How To Install Washer Drain Hose? Complete Step-by-Step Guide

Helen Skeates
Helen Skeates
22 min read

Trying to figure out the best way to connect the washer’s drain hose? If you know how to connect all the hoses, installing a washing machine isn’t that difficult. Please finish reading this post; we’ll walk you through the process of installing a drain line at the conclusion. You should remember the following:

There are three hoses on every washer. There are three hoses in total: two for clean water and one for drainage. After each cycle, the drain pipe empties the washer’s polluted water into the main sewer line.

Understanding how to install the drain hose correctly is essential. You either need to buy a new washing machine or you need to replace an outdated drain pipe. This can cause leaks and other troubles during the spin cycle when the drain hose isn’t properly attached. Water leaks from the drain hose can cause a wide range of issues, including electric current spreading. This is only a brief introduction, so please continue reading!

How to Connect a Washer Drain Hose to a Drain Pipe

To connect a washing machine to a water supply and a wastewater drain, whether you’re installing a new machine or moving an old one. To attach the drain hose, you’ll need a standpipe or laundry sink. You can use PVC pipe to build a standpipe if you don’t have a sink or a standpipe.

  1. Set up your washer once the water supply hoses have been installed. For the most part, the drain pipe comes pre-installed in the washers. To use a drain hose that does not come with your washer, attach it to the machine’s drain aperture using the supplied hose. Measure the distance between the top of the standpipe or sink and the floor. Floor-to-lip distance must be at least 30 inches.
  2. Take care to secure the hose to the standpipe or laundry sink by wrapping it over its lip. Do not seal the hose to the standpipe if you are connecting to a standpipe. In order to avoid siphoning water from the washer, plumbing rules demand that an air gap be left between the drain hose and standpipe. Use caution when storing the hose. There is nothing that can be done to speed up the process of draining your washer’s water. Run the machine through a full cycle to make sure it drains properly.
  3. If your laundry room simply has a floor drain and no sink or standpipe, you can build one out of 1 12-inch PVC pipe. Cut a 35-inch piece of PVC pipe. The upright portion is here. Attach a 90-degree elbow to the upright pipe’s lower end using cement. Choose a location on the wall for the upright to be installed. In order to reach the floor drain from the upright, cut a second piece of pipe. Cement a second 90-degree elbow to the horizontal pipe’s one end, directing it into the basement’s main drain line. The elbow of the upright should be glued to the other end of the cable. Install the upright to the wall by using pipe straps and screws. Drain the washer by securing the drain hose to the upright’s lip.

How to Clean a Washing Machine Drain | HomeServe USA

Things You Will Need

  • In the case of PVC pipes,
  • A pair of elbows made of PVC
  • Cement made of polyvinyl chloride
  • Saw
  • Pipe shackles.

Steps To Install Washer Drain Hose

So, how do you put in a drain pipe for a washing machine? In order to effectively attach the washer’s drain hose, follow these steps:

Step #1. Tools needed

You’ll need a few tools to replace or install a new washer drain hose. Everything you need may be found at your neighborhood hardware shop. A new drain hose is a need when it comes time to replace the washer drain hose. Before purchasing a drain hose, make sure you know what type of drain hose your washer requires. The washer’s manual has information on where to find the drain hose. Determine the drain hose type you need by studying it thoroughly. Additionally, buckets and towels or old T-shirts may be helpful. A screwdriver and wrench may also be helpful. Before you begin the operation, gather all of these items to save time and ease your workload.

Step #2. Switch off the washer

Turn off your appliance and unplug its power socket first before beginning the procedure. It’s there to keep you safe. Make sure there is no water in the tub of the old washing machine when you replace the damaged or worn-out drain hose. Simply turn it on if you can’t get rid of the water in the washing machine. In order to eliminate water, we recommend lowering the drain hose to a lower level. If you have a floor drain in your laundry room, for example, you can place it there. The water from the washer can be collected in a bucket if you choose. At least twelve inches away, begin by removing the washer from the wall. So, there’s plenty of room for you to work.

Step #3. Close the valves

Locate the drain pipe once you have access to the washer’s backside. The majority of washers have three hoses linked to them. Red and blue colored water supply hoses can be found in this area, and they are labelled accordingly. The drain hose, which is grey, is the third hose. Closing the clean water supply pipe is essential. The clean water supply can be turned off simply turning the valves in the opposite direction of the flow of water. Using a wrench, close the valves on the hoses. The proper piping of a washing machine drain may also be of interest to you.

