Where Does Washing Machine Drain Hose Go? (Explained)

Washing machines can come in different models, designs, and colors but have the same functionalities, such as wash, drain, and spin cycle. But some new users commonly don’t know where a washing machine drain hose goes.

If you also have the same question about the washer drain hose, you’re at the right place to know that.

Usually, a washing machine has a drain hose at the backside which goes from the drain pump to the sewer line or utility sink. However, draining it inside the sink is not recommended by experts if a drain line is available. The pump inside the machine runs away waste through the hose to the house drain system.

We’ve described every necessary information regarding drain hose functionality and installation in this post that would help you to understand where a drain hose goes and comes from.

Where Does Washing Machine Drain Hose Go

Can Washing Machine Drain Hose go up?

The front loader model’s drain hose should go up higher than the washer water level to make drain waste flow easy to discharge. If the model is a top loader, the drain hose goes to the ground. However, there are various best practices to prevent siphoning.

In simple words, the washing machine drain hose needs to be elevated. If your top loader washing machine has a siphoning issue, take the drain hose 2 – 3 inches higher than the washer. 

Siphoning is a rarely foundable issue in machines. but if we talk about which type of washers have this issue mostly? The answer is front loader washers.

Most top-loaded washing machines drain water through a ground-set hose. 

If your top-load model works fine by placing a drain on the floor, you don’t have to take its drain hose up. However, possible siphoning can be stopped by the elevated method.

If your washing machine drum is not filling full and water continually comes in it, you should check the drain hose endpoint. There will be water leaking on the floor. 

This happened mostly because of the wrong-positioned drain hose. This issue can be resolved by keeping the drain hose higher than the washer water level.

How to Keep Washer Drain Hose in Place?

During a washing machine installation at the new place, keeping the drain hose in place is necessary. If by chance the drain hose is not placed correctly, water can go back to the washer, or the siphon may occur. That’s why the drain hose needs to be placed correctly.

There are two methods to drain a washing machine, first, using a utility sink, and second, using a drain line.

Here’s how to keep durian hose in place:

  1. Measure the length of the drain hose to the drain system. It should be 6 to 10 feet. The length of the drain hose matters most in case of getting no issue with drain flow.
  1. Choose the drain system; it may be a utility sink or drain line of the house. 
  1. Verify the length of the drain hose is supportive to reach the sink or drain line. If the length is more than required, you can cut the washer drain hose.
  1. Carry the drain pipe of the washer and put it into the sink or in the drain line connection.
  1. Use a hose clamp, and put it over the pipe. (only in case of sink)
  1. Take a screwdriver and screws to fasten the pipe to the wall.
  1. Fit the pipe by attaching the clamp to the wall with the help of a screwdriver and screws.
  1. Now the drain hose will not fall or move randomly. This method will keep it in the correct place.

How far should Washing Machine Hose go into the Drain?

How far the hose of your washing machine goes into the drain depends on its type and model. Typically there are two types of washers, top loader, and front loader. The hose of a front-load washing machine can go up to 7” down into the drain line.

If the washer is the top loader. Its drain hose can go up to 5” down to the drain line. Keep the length as recommended. 

If you lower the hose more than described numbers, it can cause siphoning or water can drain improperly.

Right placed drain hose is necessary. For instance, if the drain is lower than the washer water level, filling water in the drum can drain consistently during filling. 

In another case, if the drain is low and the hose goes down too much, it can also cause the same issue. If the washing machine keeps draining, there is a problem known as “siphoning”.

When you know how far a washing machine drains the standpipe, you can prevent siphoning issues.

Conclusion

The washing machine drain hose can go into the sink or drain pipe. Commonly, It is attached to the back of the machine with a drain pump and goes to a drain system that can handle the water discharge rate. The sink should be a utility sink, and the drain pipe should be 6 – 7 inches.