. Place your shallow pan and towels directly below the filter
Once you feel the snake push through (it will go in much easier), pour a kettle of boiling hot water down the pipe to flush out the remaining debris.
Give yourself a high-five. You just saved $150–$300 on a service call. Now go finish that laundry.