Step #4. Remove the old drain hose

The old washer drain pipe is removed at this phase. To begin the process of replacing the hose, you’ll need to remove the old one. The first step in replacing the drain hose is to locate the clip that secures the hose to the washer’s rear. To remove the clip, use a screwdriver and pliers to secure it in place. Loosen the clamps on the drain hose and remove it from the washer. Look for any signs of rust or corrosion on them. You’ll need new ones if they’re damaged. Using a towel, if necessary, wipe down the surface. It is a good idea to use a washer drain cleaner before replacing the washer drain hose if the drain is plugged. The information on how to clean the drain hoses of a washing machine and how to mend a washer that won’t drain can be useful.

Step #5. Install the new drain hose

The old drain hose needs to be replaced or a new one installed. In the box of a new washer, you’ll find the drain hose coiled and ready to be installed. The drain pipe must be securely attached. Connect the brackets on both ends of the new drain pipe and push it into place. Using these brackets, the drain hose will not be able to fall out of place.

Drain hose terminals should be inserted into the extension, one at the washer and the other at the standpipe or laundry sink, as shown in the diagram. The drain hose must be firm enough to pass through all of the sites, but not so stiff that it is difficult to alter. Using a screwdriver, we will screw the clips into place to secure the drain hose. To prevent water from leaking out of the washing machine, use this procedure.

How to Install a Washing Machine

Remove Your Old Washing Machine

  • Make sure the washing machine is empty by checking the drum.
  • Unplug the washing machine after it has finished washing.
  • To gain access to the machine’s water supply valves, simply pull it away from the wall. Shut off the water supply by closing the hot and cold valves.
  • Disconnect the supply lines with a pail or pan ready to catch any water that may remain in the hoses. It’s possible that you’ll need pliers or a wrench to free up the hoses and take them off.
  • Simply remove the waste-water hose out of the wall or floor where it was installed.
  • Removing your old dryer should be part of the process when you buy a washer-and-dryer combination.

Recommendation: Because washing machines, with the exception of portable models, are large and awkward to move, it’s best to enlist the assistance of a friend or family member for the job.

Prepare Your New Washing Machine

Begin by determining the dimensions of your new appliance and preparing it for installation.

  • Make sure the new washing machine you purchase will fit into your home and be easy to transport by measuring your area and doorways. Consider the door’s dimensions when purchasing a washer, whether it’s a front-load or top-load model.
  • Laundry centers, which combine a washer and dryer into one compact machine, are an excellent option for those with limited laundry room space.
  • A clean, flat, and hard floor, access to cold and hot water connections, proper drainage and an electrical outlet are all necessary for a washing machine to be installed. Replace an old washing machine in the same place and it should be ready for the new one. “
  • Carriage bolts, typically found on the back of washing machines, keep the drum from shifting while it’s being transported. Remove the carriage bolts one by one. A special tool for removing the fasteners may be included with your new device. If not, an adjustable wrench or pair of pliers from your toolbox should do.
  • Get rid of any additional wrapping.

The washing machine should be placed atop a drain pan for further protection against leaks and water damage, especially when the washer is not located in the lowest or basement level of your property.

Connect the Water Supply Hoses

Water supply hoses and other washing machine components should be included with your new appliance. In most cases, these hoses are kept in the machine’s drum for easy access.

  • You can normally screw the water supply hoses in by hand, but if you have difficulty, use mole grips. Don’t slam the door shut.
  • The water supply hoses should be screwed into the washing machine’s backside connections. This information can be found on the hoses and connections. Make certain that each hose is attached to the correct fitting.
  • Using the water supply hoses, connect the other ends to the corresponding hot and cold supply valves.
  • The hoses should not be stretched, since this could lead to breakage and leaks, if any of them are too short to reach their connectors. Replace the hoses with longer ones instead.
  • In order to keep water from leaking through the threads, most connectors feature a rubber washer. So you don’t need to wrap plumber tape around the threads of valve spigots or any other connections because of this.

How to Install a Washing Machine

Set Up the Drain Hose

Your washing machine’s drain hose should connect to a neighboring sink or a standpipe.

