One of the essential components of your washing machine is the drain hose. During the rinse and spin cycle, water is drained from the washer basket and flows out through a drain hose pipe to the drainpipe.
The situation, however, differs from one connection to the next. Some will have the standpipe system, floor or the wall, the tap drain system, or the floor drain system.
What is, however, important is knowing how all these systems work in connection with your drain hoses.
For years now, I have experience in the workability of multiple washing machines and equally learned a lot about their functioning.
On this page, I have decided to share some of the key information you want to learn about drain hoses in particular.
Today, I will be looking at some of the frequently asked questions on drain hoses – this will give us critical ideas on how better to embrace their functionality.
Are All Washing Machine Drain Hoses Universal?
One of the most typical questions I bet most of you would want to know about drain hoses is their sizes, or are they of the same size?
Compatibility is key for the smooth running of any machine. About compatibility, what I mean is the measurements of various components of a machine.
Up until now, there are multiple designs and brands of washing machines. This means that multiple components within them may not match exactly, especially on matters regarding measurements.
Drain hoses, fortunately, have no such big differences.
According to what is available, only the 1-1/4 Inch exist in terms of diameter, however, the lengths vary depending on how far the laundry sink is from the washer.
I understand how all these measurement issues can be tricky to understand for those not technically enabled. But like I always say, trying to know gives you more knowledge.
You can start by reading through the machine’s manual; when this gets tough, ask for technical help.
This will, however, be much appropriate when you need a replacement – sometimes things can get messy and the hose damages.
Video: “How to Change the Drain Hose on a Washing Machine”
Often, I have replaced mine individually, but that does not mean it is a DIY for everybody.
If you cannot follow the quick procedures on how to replace your washer machine drain hose, reaching out to a specialist would be a pretty good idea.
Note: It is always recommended that you change your drain hose after every 5 years.
These are among the various precautions on how to prevent it from busting any time soon when you do not expect.
How Long Can A Washing Machine Drain Hose Be?
Whether long or short, a drain hose always serves its purpose.
Well, there could be some pros and cons involved in this, but they may not be as impactful as something we should really concern ourselves with.
According to the various recommendations the length of a washing machine drain hose should be equivalent to the distance between the drain and the machine.
Typically, a drain hose length should be roughly 70 inches. However, with this distance, you should mind the drainage height, which is expected to be at least 30 from the floor and not go beyond 8 feet.
This will encourage ambient drainage. Most machines will come with a manual for this setup; you might, however, want to involve a specialist to assist you.
How To Fix A Hole In A Washing Machine Drain Hose?
Like most machines, washing machines also face technical hitches that ultimately require repairs.
The most typical instances on these machines are leakages; you realize how this can be messy.
Over time, many have felt the frustrations that come along with all these. Personally, I have faced this multiple times, and it got me mopping the whole room.
How to fix a hole in a washing machine drain hose causing any leakages is easy if you know the DIY procedures. However, still, the repair team can always be of help.
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The following is a quick, most reliable procedure to follow on this:
- Disconnect the machine from the power source – this comes as the first step. It helps prevent any accidental shocks.
- Create enough room by pulling the machine away from the wall. This will help you access the back, examine the damages and possibly fix the problem.
- Remove any water element from the hose by drying it – this will give you a better opportunity to examine the problem.
- Examine any bends or holes within the hose. Bends or kinks often cause possible holes within the hose.
- Use waterproof tape to mask any leaking areas within the hose.
- Set a secure placement of the drain hose. The end of it should be properly fixed at a secure place using a wire or holder of descent kind.
- Push the machine back to its position while taking care of the hose. Avoid bends and any possible kink.
- Plug the power back
How To Connect Two Washing Machines Drain Hoses Together?
Is it even possible for this connection to happen? Yes!
I have done this severally. The procedure is simple, thanks to the universal compatibility and compliance that these machines show.
A simple way to go about this is here;
- Shut off the water flow into the machine by twisting the water valve knob. Most of these knobs turn in the clockwise direction when shutting off.
- Remove the brass ring from the wall pipe. Pliers can be a useful tool for this ring.
- Put one end of the coupler into the end of the hose and fasten it.
You may not need any specialized skills to do this; however, if you face any complexity, seek professional help.
The process is overly simple and may only take you a few minutes to get this up and running.
So why in the first place should your machines have two hoses?
It’s called water economy. Two drain hoses will always ensure you save some water for reuse.
This is how the process works: One of the drain hoses will go into a sud tub server while the other down the drain.
Can I Extend A Washing Machine Drain Hose?
Video: “Washer Drain Hose Extension”
Sometimes you have to shift your washing machine’s position, then most likely, you will also have to adjust the drain hose size, assuming no change in the drainage position.
The reasons for these could be quite a lot, for instance, renovations at your laundry room.
The simple answer is yes; you can successfully lengthen your drain hose to accommodate specific changes you want in your room. The process on this is simple, and most people take it as a DIY thing.
Before starting this process, here are some of the key requirements I never miss.
- Adjustable pliers
- Tape measure
- Bucket
- Braided metal supply hoses
- Plumbing tape
- Two 3/4-by-3/4-inch male hose thread connectors
- Wrench
- Flat-head screwdriver
- Drain hose extension
- Curved hose form
Now here below is the whole procedure;
Disengage the connection between the standpipe and the drain hose. I typically do this by pulling it out from the curved portion of the connecting pipe.
If the curved pipe is removable, then you can pull it off. Some disconnections can only happen at the joints.
Find the equally measuring hose to connect the two points. You can always use a tape measure for this purpose.
Most extensions will come with directives on how to handle the extension. Some extending hoses will feature clamps for extra tightening of the connection.
Move on with the connection of a curved hose form. This should happen next to the standpipe if one does not exist yet.
Proceed with the fixing and clamping to achieve a tight connection.
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NOTE: There are always ready-made hose extensions you can buy. This option may be an alternative to making your own.
Sometimes I find this more convenient as you do not have to spend lots of time trying to make yourself.
Another important caution to make during this entire process is unplugging your machine from a power source.
I often do this to avoid instances of cycling when fixing the extension.
Conclusion
Washing machines have made work easier for many homeowners. Being an artificial utility, it also faces lots of technical problems, some of which may only call for professional attendance.
For years now, I have handled most typical issues concerning washing machines and precisely drain hoses.
The above frequently answered questions only give an insight into the walkability procedures of a drain hose.
From here, you will have learned the key procedures, mostly the DIY, on how to handle various issues concerning the drain hoses.
