When installing a washing machine, one decision you’ll need to make is how long your drain hose should be. The drain hose carries wastewater from your washing machine to the standpipe, laundry sink, or other drain point.
Many people wonder – can I make my washing machine drain hose too long? Will extending it cause any problems? Or is a longer hose always better to give me more flexibility in where I can place my washing machine?
What’s the Standard Drain Hose Length?
Most washing machine drain hoses that come with new washers are around 4 to 5 feet long. This gives enough length to easily route the hose to a nearby standpipe or sink drain.
Some washers may come with a bit longer hoses, in the 6 to 7 feet range. But in most cases, you won’t see a stock drain hose longer than that.
So if you need to place your washer more than 5-7 feet from the drain point, you’ll likely need to purchase an extension hose.
Is There a Maximum Recommended Length?
Most manufacturers recommend not exceeding an overall length of 10 to 12 feet for the drain system.
This includes any extension hoses you add plus the original drain hose that came with your washing machine.
Why Not Use an Extremely Long Drain Hose?
You might be wondering – what if my drain is 15 feet away? Or 20 feet? Why not use a really long hose rather than moving the drain?
While a longer hose may seem convenient, there are a few reasons why it’s best to stick within the recommended 10 to 12 foot limit:
1. Drainage Problems
Using an extremely long washing machine drain hose can sometimes result in drainage issues.
The longer the hose, the more places where wastewater can get backed up or stagnant inside the hose. Longer hoses also have more places where lint can accumulate and eventually block drainage.
2. Difficulty Achieving Proper Slope
Washing machine drain hoses should always slope downhill so wastewater can flow out by gravity. But the longer your hose, the harder it becomes to maintain a consistent downhill slope throughout its entire length.
Any spots where the hose slopes up can allow wastewater to pool, creating more drainage difficulties and places for lint to build up.
3. Flooding Risk
Extremely long drain hoses also increase the risk of your hose popping out of the standpipe during the wash cycle. This can lead to flooding and water damage if not caught quickly.
The drain hose moves around a lot during the wash cycles, vibrating and churning. A shorter hose has less room to thrash around and potentially come loose.
Tips for Extending Your Drain Hose
If you do need to use a drain hose longer than the standard length, here are some tips:
- Only extend the length as much as necessary – try not to exceed the 10-12 foot recommended maximum if possible.
- Secure the connection point between the hoses properly to prevent leaks or disconnections. You can use hose clamps or other fastening mechanisms made for this purpose.
- Make sure any extension hose is designed and approved for use with washing machines. Some hoses are meant for other purposes and may not handle the pressure.
- Ensure the hose slopes downhill throughout its entire run without any low or up spots where water could pool. Supporting the hose along walls or ceilings can assist with maintaining the slope.
- Consider insulating any hose extensions that pass through unheated spaces. This will help prevent any wastewater inside from freezing during cold weather.
The Bottom Line
Can your washing machine drain hose be too long? While it’s unlikely to cause problems within the 10-12 foot maximum length, extending far beyond that can lead to drainage difficulties, flooding risks, and freezing concerns.
The best solution is to place your washer as close as possible to the drain connection. But if an extension hose is needed, take care to install it with proper slope and support to maximize trouble-free operation.
With attention to proper drainage principles, a moderately extended washing machine drain hose can work perfectly fine in most homes. But extremely long runs may end up causing more hassle than they’re worth.
References
HomeTips. (n.d.). Washing Machine Drain Hose Length. Retrieved from https://hometips.com/buying-guides/washing-machine-drain-hose-length
The Family Handyman. (2022, September 23). How Far Can a Washing Machine Drain Hose Reach? Retrieved from https://www.familyhandyman.com/project/how-far-can-a-washing-machine-drain-hose-reach/
Madden, D. (2021, January 20). How Long Can a Washing Machine Drain Hose Be? The Spruce. Retrieved from https://www.thespruce.com/length-of-washer-drain-hose-2486273
Laura has had an enthusiasm for laundry ever since she was a teenager experimenting with wash cycles. She went on study textile science in college before working in product testing.
Soon, Laura found friends and family constantly asking her laundry advice, realizing she had become an unofficial laundry guru. The questions kept coming in, so Laura decided to start sharing laundry tips online to help more people. The enthusiastic response led her start the blog “Laundry How”.
Now in her late thirties, Laura uses Laundry How to tackle all kinds of laundry topics – stains, fabric care, detergents, and more. She provides advice from both her studies and experience testing techniques out firsthand. Laura continues to grow an engaged community of laundry learners, feeling fulfilled empowering people to make laundry an easy, confidence-building ritual rather than a dreaded chore.