  • Attach a plastic hose guide to the drain hose before feeding it into the sink to prevent it from kinking. As an alternative to purchasing one with your new washing machine, you can buy one separately.
  • A standpipe should already be in place at the water supply valves if the proper piping has been installed. Installed on the surface of the wall, it may look like a long pipe leading to a drain or a little hole in the wall. Connect the drain hose to the standpipe and secure it in place.
  • An extension hose can be used if your drain hose is too short to reach the sink or standpipe.
  • To check for water leaks, turn on the water supply valves. You should tighten or modify any connections that are dripping water. If a connection is overtightened, the rubber washer of the connector might be warped, causing leakage.

Level the Washing Machine

The final stage in the installation of a washer is to level the appliance so that it does not “walk” or bang when running a load of washing.

  • To level the washer, place a level on top of it.
  • Make any necessary adjustments to the legs and locknuts to secure the device on a level surface.
  • Place your level on top of the washer in the center, on both the left and right sides, and on the front and back, to ensure that it is level. So, you can rest assured that your washing machine is flat on all sides after completing this step!
  • Start washing your clothes as soon as you plug in the machine.

To help you identify the washer installation items you need, here are some helpful hints: Locate goods and inventories at your local Home Depot by using the app. For simple same-day delivery, place your order before noon if you need your goods right away.

How to Hook Up a Washing Machine to a Sink

Using a sink to connect your washing machine if you don’t have designated plumbing for it is one option.

  • An adapter that connects a sink aerator to a water supply line is needed. To use the adapter, you first need to connect the faucet to the adaptor.
  • The other end of the water supply line should be connected to the washing machine’s cold water connection on the back. The water temperature will be controlled by the faucet rather than the washing machine.
  • A longer hose or an extension for your current hose is necessary if your water supply is not long enough.
  • Use a hose cap to seal off the unused hot-water hose.
  • To dispose of wastewater down the sink’s drain, connect the drain line to the sink.
  • Do a test load of laundry to make sure there are no leaks or malfunctions with the washing machine.

How to Install Washing Machine Plumbing

  • Put a stop to the home’s main water supply.
  • By cutting the pipes and installing tee connections, you can tap into water supply lines in other parts of the house.
  • Pipe lengths should be added to reach the location where the washer will be set up.
  • Each supply pipe should have a supply stub at the end, which should be screwed into the wall with masonry screws.
  • The supply stub outs should be used to attach hose bibs.
  • Use a tee fitting or a wye fitting to connect to a drainpipe elsewhere in the home.
  • Pipe from the new fitting to reach the region where the washer will be placed.
  • Install a 2-inch tee fitting in the drainpipe for the vent pipe within five feet of the washer.
  • A P-trap can be used to connect a standpipe to a drainpipe.
  • In the attic, extend a vent pipe from the tee fitting to connect with the main vent stack of your property.

A washing machine may be installed in a matter of minutes if the proper plumbing is in place. It’s also useful if you’re renting an apartment and don’t have access to proper washer plumbing, since you can install a washing machine in a sink.

Appliance installation can be added to your new appliance purchase at The Home Depot.

How to Clean a Washing Machine

Many people overlook this simple task, but a clean washing machine will extend the life of your appliance, improve its performance, and better care for your clothing. A wide array of cleaning chemicals are available to help you keep your device in top condition. A DIY clean washing machine can also be made with common household items. Martha Stewart recommends cleaning your washing machine once a month as a preventative step.

Best Way to Clean a Washing Machine

Do you have any questions concerning washing machine cleaning? The washing machine tub and inside can be cleaned using an all-purpose cleanser or vinegar. In order to properly clean a top-loading washing machine, you’ll need to thoroughly clean its filters and drains surrounding the seals.

To remove the drain filter from a front-loading washer, locate a little door towards the bottom of the machine and shake it vigorously over a garbage can. Before removing this filter, prepare an empty container to capture any runoff that may come out of the drain tube. Replace the filter after it has been cleaned with fresh water.

Is a washing machine drain hose required to be secured at the standpipe?

Vinegar can be used to remove undesirable odors from a washing machine. Press start after adding 2 cups of vinegar to the empty drum and running the hot wash cycle. You can also use Affresh or a similar product to clean your washing machine this way. If your washing machine has a cleaning mode, use that instead of the standard hot setting, per the directions on the packaging.

