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Installing A Washing Machine Drain Hose
There comes a point where every homeowner will need to get appliances such as a vacuum cleaner and washing machines or need to connect a water supply and a wastewater drain to their washing machine. If you're in this situation and would like to learn how to install a washing machine drain hose to ensure your machine drains properly, you're in the right place!
In this article, you will find helpful tips to help you do this as well as outline different types of washing machine drainage so you know what you're dealing with. In general, to attach the drain hose, you'll need a standpipe or a laundry sink. If there isn't a standpipe or a sink, you can create one from a PVC pipe.
It's also crucial to know the drain hose's right height and positioning. This will reduce the possibility of overflow and help prevent floods in your laundry area. Let's explore all this in detail.
Preventive Measures To Take Before You Begin
Installing any electrical home appliances can be difficult and even dangerous, so be sure you've read all necessary warnings and directions before getting started.
• Before removing or beginning the installation process for your new or old machine, make sure your old/new appliance is unplugged from the power source.
• Only choose a flat, firm surface that can hold the appliance's weight. Never place it on a carpeted floor since it will block airflow to the appliance's electrical components at the bottom, causing them to overheat.
• Ensure you have a grounded electrical outlet protected by a fuse and one that meets the technical parameters table in the user manual. Ensure the appliance is not connected to an extension cord and that the power cable is not pinched or jammed.
• If you need to change the plug, ensure it has a 13A fuse.
• You should never use wet hands to touch a plug. Never pull on a cable to remove a plug; instead, hold and pull the head.
• Check that your new appliance has not been damaged in transit and that all parts and accessories are present and functional when you receive it.
Types Of Washing Machine Drainage
Laundry Tub
A laundry tub is one of the best drainage solutions for your washing machine. The most common reason for a laundry tub to fail is a clog. The blockage is usually found in the U-trap or further down the piping. You can try using a drain auger or a plunger to clear the clog. If you use a plunger, put a little water in the laundry tub.
This will create a vacuum and provide the necessary suction to clear the clog. However, if the plunger doesn't work, use a handheld drain auger. This will provide you with a solid object to break the clog. If you can't reach the clog to dislodge it, you'll have to remove the U-trap.
If you don't have a plunger or an auger, or if you don't want to exhaust yourself, pour boiling water down the drain. Additionally, you can try pouring dish soap down the drain before using hot water to help dislodge the clog.
Underground Pipes
If you want your washing machine to drain as efficiently as possible, an underground line is a good way to go. While it's expensive and time-consuming to install, the water from your wash machine drains directly into your garbage heap. A clog or break in an underground pipe connection can take a long time to repair.
If you think there's a blockage somewhere, start with the standpipe connected to an underground pipe system. Underground pipe connections are frequently built behind concrete walls, demanding extensive disassembly and restoration. Before investing in this drainage solution, it is important to outline the time and money it will take to fix the problem.
Standpipe
A standpipe is a pipe that connects the drainpipe of your washing machine to the waste stack in your home. You can avoid water overflow and sewage smells by using a standpipe instead of connecting your washing machine to a drain line. If your washing machine pump appears to be working correctly but water isn't draining, the rubber drain line is most likely clogged.
This hose connects your washing machine back to the standpipe. It frequently becomes blocked as a result of fibres from your clothing. Too much clogging can result in floods on your floor and even property damage. To resolve this problem, simply disconnect the rubber drain hose and blow air through it.
A barrier has to be cleared if the airflow is minimal. You can also replace the drain hose to fix the draining issue. If your washing machine is still not draining properly, the problem is most likely with the pump, which will need to be serviced or replaced.
Determining A Washing Machine Pump Flow Rate
The pump's flow rate is determined using the height of the washing machine drain pipe.
• For every additional foot of drainpipe height, your washing machine's flow rate will decrease by around 4.5 litres or a gallon.
• The water pumping rate of your washing machine should be around 68 litres or 15 gallons per minute.
• Smaller washing machines can only pump water up to a height of about 1.5 metres or five feet.
• Your drainpipe should have an interior diameter of 3.8 cm or 1 ½ inch and an exterior diameter of 3 cm or 1 ¼ inch to ensure adequate drainage.
• To avoid water syphoning, make sure your drainpipe is at least 76 cm or 30 inches tall.
• Installing the drain at a height of no more than 2.4 metres or 8 feet from the floor will ensure that it functions properly.
The Best Way To Install A Washer Drain Hose
The drain hose on a washing machine is responsible for eliminating wastewater from the machine. Depending on your machine's drain design, the wastewater is routed to a standpipe or a sink. A little alcove feature is constructed into a wall that can be found in many homes' laundry rooms. This ensures that the drain pipe remains securely in place.
If your laundry room does not have this configuration, you will need to watch your drain pipe to ensure it does not get loose. A leaking drain hose can result in an unwanted water flow on your floor. There are a few varying methods to tie your drain line, depending on whether your washing machine drains into a drain pipe or a laundry tub.
For a Laundry Tub
• To make a drain line into your washing tub, you'll need to first determine the height of your tub.
• To prevent wastewater from returning to your washing machine, keep it at least 2.4 metres or 8 feet from the ground.
• The drain hose will have an elliptical end. This should be positioned on top of the lip of your washing tub.
• The tub and hose should also be no more than 114 cm or 45 inches away from the washing machine.
• Tie the drain hose to the leg of the laundry tub with a plastic zip tie. It's also a good choice to keep the drain hose away from the tub's bottom, as this can obstruct water flow.
For a Drain Pipe
• You must first ensure that you can attach the drain hose above the water level of your washing machine.
• The distance between the washing machine's base and the ground should be 2.4 metres or 8 feet and no less than 45 cm or 18 inches.
• Standard drain pipes have a diameter of 5 cm or 2 inches and should fit most drain hoses.
• The drain hoses should be at least 86 cm or 34 inches long to prevent them from falling. Place the bent end of the drain hose into the drain pipe if it's close to a wall.
• After that, secure the drain hose with a hose clamp about 15 cm or 6 inches down into the drain pipe. Next, you can then screw the clamp into the nearest wall stud.
• You'll need a masonry bit and anchor to get through it if you're working with concrete.
• Don't have a close enough wall? No need to worry, as you can use a cable strap or a durable zip-tie to secure the drain hose to the drainpipe.
Extending A Drain Hose On A Washing Machine
Special extension hoses are available that hook to your existing drain hose and provide more slack. Connect both hoses using the supplied clamps to attach an extension. These extensions are available in various lengths, allowing you to find the perfect fit for your needs. Before connecting an extension, make sure your washing machine is turned off. A bucket will also be helpful to catch any water that may drip from your existing drain pipe.
What If Your Washing Machine Drain Overflows?
When your washing machine drain overflows, it's usually due to a clog in your drain pipe. An obstruction in your main sewer line, on the other hand, could cause more severe problems. The sooner you address the underlying issue, the less likely your home will be damaged further. Here are proven ways to prevent overflowing:
• Always begin with the simplest solution and work your way up. Check for local clogs first with a plunger or auger.
• Keep all lint and garbage in a nearby bag or container to prevent clogs. You should also clean the filter or lint trap in your washing machine regularly.
• Cleaning your drain hose and pipe regularly can also help prevent overflow.
Should You Call In The Experts?
Installing a washing machine drain is not exactly rocket science, but it is often best to let a professional handle it. This way, you can prevent problems like a loose-fitting hose or flooding in your laundry area. Contact a qualified plumber to prevent expensive repairs in the future.
