How To Extend Washing Machine Drain Hose? (8 Steps To Follow)

The drain hose helps to eliminate wastewater from the washer to the drain. What if the drain hose is too short of reaching the drain location after you have remodeled your laundry room? Well, you are at the right place to learn how to extend a drain hose in such scenarios. 

You can extend your washer’s drain hose by attaching an extension drain hose at the end of the existing drain pipe. Secure the connection with a clamp or jubilee clip. Attach the end of the extension drain hose to the standpipe and secure it with the plumber’s tape.

This guide will teach you how to extend the drain hose to the washer. You will also learn how to maintain your drain hose to prevent clogs. So, keep reading. 

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Understanding the Need to Extend a Washing Machine Drain Hose

Last month, I decided to remodel my laundry room as the previous setup could have been more aesthetically pleasing. 

While doing so, I realized I had to move my washer to another location.

 Due to the relocation, the drain hose of my washer became too short of reaching the drainage. 

Initially, I was confused about how to deal with the situation. 

Fortunately, after detailed research, I learned that a drain hose could be extended using a drain hose extension kid. 

I successfully relocated the washing machine while remodeling my laundry room.

 While extending my drain hose, I consulted professionals and learned a few things I shared in the article. 

Just like how I was in a situation to extend the drain hose of my washing machine, there would be several other reasons to extend the drain hose of your washing machine. 

The most common reason is that the existing drain hose will be too small to reach the drain location. 

Let’s learn in detail about extending the drain hose of your washing machine. 

What to Consider Before Extending Your Washing Machine Drain Hose?

When deciding to extend the drain hose of your washing machine, it is important to consider the factors mentioned below: 

Length of the drain hose extension

The first thing you need to do when you decide to extend the drain hose of the washing machine is the length of the extension hose. 

Measure the length of the extension hose by measuring the distance between your washer’s drain hose and the location of the drain. 

You should ensure that the extension hose is not so long as they are easily prone to clogs and backflow of water. 

Make sure you do not extend the drain hose more than 5 feet. 

Diameter of the drain hose extension

Measure the diameter of the drain hose of your washing machine.

 The diameter of the extension hose must match the diameter of the washing machine drain hose. 

If the diameter of the extension hose doesn’t match the washing machine drain hose, there are chances of leakage and clogs. 

If the diameter of the extension hose is wider than the drain hose, there will not be enough pressure to drain the water. 

Type of hose pipe

You must also consider the type of pipe you want to use to extend the drain hose. 

There are two common types of hose pipes. PVC and corrugated plastic hose pipes.

PVC hose pipes are durable, but the installation is difficult. 

However, corrugated hose pipes are flexible and easy to install; they are prone to clogs and breakage. 

Based on your preference, you can choose the type of extension kit before the extension of the drain hose. 

Local plumbing codes

When you install the drain hose extension, it is important to consider the local plumbing codes to ensure that the installation complies with the law.  

Considering all these factors before installing an extension to the drain hose will save you unnecessary hassle. 

Materials and Tools Needed to Extend a Washing Machine Drain Hose

Before starting an extension of the drain hose, gather all these necessary tools to make the process easy and efficient. 

Here are the necessary tools required for extending the drain hose for your washing machine: 

  • Tape measure. 
  • Adjustable pliers. 
  • Metal supply hoses. 
  • Plumbing tape. 
  • Flathead screwdriver. 
  • Wrench. 
  • Bucket. 
  • Drain hose extension kit. 

Steps to Extend a Washing Machine Drain Hose

Follow the steps below to extend a washing machine hose: 

Step 1: Buy a suitable extension drain hose kit online based on your requirement and the model of your washing machine. The extension kit will have all the necessary tools for extending the drain hose of your washing machine. Most popular washing machine brands sell extension drain hose kits compatible with the machine. Most kits come with extension drain hoses of 18 mm to 22 mm. You must buy a separate one if you want an extension hose more than this. 

