A drain pipe is necessary for a washer's operation since it makes the drainage system possible. Also, it is an essential component of the plumbing system. Interested in learning how to plumb it? Well, to assist you with this kind of task, we did some research.
The steps to plumbing a washing machine drain include:
- Shut off the washing machine.
- Find a suitable drainage area.
- Cut the standpipe and insert the wye fitting.
- Assemble a drain pipe.
- Put a p-trap in place.
- Insert the standpipe into the trap inlet.
- Add a vent.
- Trim the drain pipe (if needed).
- Strap the drain pipe.
- Connect the drain hose to the washing machine.
- Hook washer drain hose to drain pipe.
- Test the installation output.
This article gives you all the necessary knowledge to set up a drain pipe or a standpipe. Also, we’ll share with you some tips for maintaining drain hoses. With that said, let's dive right in!
How To Plumb A Washing Machine Drain
Plumbing includes that of a washing machine. The washing machine's instruction manual should be followed when installing the drain hose. Despite that, there is still information not found in the manuals.
A drain hose can be hooked to a sink in the most simple manner. No plumbing is needed for this.
But it's certainly not ideal. The sinkhole may become blocked if an object (such as a dishcloth) or a washing-up bowl is dropped into the sink.
The water would overflow onto the sink's top as a result. A huge flood would result if the drain hose somehow fell off the sink.
The washing machine would keep filling if left unattended as it attempted to replace the water that had been lost. It would keep filling up and flooding if it wasn't halted.
It is, therefore, obvious that a drain hose needs to be installed into the plumbing properly and permanently. Here are some instructions for plumbing it out using a standpipe/drain pipe as a drainage.
1. Shut Off The Washing Machine
It is necessary to unplug the washing machine before continuing if you are plumbing an irrigation standpipe that is connected to it. It is also a good idea to turn off the electricity at the circuit breaker before you begin any repairs.
2. Find A Suitable Drainage Area
You must locate the drain that is next to the washing machine. A nearby tub, shower, sink, or toilet drain would make good options. You sometimes need to take down some wall covering to access it.
3. Cut The Standpipe And Insert The Wye Fitting
Use a hacksaw or reciprocating saw to cut through the pipe. After that, split the two sides and use 120-grit sandpaper to smooth the edges.
See this reciprocating saw on Amazon.
View this 120-grit sandpaper on Amazon.
Next, use acrylonitrile-butadiene-styrene (ABS) cement to attach a wye fitting with a 2” inlet. Make sure the inlet is facing the washing machine's direction.
Click here to see this ABS cement on Amazon.
Click here to see this wye fitting on Amazon.
4. Assemble A Drain Pipe
Insert a 2” drain pipe that runs from the wye to a point 12” off the ground behind the washer. Keep the slope at least ¼” every foot to allow proper drainage.
Click here to see this 2” pipe on Amazon.
5. Put A P-trap In Place
Attach a 2” p-trap with solvent glue to the other end of the drain. The best p-trap is one with a cleanout plug, which makes it simple to remove any debris that might build up in the p-trap. The inlet of the trap must face upward.
Click here to see this p-trap on Amazon.
See this PVC glue and primer on Amazon.
6. Insert The Standpipe Into The Trap Inlet
The standpipe should have a minimum width of 2”. Attach a section of 2” pipe that rises over the top of the washing machine to the trap inlet with glue. The standpipe system is this vertical pipe.
For you to picture how it looks, a video on YouTube is shown below:
7. Add A Vent
Add a vent about 60” away from where the p-trap is and join a sanitary tee to the vent. The sweeping point of the sanitary tee should point in the direction of the washing machine, and the inlet should be facing upwards.
Click here to see this vent on Amazon.
Use a sanitary tee to join the new vent to an existing one, and ensure the existing one has a minimum ¼” upward slope.
Click here to see this sanitary tee on Amazon.
