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How to Connect a Washer Machine to Your Basement Drainage

Connecting a washing machine to a basement drainage can be done with a few tools. To avoid overflow of the water draining from the washer, a drain hose from the washer is connected to a standpipe on the basement’s drain. The standpipe must be level or higher than the top of the washing machine. Start by moving the washing machine close to the location you want it, but allow enough room to work behind the machine.

Things You'll Need

  • PVC pipe
  • PVC primer
  • PVC cement
  • Drain hose
  • Flathead screwdriver
  • Adjustable wrench
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Instructions

  1. Connecting the Standpipe

    • 1

      Apply PVC primer to 1/2-inch of the outside rim on the PVC pipe. Apply PVC cement over the primer.

    • 2

      Attach the end of the PVC pipe prepared with PVC primer and cement to the P-trap. Twist the pipe one-quarter turn to weld the joint.

    • 3

      Allow the weld to cure completely.

    Connecting the Drain Hose

    • 4

      Connect the drain hose to the back of the washing machine. Universal drain hoses are available at many home improvement and general merchandise stores. The drain hose comes in a variety of lengths to reach the standpipe. The drain hose connects by a clamp with channel locks.

    • 5

      Tighten the channel locks with a flathead screwdriver to secure the connection to the washer.

    • 6

      Insert the drain hose to the stand pipe. The drain hose will have a V-shaped end to hook and anchor it into the drain pipe.

    Connecting the Hot/Cold Hoses

    • 7

      Screw in the two hoses that connect to the hot and cold water lines on the back of the washing machine. Use a wrench to secure the connection tightly.

    • 8

      Attach the two hoses from the washing machine to the hot and cold valves on the water supply line. Use a wrench to secure the connection tightly.

    • 9

      Push the washing machine into the location you desire.

    Leveling the Washing Machine

    • 10

      Place a level on top of the washing machine to ensure it’s balanced.

    • 11

      Adjust the feet on the washing machine higher or lower using a wrench until the washing machine is level.

    • 12

      Run the washing machine to test the balance and connections. Check the connections to ensure there are no leaks. Watch the washing machine during the spin cycle to ensure stability.