How to install a washing machine drain pipe

When washing your clothes through the spin and rinse cycle, the wastewater is drained from the washing machine down the washing machine drain pipe. In essence, this is what happens when you wash your clothes using a washing machine. However, since drain pipes are subject to water, they can clog, damage and sometimes need replacement.

In this article, you will not only learn the step by step procedure on how to install your drain pipe but also the proper tools required for the installation. By the time you read it, you will know how to install your washing machine drain pipe without much work.

What Are The Requirements Of A Drain Pipe

Formerly, the drain pipe of a washing machine was supposed to be 1 1/2 inches in diameter, but these are not enough to handle a modern washer’s drainage. Consequently, any drain pipe you purchase should be 2 inches in diameter. Additionally, you must have a P-trap, just as in all plumbing fixtures. The P-trap is fixed between around 6 inches and 18 inches above the floor while the standpipe is fixed around 18 inches and 30 inches above that. You also require a horizontal run of 4 inches.

Factors To Consider When Installing An Underground Washing Machine Drain Pipe

You may want to prevent damage to your underground machine drains and rightly so! So, before you install the underground drain pipes, here are several factors you need to know. Read on!

• Make A Plan

Do not make any last-minute decisions. Moreover, ensure that you choose the right equipment for the installation. By doing this, you make your work easier and more cost-effective.

• Point Of Contact

Should you feel overwhelmed by the work, you can seek guidance from an expert in choosing or installing the drain pipes. Other than that, make sure that the installation is in line with the law for smooth running. In some cases, you may need planning permission before undertaking any work.

• Know Your Drains

The first thing you need to know is the difference between surface water drains and foul water drains. Surface water may drain to foul water pipes or have a separate pipeline system depending on how old your property is. Newer properties use the latter method making installation and replacement efficient and straightforward. Foul water pipes transfer water from your washing machine while surface water pipes collect rainwater.

• Have The Right Drain Pipes

Do you have drain pipes suitable for their roles? Drain pipes used for underground drainage are brown for easy identification if you need to dig up and fix something or for other underground piping and cabling.

• Maintenance

All pieces of equipment used in your underground drainage are prone to wear and tear. Therefore you need to ensure that they last. By maintaining your equipment regularly, you don’t need to worry about getting maximum functionality. When you fail to maintain your equipment, you will incur unnecessary expenses on repairs and replacements.

• Installation

When installing your drain pipes, you need to make sure that you carry out the task carefully. You need to consider the gradient, and if not possible, you better seek professional help.

• Inspection

Once you are done with the installation process, you need to book an inspection with the Building Control Department. This allows you to confirm whether that you have complied with all the building regulations. If your pipes are correctly installed, expect a certificate of approval.

How To Install A Washing Machine Drain Pipe

When you install the supplied hose, it should fit as indicated in the washing machine manual. The drain hose is essential in regulating water. As a result, it is crucial to know how to replace your drain hose when broken.

If you do not have a manual, do not worry; just read on to find out.

Step 1: Have All Your Equipment Ready

There are several items you need to have before starting the installation process. The first is a new drain pipe. You can get it from your nearby store or manufacturer. To know the model required, check your washing machine’s model, its manual or ask a professional if you are uncertain.

You also need:

• A pencil
• Paper
• Bucket
• Screwdriver
• Adjustable wrench
• Pliers
• Clamp
• A pair of gloves
• Rubber boots

All these items will make the installation process easier and ensure that you can deal with any difficulties you experience along the way.

Step 2: Note Down The Specifications Of Your Appliance

Take your time to note down the correct specifications of your washing machine. You will find these specifications in your manual. This information is vital in buying the correct drain pipe. Additionally, you need to note down the serial number and model of your washing machine.

Use these details to get the drain hose from a nearby store. In some cases, you may require to make a special order. Again, make sure your washing machine is in good condition before you start the installation process.

Step 3: Prepare The Installation Job

Before you begin the installation process, you need to know how to set up the procedure. Start by unplugging your washing machine and turn off the water supply hose. You can find the water supply line behind your washing machine. It has a valve that you can easily turn on and off with a wench or your bare hands.

The aforementioned steps are essential to avoid dangerous leaks and shocks during replacement. While the chances of encountering such risks are low, they may still occur. Therefore, you need to be prepared.

Step 4: Remove The Old Drain Pipe

After the preparation, it is time for the actual work. Start by wearing your protective gear which is inclusive of a pair of gloves and rubber boots. Now trace the clamps holding the drain pipe back to the washing machine. Unscrew the clamps to remove the hose from the mountings. If you are unable to use your bare hand, use a pair of pliers and a screwdriver to open it.

Remove the hose from the machine and check if the clamps have any visible rust. If they are not in good shape, you will need to replace them. Now clean the hose to determine if it needs to be replaced.