Step 2: Turn off the electricity supply to the washing machine by unplugging it from the electric outlet. Or locate the circuit breaker to turn off the power supply to prevent electric hazards

Step 3: Measure the distance between the new location of the washer and the drain. Choosing a drain hose extension of one foot extra is good for safety considerations. After measuring the space, check if the length of the space and the length of the drain hose extension match. It would be best if you brought the extension kid keeping in mind the space between the new washer and drain location. 

Step 4: Turn off the water supply to the washing machine to avoid flooding in your laundry room. It would be best to shut off the water supply before disconnecting the drain hose from the extension. 

Step 5: Disconnect the existing drain hose from the curved hose attached to the standpipe. Try to pull it with your hands. If you cannot do it, try to use a screwdriver to remove it. 

Step 6: Connect the extension drain hose to the existing drain hose of the washing machine. And secure the joint with the clamps or a jubilee clip. 

Step 7: Connect the extension hose to the standpipe or any other drain system you use. No matter the type of drain you use, the height of the drain hose must comply with the local plumbing code to prevent the backflow of water. Secure the extension hose to the standpipe using a plumber’s tape. While connecting the extension hose to the standpipe, ensure you don’t insert more than 15 centimeters to avoid siphonage. 

Step 8: Once the extension drain hose is installed, check if all the connections are secured. Check if there are misalignments. Do a thorough inspection before beginning to use a washer. Now you can plug in the washer and turn on the water supply. Run a test washing cycle to check if there are any leaks or any other inconveniences. In those cases, take the necessary steps to fix the issue. 

Also read: Do You Need A P-trap For Washing Machine?

Tips for Properly Routing and Securing an Extended Drain Hose

Here are a few tips that you can follow for the proper routing of the extension drain hose: 

  • While installing the extension drain hose, ensure there are no sharp cuts and kinks in the hose, which will block the smooth flow of water. Instead of the sharp bends, route the extension hose as curves. 
  • If you are running the extension hose through the wall, there is the possibility of sagging and pulling. You can prevent this by using metal hangers to secure the extension hose. 
  • If the extension drain hose comes in contact with sharp edges or objects, there are more chances of damage to the hose. You can prevent this by using rubber grommets to the hose so that it won’t get damaged. 

Common Issues to Watch Out for When Extending a Washing Machine Drain Hose

Extending the washing machine’s drain hose may be the easiest way to improve the efficient draining of your washing machine. 

But it also causes some issues if not installed properly. 

Here are some issues you must watch while extending your drain hose

  • Drain hose extensions are longer than the washer’s drain hose. So, they are prone to clogs due to the accumulation of lint and dust particles. 
  • Improper installation of the extension hose will cause leakage, resulting in water damage. Check for loose connections in the extension hose and fix them immediately. 
  • It is important to secure the extension hose with clips to prevent sagging. When the extension hose sage, there are changes in water backflow. Securing the extension hose will prevent a block in the water flow. 
  • In the long run, the extension hose will wear out. In such a case, you must replace it. 

You can avoid all these issues if you have installed the extension hose properly. 

After installing it, it is a must to maintain it well to avoid damage. 

When to Call a Professional Plumber for Help Extending a Drain Hose

You can call a professional when you lack time for this DIY project. 

Also, suppose you are not confident or experienced in working with an electrical appliance. 

In that case, hiring a professional to do the job is best. 

Hiring professionals will save you time and make the job efficient. 

Maintenance Tips to Keep Your Washing Machine Drain Hose in Good Condition

Cleaning and maintaining the drain hose regularly will prevent clogs and damage.

Here are the five ways to clean the drain hose of your washing machine: 

1. Using cleaners

Locate the drain hose of your washing machine. 

Start by pouring hot water into the drain. 

Pouring hot water helps loosen all the greasy materials and makes unclogging easy. 

After running the hot water in the drain hose pipe, pour the drain hose cleaner solution of your choice to clear all the clogs. 

