Washing Machine Drain Hose

If you are in the middle of remodelling your kitchen, you may have decided that your washing machine would be better located elsewhere in the room.

But before you start arranging for costly plumbing experts to come in and completely relocate your kitchen plumbing, you should consider whether simply extending the washing machine drain hose is an effective solution.

You may feel intimidated by anything to do with plumbing and water supply, but you don’t need to feel overwhelmed at the idea of completing this particular task. The job is surprisingly quick and easy to achieve and shouldn’t take you more than a couple of hours and perhaps even less!

All you need to do is follow our clear steps on How to Extend Washing Machine Hoses below and the process will be complete before you know it!

Why Extend Washing Machine Drain Hose?

Extending your washing machine drain hose will allow you to quickly, safely, and efficiently move your washing machine to a different part of the kitchen without the disruption caused by having a plumber come in to completely relocate your existing kitchen plumbing.

You’ll save yourself time, money, and stress and be able to start using your relocated washing machine within a few hours!

How to Extend Washing Machine Drain Hose?

To get started on extending your washing machine drain hose, you’ll need to make sure you have all the right equipment to get started.

Check our list below to make sure you have everything you need and then you can get to work right away on your extension for a washing machine hose.

What You Need

  • Pliers
  • Washing Machine Drain Extension
  • Curved Hose Form
  • Plumbing Tape
  • Wrench
  • Flat Head Screwdriver
  • Bucket
  • Tape Measure

Step 1 – Take your Measurements

Get out your tape measure and discover how long your new drain hose extension needs to be. Add an extra foot or so for safety when you buy in case of any mishaps.

Then you will need to get a washing machine drain extension kit (amazon link – opens in a new tab). These are usually ready-cut with end clamps already applied.

Step 2 – Turn Off the Water Supply to the Machine

Before you begin you will want to make sure you avoid any flooding. Shut off the water supply by turning off the valves and then disconnecting the existing hoses from the machine and unscrewing the valves with pliers.

Hold a bucket under the valves while you remove them to catch any water buildup which may pour out.

Don’t forget to turn off and unplug your machine as well before you start! You don’t want to have to deal with electrical safety issues or accidents while you work.

Step 3 – Add the Extension Drain Hose to The Existing Pipe

Remove your existing hose from the curved hose form if you have one on the standpipe. If you aren’t able to pull the hose off the curved pipe, it may not be removable by hand, and you will need to follow the length of the hose to the nearest joint on the back of the machine and unscrew it.

Then give the old pipe a clean and take the new length of extension hose you have bought and securely attach it to your existing hose. This will usually be done by tightening up clamps either by hand or with a flathead screwdriver.

Make sure that you take the time to make sure that the sections of the new and existing hose are securely attached. This will ensure you avoid floods when you start to use your machine again.

Step 4 – Install a Curved Hose Form

Put the end of your extension drain hose around the Curved Hose Form and then push it into the standpipe by about four and a half inches. Then securely and tightly clamp down the hose to the form.

Step 5 – Test Your Washing Machine with an Empty Wash Cycle

Once you have completed all your attachments, take the time to do a final check of all the joints and hoses. Spotting any cracks, misalignments, or joints which need extra tightening will save you time and disruption if you start a wash and discover leaking.

Then your next step is to plug in the machine and do a test run. It is probably best to do this before you move any other pieces of furniture or objects in the kitchen back in place. That way you can easily repair any issues you discover if water begins to leak, or the machine doesn’t seem to be working properly.

Once you are sure that your work is secure and the machine functions correctly, then you can carry on with the remodelling or redesigning of your kitchen. Safe in the knowledge you have saved yourself both time and money by taking care of this adjustment yourself.

Conclusion

Remember, although it is cheaper and relatively easy to do this on your own at home, if you feel uncertain of your work or whether you have relocated your machine safely, you should get a second opinion.

If you have any handy DIY enthusiasts in your friends and family invite them around to examine your work. As long as you have carefully followed our tips above you should not experience too much trouble.

Working to extend a washing machine drain hose is a relatively simple job that should save the considerable cost and disruption of having to relocate all of your kitchen plumbing.

Follow our clear steps on how to extend a washing machine drain hose above and you’ll be able to start using your relocated machine within the same day of moving it.

Plumbing Wizard Tips

“Test for leaks before replacing furniture or putting the machine back in place!”

“Measure twice, cut once to ensure that your new extension pipe is the correct length!”

“Make sure you turn the isolation valves to the washing machine before you start otherwise you may have an impromptu shower!”

“If the washing machine is too far from the sink drain connection, it may be best to have the drain hose flow downwards directly to the outside drain because the waste pump on your washing machine is not designed to pump water too far!”

Frequently Asked Questions

How far can I extend my washing machine drain hose?

There’s no definitive answer to this question – it depends on the make and model of your washing machine, as well as the type of hose you’re using. Typically, the hose can be extended anywhere from 5 to 10 feet, but always check the manufacturer’s instructions to be sure. Alternatively, if you install a pipe at a downward gradient directly to an outside drain, you can extend it as far as you like.

How do I extend my washing machine pipe?

You can extend your washing machine pipe by purchasing a washing machine extension kit. This kit will include all of the necessary components to extend the reach of your washing machine’s water supply and drain hoses. It is important to ensure that the new hoses are properly connected and supported, as they can be heavy when full of water. Additionally, it is important to ensure that your washer continues to receive an adequate flow of water by checking for kinks or blockages in the hose line.

Can you join washing machine waste pipes?

Yes, washing machine drain extensions are available which will allow you to join washing machine waste pipes together to form a longer hose.


About Me

I’m Lee the Plumbing Wizard. I’ve been a plumber for over 40 years and have seen it all. People used to call me a magician because I could fix things so easily – hence the name Plumbing Wizard.
I’m always happy to help out a fellow tradesman or woman, so if you need any advice or just someone to talk plumbing with, don’t hesitate to get in touch!


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