How to Make a Drain Connection for a Washing Machine

Remove the washing machine’s electrical plug from the wall socket to avoid an electrical hazard when working on the drainage system.

Locate the drain system installed near your washer for use in draining the machine. You should see either a standing pipe extending from the floor or placed into a recess in the wall, a hole directly in the floor itself or a laundry tub nearby for draining the water into.

Measure the height of the standpipe drain or sink ledge with the tape measure. Make certain that the drain or ledge is at least 39 inches from the floor or a maximum of 96 inches. Any less than 39 inches and the washer tub will drain due to gravity whenever filled, giving you less water to wash with and reducing effectiveness. Too high, and the water will have difficulty reaching the arc in the hose and backflow into the tub.

Attach the drain hose to the drain outlet at the base of the washing machine. The hose either slips on and connects using a twist-on connector at the base of the drain outlet, or you’ll need to place a clamp around the hose and outlet pipe, tightening the clamp nut with a screwdriver to hold the hose in place.

Run the other end of the hose to the drain. Attach a beaded tie strap over the end of the hose to create a rigid bend in the hose end that you can then place over the drain opening or the ledge of the sink. Lower the end of the hose into the drain opening to a distance of up to 8 inches to keep it from falling free due to pressure from running water. Secure the hose end in place with a plastic cable tied around the neck of the hose and the sewer drain inlet. Also clamp the hose to the leg or side of any washer tub when using the tub for drainage.

Attach a siphon break kit to the end of the hose before lowering it into a floor drain hole to prevent the water from the washer from draining completely from the washer. Kits differ by washer model. Check with your washer manufacturer and purchase the appropriate kit, following the manufacturer connection instructions to ensure the proper connection. Any drain kit must be connected so that the top of the siphon is 26 inches from the floor or more.