For efficient results, disconnect the drain hose from the washing machine. 

Pour the cleaner solution and let it sit for a few minutes. 

Make sure the cleaner is not too harsh to damage the drain pipe. 

After pouring the cleaner solution, use warm water to rinse the debris particles from the drain hose. 

Ensure all the clogs are removed by flushing the hot water at the end. 

If you have removed the drain hose from the washing machine for efficient cleaning, make sure you screw it back into the washer properly to avoid leakage. 

2. Using a snake drain

Snake drains are especially available for cleaning the washing machine’s drain hose. 

It is an efficient way to remove clogs from the drain pipe. 

To do so, remove the drain hose from the washing machine using a screwdriver. 

Follow the instruction in the user manual to disconnect the drain hose. 

Once done disconnecting it, insert the snake drain into the pipe and twist it inside the hose forcefully until all the clogs are removed. 

After unclogging the drain hose, flush the hot water to remove the greasy build-up in it. 

You can buy a snake drain in your local shop or order it online. 

3. Using a high-pressure water spray

I use water spray to clear all the clogs in the drain hose twice a month. 

I have recommended it to my friends, and it also worked well for them. 

It is simple to use. You can attach your drain hose pipe to the water spray and continue to spray until all the clogs are cleared. 

Due to high water pressure, clogs are easily removed in less time. 

4. Cleaning with a vinegar solution

You can use a vinegar solution if you are looking for an affordable way to clean your washer’s drain hose. 

I saw my neighbor using it regularly to clean his washer’s drain hose, and he never faced clog issues.

You can prepare the vinegar solution by mixing 1 cup of vinegar with 2 cups of water and letting it boil for a few minutes. 

After the mixture is ready, flush it inside the drain hose and let it soak for 5 to 10 minutes. 

You can also use a snake drawing for effective results. 

It cleans the dirt and debris particles and also helps prevent bad odors. 

5. Salt and water solution to clean

A salt and water solution is another affordable technique to clean the drain hose. 

You can prepare a salt and water solution by adding salt to the bowl of water. Let the mixture boil for 10 minutes. 

After that, pour the mixture slowly into the drain hose. Let it soak for 5 to 10 minutes. 

Now, flush the hot water again to remove all the remaining clogs and the saltwater mixture. 

Use this technique thrice a month to prevent clogs in the drain hose. 

Final Thoughts

Extending a drain hose is an easy DIY if you are experienced in working with electric appliances. You can extend the drain hose of your washing machine by buying the extension kit. Start by turning off the electric supply and water supply to the washer. 

Measure the length between the new washer location and the drain. Attach the extension hose to the washer’s drain and secure it with a clamp. Run the extension hose through the shortest path to the drain location and connect the end of the extension hose to the standpipe. 

At last, check for leakage and loose connection. Run the test wash cycle to confirm that the installation of the extension hose is successful. Follow the steps mentioned in the article to install the extension hose to your washing machine efficiently. 

Is it OK to extend the washer drain hose?

You can install the extension to your washer’s drain hose if it is too short of reaching the drain location. Remember that the drain hose extension must not be longer than 4 feet.

Why is my drain hose leaking?

Loose connections or damage in the drain pipe will be the common reason for its leakage. You can schedule a plumber to help fix the leakage.

 Reference link: Washing machine Wikipedia 

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Jeniffer Smith

Hi, I am Jeniffer Smith, a housemaker and blogger, and I grew up in Shrewsbury, Massachusetts. I have been researching and fixing appliances and other things around the home and kitchen from a young age to help my single mother. Every time something went wrong, I couldn't rest until I fixed it. And ever since, I have enjoyed fixing things around my home, and I am always ready to help my friends and family with advice and hands-on help. Since we were always looking for affordable ways of fixing things, we rarely hired experts and tried to fix most things ourselves. That interest brought me to write for this blog, as I realized my knowledge could help many people trying to fix things around their homes on their own without spending hundreds of dollars.

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