Step 5: Install The New Drain Pipe

If you cannot reuse the old hose pipe, you should add a new one. On each end of your drain pipe, place the clamps and slide them into the coupling. The clamps keep the pipe in place over the coupling.

Ensure the hose is not tight then push it into the coupling till it snaps shut. After that, tighten the clamps using your hands and then check to ensure that there is no leakage.

Step 6: Final Setting

After fixing your hose onto the washing machine, turn on the water supply. Next, open the supply hose and pay attention to how the water is flowing in the tube. Ensure that there are no leaks around the edges of the hose. If you notice any leaks, readjust and tighten the clamps but ensure that you do not overtighten them.

Problems Associated With Washing Machine Drains

Drain problems encountered in a washing machine could either be that:

1. Water does not drain from the machine
2. Water leaving the washing machine does not flow properly in the drain pipes

Several issues can cause these problems and diagnosing them is tricky. You can fix some of the problems, but you will need a home appliances repair expert to handle the complex ones.

If you have a modern washing machine, it will most certainly display error codes that quickly identify the specific problem for you. However, if your washing machine cannot identify the problem, watch the machine in action, and you will likely identify one of the following problems:

• Rubber drain clogging
• Water filter or impeller obstructed by materials
• Water pump failure
• Broken or loose drive belt
• Drain system clogging
• Faulty lid switch

1. Drain Hose Problem

If your washing machine is operating correctly, but wastewater is not leaving the machine, the drain hose is likely clogged. This happens when fabrics such as rags are shed during the wash cycle, or your drain hose is pinched. If your drain hose is clogged, then wastewater will not be pumped from your washing machine.

An easy way to test this is by removing the drain hose and ensuring it is clear by blowing air through it. If you blow air through it and notice that there is no obstruction, your problem is in the washing machine pump. If your hose is also not in good condition, replacing it can solve the problem.

2. Plumbing System Problem

If the wastewater is pumping out of the washing machine and then spilling out or going back into the washtub, then your drain is likely clogged. A clogged drain pipe causes the spillage of water on your floor. To solve this problem, all you need to do is clear the drain.

The washer drain hose is fixed 2 feet in the drain standpipe. From the standpipe, the water flows to the drain trap. The clogging is likely to be in the trap area or further the drain line.

The best way to determine where to find the clog is by filling your machine with water, spin and then drain. Stand in a position where you can observe the drain standpipe and notice how long the water takes up and out of the drain pipe.

If water flows back in just a few seconds, the clog is close. This means that you can unclog it with a small drain snake. If it takes time, then the clog is further from the drainpipe. For such a clog, you should use a medium drain snake to unclog it.

Superb Ways To Prevent Drain Pipe Overflow Problems

Do you get water spillage all over your laundry room floor after doing your laundry? This is an indication of a problem with your washing machine drain pipe. If you have never-ending plumbing problems, here are some ideas on how you can solve them.

• Contact A Plumber

Fixing your drain pipe can be temporary or long-lasting. Regardless, it can turn out to be expensive, especially if it is repetitive. You should therefore contact a reliable plumber to solve the issue for you once and for all.

• Get A Laundry Sink

A laundry sink allows you to put the lint catcher on one end of the drain pipe and monitor how your washer’s water flows.

• Buy A Front-Loading Washing Machine

Front-loading washers use less water and are likely not to overflow which eliminates drain overflow problems.

• Use Enzymes

You should treat your drain pipe with enzymes monthly as it clears the scum from your soap. If done regularly as advised, it prevents recurring cases of a blocked drain pipe. You should use enzymes because they clear out built-up soap and dirt in drains, and if used regularly, they keep your washer’s drain running smoothly.

• Use A Drain Snake

When draining your washing tub and the water flows slower than usual, use a plastic drain snake to drain the first few feet of water. It will prevent water from overflowing from the machine onto your floor.

• Use A Lint Catcher

A lint catcher is a wire mesh designed to trap all the lint from your washing machine to prevent it from clogging. Purpose to clean your lint catcher at least once a month. Below are types of lint catchers you can choose from depending on your preference:

• Metal mesh lint catchers
• Fabric mesh lint catchers
• Pantyhose
• In-sink lint trapper
• Drain mesh

Conclusion

As you may have noticed, installing a washing machine drain pipe is not a complex task. It may require the right tools and extra carefulness, but it is still manageable. By following the steps mentioned above, you are guaranteed to avoid careless mistakes that might otherwise interfere with your work. Moreover, you are also now equipped with tips on how to deal with any future overflow problems. However, take note to contact a professional plumber for proper installation if you are not a DIY guru and cannot trust yourself to install a drain pipe.

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