How to install a washing machine drain hose

If you want to install a washing machine drain pipe, you need to know that the process is not rocket science at all. As long as you are seasoned at DIYs, you can perform the task yourself without breaking a sweat. However, this is the case if both the hot water and cold water supply lines are already in place. The washing machine drain system is a very crucial part of this important cloth-washing appliance. The drain pipe is key in the regulation and emptying of water from inside your washing machine. Therefore, you need to have it properly installed and functioning optimally.

Learning how to fix or install your machine drain hose is critical because it will determine if you are going to do your week’s laundry in time, have to go to town for laundry services, or even wait for it to be fixed much later. If you do not know how to do it or your washing machine seems too complex for you to do the installation, you can get in contact with a trustworthy professional to help you install it in time.

This article will let you in on what you need to know as far as inspecting and installing a washing machine drain hose is concerned.

What Is A Drain Hose In A Washing Machine?

Well, a drain pipe or a drain hose is critical in discharging used laundry water from your washing machine to your home’s drain system. In some washing machines, the drain hose is composed of several assembled components, while in other washing machines, it comes in one piece. The assembled hose pipe system will mostly come with two hoses which are connected via a separator plate in the washing machine’s back panel.

Also, the metallic cover or the cabinet of the washing machine usually covers the pump-out pipe. Therefore, you need to carefully remove it to access it when it is blocked or leaking for you to carry out the repairs.

Frequent use of your washing machine can create wear and tear in your washing machine drain system after years of use. Since the main material in a drain pipe is rubber, the force of draining water can tax it, thus affecting its integrity over time. When this happens, you will need to replace it to continue using your wash machine. Although carrying out the replacement or installation of a drain hose for the first time is not very complex and you can do it yourself, you still need to get it right to avoid loose fittings. Loose fittings can cause the used water from the washing machine to leak or gash out violently. This can result in flooding in your laundry room. To avoid all this mess a professional can come in handy to help you take care of the installation.

Selecting A Wash Machine Drain Hose

Durability and safety are the most important factors for you to consider when selecting an appropriate drain hose for your washer home appliance. You have the freedom to choose among these three main categories when selecting a drain pipe for your wash machine:

1. Braided Stainless Steel

This type of washing machine drain pipe is the industry standard. It is mainly composed of a rubber pipe that has been encased in a flexible yet strong, steel braid. The steel braid protects the rubber tubing from wear and tear that results from frequent bending and twisting.

2. Rubber

It is not advisable to go for this type of washing machine drain pipe. However, if it is the only alternative available, you can still use it. Rubber drain hoses tend to lose their flexibility over time, and they are also less durable. This particular feature makes rubber drain pipes the least effective choice among the three types of drain hoses.

3. Reinforced Rubber

It is a drain hose pipe that has been fortified with either braided rayon or polyester mesh to give it more strength. This reinforcement also protects the rubber from withering while also improving its overall durability.

How To Take Care Of Your Washing Machine Drain Hoses

In its operations, a washing machine uses a lot of water in a short duration of time. This particular aspect puts loads of stress on both your drainpipe and your house’s plumbing system. This then means that you need to carry out maintenance on your washer as frequently as possible. Here are some tips that are helpful when it comes to taking care of your washing machine drain hoses.

• Frequently Inspect Your Drain Hoses

A standard washing machine has two water input hoses. One of them supplies cold water to the wash pump, while the other one supplies hot water. A washing machine also has an output hose that drains out used water.

For precaution, you need to check both hoses at least once a year for signs of cracking, rust or any other kind of damages. You should also ensure that they are tightened well enough at all ends. In addition, replace them at least once within five years.

• Try Installing A Water Shut Off System

A water shut off system acts as a link between your washing machine’s water hose supply and your house’s water supply plumbing system. Therefore, if you install or have one installed, you will be protecting your laundry area from flooding in case your appliance malfunctions. The shut off system usually activates when it senses any defects with the washing machine. By shutting off, it will prevent a potential water flood from happening.