The second method in this YouTube video below will help you visualize a vent in the drain pipe:
8. Trim The Drain Pipe (If Needed)
You might complete installing your drain pipe only to discover later that it is excessively long. You don't need to worry about this situation. To remove the excess height of the pipe, use a reciprocating saw.
However, take great caution when measuring because a drain pipe that is too short won't work correctly and will result in drainage issues.
Always aim to keep the pipe's top above the washing machine's water level (about 30-36 inches).
9. Strap The Drain Pipe
The drain pipe needs to be securely fastened. To secure the drain pipe to the wall, use strap clips with screws. Put straps outside the pipe and tighten the screws of these straps into the wall using a screwdriver.
Click here to see these strap clips on Amazon.
See this rechargeable cordless screwdriver on Amazon.
Use at least five pipe strap clips, making sure they are spaced 5” apart. Likewise, be careful not to pound the straps into the wall too hard because doing so could damage the pipes.
10. Connect The Drain Hose To The Washing Machine
Some washers come with a drain tube already attached. You must connect the provided hose to the washing machine's drain opening if you don't have one.
You should attach your clamps to the drain pipe's ends. Next, slide the drain hose's ends over the clamps coupling to secure it in position.
To make your clamps leak-proof and tight after that, use the proper tool or wrench to tighten them. It is also a good idea to test the machine to see if functioning well and has no leaks before proceeding.
Click here to see this wrench on Amazon.
11. Hook Washer Drain Hose To Drain Pipe
Clip the end of the hose into the elbow bracket that comes with your washing machine. Ensure the hose's end isn’t sticking out more than 4” from the end of the bracket. Then simply insert it into the standpipe.
Click here to see this elbow bracket on Amazon.
It is advised to provide a space for air between the drain hose and the standpipe to prevent water from siphoning out of the washer. As a result, you shouldn't seal the drain hose to the standpipe.
To help the water drain out of the washer more quickly, it is preferable to avoid laying the drain hose on the ground. Don't forget to secure the drain hose into the drain pipe with a tie strap.
Click here to see these tie straps on Amazon.
For hooking up the washer drain hose into the drain pipe, check out this YouTube video below:
12. Test The Installation Output
The installation of a washing machine drain pipe is now finished. Make sure the elbow-connected washing machine drain pipe is angled at a 90-degree angle to the drain line and stands upright.
After you have determined everything is in the correct location, it is essential to run some water to check if everything is functioning correctly and without any leaks.
How to Maintain Your Washing Machine Drain Hose?
A washing machine uses a lot of water quickly when you use it. Regardless of the load size, water will move through your system and appliance.
Your drainpipe and your home's plumbing system are both heavily stressed by this particular factor. This implies that you should maintain your washer as regularly as feasible.
Here are some suggestions for maintaining your washing machine's drain hose:
Always Check Your Drain Hose
A washing machine features an output pipe for draining used water. As a precaution, you should inspect it at least once a year for indications of corrosion, cracking, or other issues.
Make sure it is sufficiently fastened on all ends. Replace it at least once every five years.
Consider Setting Up A Water Shutoff System
Installing a water shutoff system will prevent flooding in your laundry area if your appliance breaks down.
The shutoff system often activates when it detects any problems with the washing machine. It will avert a potential water flood by cutting off.
Maintain Regular Drain Line Cleaning
If you use your washing machine frequently, lint, dust, and detergent buildup can build up in the drain with each washing cycle.
These residues build up over time and jam your washer's drain if left unchecked. Flooding can happen if you turn on your washer while there is a clog.
Make it a point to call a professional to clean the buildup from your drain line at least once every two years. They can use chemicals or a plumber's snake to remove the residue.
You can do your own drain line cleaning.
To Finish
The installations above are all easy tasks you can do yourself.
But if you don't have the time or the necessary confidence to complete these installations, contact a professional plumber. This also avoids significant damages that will cost you a lot of money.
Want to read more helpful home posts? Look no further!
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