Getting a washer ready for pickup: hoses, leftover water and shut-off valves
Close both faucets, drain the hoses into a bucket, and unplug the machine. That is nearly all of it. The steps below follow Maytag's and Whirlpool's moving instructions for top-loaders, and your model's manual may add something for a front-loader (Maytag, Whirlpool).
What you need
- A bucket or shallow pan
- Two old towels
- Pliers, if the hose couplings are tight
The checklist
- Run a final spin or drain cycle, if the washer still works.
- Close the hot and cold faucets behind the machine.
- Disconnect the inlet hoses and drain them into the bucket.
- Pull the drain hose from the standpipe or laundry sink and let the rest run out into the bucket.
- Unplug the power cord.
- Put the hoses inside the basket so they go with the machine, unless you plan to reuse them.
If it quit with water in the drum
A washer that died mid-cycle can still hold a full tub. Lower the drain hose into a bucket on the floor and let gravity empty it a little at a time, or bail it out by hand first. A front-loader may have a small drain filter behind a panel near the floor, and your manual will show you where. Keep towels down, because that filter lets water out fast.
Leave the machine upright until it is empty. A tipped washer spills, and water does not belong near the motor or controls. If you cannot empty it, tell the crew before they arrive.
Check the wall valves before you leave them
Once the hoses are off, the valves are the only thing holding back your house water. Look at them for a few minutes. If either one drips, put a threaded hose cap on it or call a plumber. Old valves that have not been touched in years sometimes leak after you close them.
The same steps work for a dishwasher, mostly
A dishwasher has a supply line and a drain hose too, and it holds a small amount of water in the bottom. It also has power to deal with, and it is usually screwed into the cabinet. Our dishwasher removal page covers those differences.
What to tell a hauler
- Top-load or front-load
- Whether it is empty
- Which floor, and how many steps
- The narrowest door on the way out
If you would rather not deal with it
Washing Machine Removal covers this job, and quotes are free. Call (505) 657-3255, any day from 7 AM to 7 PM.
