Whether you moved the washing machine into a new location or bought a new appliance just to discover it has a short hose, extending the washing machine waste pipe could fix the problem. This guide will teach you how to do it yourself – the project is easy enough for beginners.
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How To Extend Washing Machine Waste Pipe
If a remodelling project forced you to move the washer far from the drain, extending the plumbing to the appliance is the best thing to do. This might involve moving your drains, and you should hire a plumber for this task.
However, if the new washer drain hose is too short and doesn’t quite reach the sink drain or standpipe, you can solve the issue with a waste pipe extension kit.
What You’ll Need
- Drain hose extension kit
- Flathead screwdriver
- Plumber’s tape
- Tape measure
- Jubilee clips (optional)
1. Get The Right Extension Kit
Extending the washing machine waste pipe with an extension kit can result in disaster if you use the wrong hose and fittings.
Most brands, including LG, Samsung, and Beko, sell washing machine drain hose extension kits compatible with their appliances.
A universal washing machine drain hose extension kit may or may not be compatible with your appliance.
Most universal kits include connectors with an 18mm and a 22mm end. Measure the diameter of your washer’s drain hose to see if it matches.
If you need a different size, buy a separate connector and extension hose from your home improvement store.
Next, measure the distance from the end of the washer hose to the drain.
Extension hoses are generally between 1.5 and 3-metre long. If you need a longer line, it is recommended to move the drain and extend the plumbing (PVC pipe) to the washer location.
2. Turn Off Electricity And Water Supply
Safety is paramount when working with an appliance.
As far as electrical safety is concerned, simply unplug the washing machine. If you can’t reach the socket, turn off electricity from the circuit breaker.
To turn off the water supply, locate the shut off valve near the washer, the sink, or somewhere in the basement or outside your home, near the entry point of the main water pipe. Turn the handle anticlockwise to shut it down.
3. Extend Your Washing Machine Waste Pipe
Waste pipe extension kits generally come with everything you need for the job, including the connector and a Jubilee clip.
The connector – or coupler – is designed to fit snugly inside the washer and extension hose, and it needn’t be fixed with clips. However, you can tighten the connection with additional fasteners if you’re concerned about leaks.
If you want to use clips to tighten the connection, slide a clip onto the washing machine hose. Fit one end of the connector into the hose and push until the hose edge touches the raised ring in the middle of the connector.
Note: If the coupler has a different diameter on each side, make sure to push in the right side.
Tighten the clip by turning the screw with a flathead screwdriver until snug.
Place a clip on the end of the extension hose and repeat the above to fit and fasten it onto the connector.
4. Connect The Extended Pipe To The Drain
Generally, washing machines are installed in kitchens or utility rooms where they connect either to a sink drain or to a standpipe.
No matter what type of drain you have, the hose should be connected at the correct height to prevent backflow and siphonage.
This height can be anywhere between 40 and 100 centimetres, but you should check your appliance’s specifications before installing the hose bracket.
Once you’ve fastened the bracket to a wall or cupboard panel, run the hose through it to ensure proper installation.
To hook the hose to a sink drain, slide a Jubilee clamp on the hose and slide the hose on the spigot. Push until the spigot is all the way in, and tighten the clamp with the screwdriver.
If you have a standpipe, insert a maximum of 15 centimetres of the hose into the standpipe. Avoid pushing the hose farther into the pipe, as siphonage may occur.
You don’t have to seal the hose to the standpipe, but you can fix it with plumber’s tape if you’re concerned about it slipping out.
5. Test The Drain
Before deeming the job done, switch on electricity to the washer – or plug it in – and turn on the water supply.
Select the shortest programme and run an empty cycle. Check all connections for leaks and monitor the appliance throughout the cycle to detect backflow problems (look through the window if it’s a front load washing machine or open the lid to see if it has drained the water if you have a top-load washer).
Note: Installing the hose at an incorrect height or not maintaining a slope towards the drain can result in backflow. Backflow could cause the washing machine to overfill with water and overflow, flooding your home. If this happens, it also increases the risk of electrocution.
Is It OK To Extend Washing Machine Drain Hose?
Some manufacturers warn against extending a washing machine drain hose, mostly because they can’t assume responsibility for flooding or malfunctions caused by the improper installation of an extension hose.
However, extending the drain hose is fine as long as you respect the required height and general drain installation in the user manual.
You should know, though, that extending the waste pipe with an extension kit can void the warranty if your appliance is new.
The only way to avoid this is by extending the wall or sink drain pipe so that it reaches the original hose your appliance comes with. If you don’t want to risk it, the best idea is to consult a plumber.
Can You Change The Waste Pipe On A Washing Machine?
Using an extension hose is often frowned upon, but what about replacing the hose with a longer one?
Luckily, you can change the waste pipe on a washing machine – not only with a longer one but also if the original hose is damaged or leaks.
Most manufacturers sell replacement hoses of various lengths for their appliances. It is always best to buy an original part from the same brand as your washer instead of a universal replacement hose.
What Is The Maximum Washing Machine Waste Pipe Length?
UK drainage and waste disposal regulations limit the washing machine (and dishwasher) waste pipe length to three metres. This includes any extensions you might add to the original hose.
Appliance manufacturers that allow the use of hose extensions recommend a maximum extension length of 1.5 metres.
To End
Extending the washing machine waste pipe with an extension kit is an easy DIY project. We hope this guide can help you complete the task successfully. However, if you’re in doubt, don’t hesitate to ask a plumber for advice.