You should also consider fitting a washing machine overflow pan. The pan is usually placed under your washing machine. There, it collects overflowing water during a washing cycle.

• Frequently Clean Out The Drain Line

Frequently using your washing machine means that with each cycle of washing, dust, detergent residue and lint will accumulate in your washing machine drain. With time, these residues accumulate and clog your wash machine drain if left unattended to. Clogging of the drain pipe will generally result in flooding when you use your machine.  Purpose to call a specialist at least once every two years to clean the residue from your drain line. They can either use chemicals or a plumber’s snake to get it rid of the residue. You can also clean the drain line yourself.

You should ensure that you switch off the water supply to your washing system when your washer is not in use. When you do this, you are limiting the exposure of your machine’s hoses to a lot of water pressure.

Common Indicators That Your Washing Machine Drain Pipe Is Leaking

If you find a lot of water all over your laundry area and floor drain, the chances are that your drain hose is leaking. Leaking is usually caused by abrasion, cracking and general wearing of the pipe. When you notice any of these signs, please consider replacing them to avoid cases of flooding.

How To Install A Washing Machine Drain Hose

1. If you are thinking of installing a new drain or replacing your old one, start by finding the right hose drain for your washing machine. You can get one in your local hardware store. For some washing machines, you will need to contact the manufacturer to get the right replacement. It is also important to study your user manual to understand your washing machine specifications even better. The owner’s manual will clearly outline the correct hose drain for you. Once you know the right type of drain hose that your washing machine requires, it’s time to get in touch with a hardware store and get it.
2. When you finally get hold of it, you need to get ready to install it. Ensure that before you install the drain hose, you have unplugged the washing machine from its power source and water supply line. Then gently move your washing machine away from the wall to have access to its back. Turning off the water supply system and electric connection to the washing machine is a precautionary measure that reduces the possibility of electric shock or leaking during the installation of the hose drain.

If you don’t want to turn off the electric connection, ensure that you wear rubber gloves and boots to protect yourself from potential electric shock.

1. When you are ready to do the replacement, go ahead and remove the old drain hose from its mounting. Try to locate the clamps used to attach the pipe to the rare of your washing machine. Using a pair of pliers and a screwdriver, proceed to gently unscrew them to release the old hose pipe off the mounting. You simply have to unscrew each clamp then pull the hose pipe off the washing machine.
2. Once you have the old hose pipe unhooked, ensure that your clumps are in the right condition. Remove any dirt off them using a damp cloth. If they are rusty and in bad shape, you will have to replace them too.
3. Now that you have gotten rid of the old hose pipe and taken care of the clamps, it is time for you to get the new hose pipe installed. Take your clamps and place them on each end of the drain pipe. Once you do this, fit the drain hose into place by sliding its ends over the clamps coupling.

Ensure that the hose pipe is not too tight over the connections so that you can easily adjust them when needed. Now slide the clamps further onto the coupling until you hear a click. The click serves as an indicator that they are nicely shut.

1. Afterwards, tighten your clamps with an appropriate wrench to make them leak-proof and tight. At this point, you should be well equipped to install a washer drain hose without any problems. However, if you find it impossible to do this task yourself, get in touch with a professional to install it for you.
2. The last step is to perform a final check to see if the machine is working properly with no leaks. Also, before closing the back panel, use a vacuum cleaner to clear any dust before screwing it back into place.

Does Your Washing Machine Need A Drain Line With A P-Trap?

Your drain line needs to have a P-trap. Failure to include a vent or trap can result in the occurrence of various issues such as blocked drains. The first issue is that the omission of the P-trap can expose your laundry area to fumes and odour from the sewer system. The second issue is that an overflowing drain may result from not venting.

Conclusion

Installing a washing machine drain hose is not a daunting task. However, you need to be careful when carrying out the installation. You will also need to have the right replacement parts and tools in place, whether it is a new drain hose, a wrench, pliers or replacement clamps. The most important thing is that you follow the outlined steps carefully. If this is impossible, please have a good professional come to your place and help you fix it properly.

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