How to Deep Clean a Washing Machine

Want to get your washing machine really clean? More ideas from Architectural Digest for making your equipment appear and work like new can be found there. Using a microfiber towel, clean the inside of the drum by spraying it with white vinegar and then scrubbing it with the cloth. The rubber gaskets, which may be found behind the door, should be wiped down. Run a hot water cycle after adding 2 cups of vinegar to the detergent dispenser.

After the first hot water cycle, add 1/2 cup baking soda to the drum and repeat the process. Upon completion of the cycle, keep the door open and allow it to air dry for at least a few hours. The control panel and knobs can be cleaned by wiping them down with additional vinegar and then wiping the door down on both sides. Depending on how dirty the machine gets, you may also need to wipe it down.

Last but not least, be sure to regularly clean the machine’s filter. When in doubt about the existence of a filter, consult the owner’s manual and do the recommended maintenance.

Proper Washing Machine Use

Improved cleaning results can be achieved by following the manufacturer’s directions when using the washing machine. Soapy residue can build up on the clothing and on the machine if you apply additional detergent to a load for greater cleaning power. This will also create more wear and tear on the machine.

Wearing out the machine and preventing the garments from being clean enough are both consequences of putting in too many items at once. A thumping sound can be heard when machines are overloaded and clothing bunches up on one side of the drum.

If this occurs in the middle of a wash cycle, open the lid, take out a few items, and then wash them in a different load straight away. Turn the machine back on after rearranging the garments in the tub to achieve an even distribution.

Things You Will Need

  • Vinegar
  • Cleaner for all surfaces
  • A product like Affresh
  • A cannister with a nozzle
  • Cloth made of microfibre
  • Sodium bicarbonate of soda

FAQs

Does a washing machine drain hose need a loop?

Whether or not a loop is necessary for a washing machine’s drain hose is up for debate. – Quora. No ! Because the pipe is high, no water from the washing machine will be sucked out when you connect the drain line to it; this creates an air gap.

How high should a washing machine drain hose be?

The drain line on your Top Load washer must be at least 30 inches above the floor and less than 8 feet high in order to perform properly. The drain line on your Front Load washer must be at least 24′′ above the floor and no more than 8 feet high in order to perform properly.

Does a washing machine drain hose need to be elevated?

Yes, the drain hose should be lifted, and it’s always better to do so above the washing machine. Siphoning would be completely eliminated. For the optimal drainage, you can also take additional measures.

Can sewage back up into washing machine?

Every drain in your home is connected to the main sewage drainpipe that runs beneath your property. This includes the sinks, tubs, showers, and toilets. If you have a huge clog in your washing machine’s drain, it might cause backups in all of your home’s drains.

Can a washer drain hose be too long?

Check to see that the drain hose isn’t bent, crushed, or squeezed in any way. Drain hoses should not be installed with their ends lower than 29.5 inches (75 cm) or higher than 96 inches (244 cm) above the washer’s bottom or farther than 60 inches (152 cm) from the washer.

How long should the drain hose be on a washing machine?

28″ is an ideal height from which to run your drain line. The drain pipe of a top-loading washing machine can accommodate a hose as long as 5 inches in diameter. 7″ is the recommended length for front-loading machines.

Can a washer and sink share a drain?

The plumbing code mandates that one be installed on every drain and specifies the size and distance it must be from the fixture trap. In some cases, if the drains for your washing machine and kitchen sink are near enough together, you may be able to use a single vent to exhaust both of them.

Where does my washer drain to?

Standpipes are where washing machines get their water from. With an elbow at the bottom, a standpipe is a vertical section of pipe. Sewage gas cannot back up into your laundry room since the elbow is always full of water.

Washer Drain Hose Frustrations | Terry Love Plumbing Advice & Remodel DIY & Professional Forum

It’s A Wrap!

It’s time for you to get a handle on how to install a washer drain hose. There isn’t much to it when it comes to installing a washer drain hose. In an hour or two, you can complete the task. Check to make sure both ends are securely fastened. As a result, there has been no leaking of water. If you’re having trouble installing the drain hose, call in a pro. Washing machine drain hose installation ends here.

Helen Skeates

Helen Skeates

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