Is It Safe To Extend The Washing Machine Drain Hose?

If you’re in the middle of remodelling your kitchen, and you want to move your washing machine further away from the drainage pipe. Or if you’ve just bought a new washing machine and the drain hose is shorter than the distance between the washer and the drain pipe, you’re going to need to extend the drain hose in some way.

You’re probably wondering if it’s safe to extend the drain hose and whether you can tackle it yourself or need a plumber to do it for you.

If this is the situation you find yourself in, keep reading, because in this article we look at the safest and best ways to extend the drain hose on a washing machine.

Can You Extend A Washing Machine Drain Hose?

If you consult your user manual, you might find that the manufacturer warns against extending the drain hose on their washing machines. This is typically because as you are adding to the original design, they won’t take any responsibility for any malfunctions or flooding associated with an improperly fitted extension hose.

This doesn’t mean it can’t be done or that it’s unsafe to do so, just that the manufacturer will take no responsibility for any problems caused by extending the drain hose. You should also be aware that extending the drain hose even using the correct extension kit, will probably void any manufacturer’s warranty you have on the appliance.

However, if fitted correctly, extension kits for washing machine drain hoses are perfectly safe and available pretty much anywhere. As long as you keep to the required height and general drainage instructions in the user manual, using an extension drain hose is perfectly fine.

The alternative involves extending the wall or sink drain pipe ensuring it reaches your existing drain hose already fitted to your washer. This can be a difficult task if you’re not a trained plumber. If you decide to go down this route we would recommend getting a plumber to do this for you.

What About Replacing The Drain Hose On The Washer?

We know that using an extension hose is not recommended by washing machine manufacturers but how about replacing the original drain hose with a longer one?

It turns out that this is perfectly acceptable and not only can you replace the drain hose for a longer one, you can also replace the existing one if it develops a leak.

In fact, most washing machine manufacturers sell replacement hoses in various lengths specifically for their appliances. If you can, it’s always best to get a genuine part from the same manufacturer instead of buying a universal hose.

How Long Can The Washing Machine Waste Pipe Be?

According to the UK governments drainage and waste disposal regulations, the maximum length for a drain hose for washing machines and dishwashers is 3 metres. That length includes any extensions added to the original drain hose.

Added to which the appliance manufacturers that do allow the use of extension drain hoses recommend an extension of no more than 1.5 metres.

This means that if you’re thinking of replacing the whole drain hose from your washing machine, you cannot legally fit a hose longer than 3 metres. Any extensions to existing hoses need to take the length of the original hose into account and the total be no more than 3 metres.

How To Extend The Drain Hose On A Washing Machine

If you decide you want to go ahead with extending the drain hose on your washing machine you can solve it quite easily using a waste hose extension kit. All you need for this process is a: drain hose extension kit, plumber’s tape, flathead screwdriver, jubilee clips and a tape measure. On average this should take you around 30 minutes.

1. Ensure you have the correct extension kit
   If you don’t have the correct extension kit for your appliance, it could create a whole wealth of problems. Most manufacturers including Beko, LG and Samsung all sell washing machine drain hose extension kits which are compatible with their machines.
2. Disconnect the electricity and water supply
   Safety first should always be your motto, so you need to remove the plug from the wall socket or trip the circuit breaker. As well as turning the tap on the water inlet pipe to the off position.
3. Measure the distance
   You need to measure the distance from the end of the washing machine drain hose to the drain. Ensure the extension hose is the correct length (remembering the 3 metre overall length rule).
4. Adjust the drain hose extension length
   Once you know exactly how much your drain hose needs extending by, including the extra 15 cm that extends into the standpipe, cut the extension hose to size.
5. Start connecting the drain hose extension
   All you need to do is slip a jubilee clip over the existing waste pipe and then wrap plumber’s tape all around one side of the connector piece and push this into the drain hose. Then ensure the jubilee clip is positioned to clamp the pipe onto the connector and tighten the screw on the jubilee clip. Then place the second jubilee clip over the extension hose, wrap plumber’s tape around the visible part of the connector and push the extension hose over the connector. Ensure the jubilee clip is in position and tighten using the screwdriver.
6. Push the end of the extension hose into the standpipe
   When you push the end of the waste hose into the standpipe ensure it is no deeper than 15 cm into the standpipe. Any more could cause a backflow of water into your washer which will cause flooding and damage to your machine. There’s no need to seal the hose to the standpipe, it won’t come out as long as it is at least 10 to 15 cm in.
7. Test the pipe and connections
   Once you’re sure all of the clips are tightened correctly and the connector is pushed snuggly into the hoses, it’s time to test that all is working well. Turn the power back on and turn the tap on the inlet hose to on. Select the shortest cycle on your washer and start the machine. While the cycle is running check all hoses and connectors for any signs of leakage.

Washing Machine Drain Hose Extension Top Tips

• There’s no need to remove the existing drain hose, simply connect the extension hose onto it.
• Universal extension kits are OK but they’re not as good as the ones that are specifically made for your appliance.
• Ensure the connector fits snuggly into the hose on both sides.
• Universal kits include connectors with an 18 mm and a 22 mm end. Measure the diameter of your washing machine’s drain hose and make sure it fits correctly.
• If the sizes are different, you can buy a separate connector and extension hose.
• The drain hose needs to be connected to the standpipe at the correct height (anywhere between 40 to 100 cm).
• If you’re connecting the drain hose to a sink drain, you’ll need to slide a jubilee clip over the end of the hose and slide the hose over the spigot and ensure it is fully connected. Then tighten the jubilee clips with a screwdriver.

Please Note: Installing the hose at an incorrect height or not keeping a slope towards the drain, can cause backflow. Which could cause the washer to overfill with water and flood your home.

SEE ALSO: Do Washing Machines Drain Into The Sewer Line?

Frequently Asked Questions