A drain hose of the washing machine getting clogged hinders efficient laundering. But the good news is you can quickly unclog it with specific tools and materials readily available in your home. Let’s discuss this further in detail. 

You can unblock the drain hose using a plunger, wire hanger, drain snake, and vinegar. Maintaining a regular cleaning routine will help to keep the drain hose clear with smooth draining. 

In this article, you will learn five easy ways to unclog the washing machine’s drain hose with an understanding of common causes of clogs. 

Understanding the causes of a blocked washing machine drain hose

A blocked drain hose of the washing machine causes a slow draining issue in the washing machine. 

I have been in a situation where the washing machine’s drain hose is clogged, and I want to finish the laundry immediately.

I inspected my washing machine to find the cause of the clog, and it was due to soap residue accumulation in the drain hose. 

When I researched for a bit, I found that there are several other causes of blocks in the washing machine drain hose. 

Here are the common causes of clogs in the drain hose: 

Lint accumulation

 Lint particles like fibers and threads are detached from the clothes during the washing cycle and get trapped in the drain hose. 

In the long run, lint particles are clogged in the drain hose blocking the water flow. 

If you are not cleaning the drain hose, the clogs will become more robust, and it will cause slow draining in the washing machine. 

Mineral build-up

If you use hard water to wash clothes, there are chances of mineral build-up in the drain hose. 

Due to the frequent water flow, the mineral build causes clogs in the drain hose. 

You can avoid this by installing a softener in your water tank. 

Soap scum accumulation

Soapy water is released at the end of the washing cycle that flows through the drain hose to the drain. 

If not cleaned the drain hose, the soapy accumulation will cause a block in the drain hose. 

You can fix this issue by cleaning the drain hose regularly. 

Foreign objects stuck in the drain hose

If foreign objects like coins or hairpins are stuck in the clothes, they may get stuck in the drain hose. 

If these objects are stuck, they will block the water flow in the drain hose. 

You must remove these objects from the drain hose to facilitate the smooth water flow. 

Hair and debris accumulation

If hair and debris are stuck to the clothes at the end of the washing cycle, these particles will get stuck in the washing machine’s drain hose. 

You can avoid these by cleaning the drain hose regularly. 

Improper installation of the drain hose

If the drain hose fittings are loose and not properly installed, the drain hose can get kinked.

If the drain hose is kinked, it may get clogged due to debris accumulation. 

You can avoid this by properly installing the dose hose. 

Tools and equipment needed to unblock a washing machine drain hose

Before you start unblocking the drain hose, gather all the tools necessary to make the process easy. 

Here are the required tools to unblock the washing machine’s drain hose. 

• Pliers
• Snake drain
• Plunger
• Wire hanger
• Vacuum 
• Power auger
• Baking soda
• Vinegar. 

You may not need all these materials, but you require one or two materials based on the procedure you choose to unclog the washing machine’s drain hose. 

5 different ways to unblock the drain hose of your washing machine

Here are five ways to unclog the drain hose. 

1. How to use a plunger to unblock a washing machine drain hose

A plunger can be used to unblock the drain hose. 

Follow the steps below to unblock the washing machine’s drain hose using a plunger. 

• Turn off the water supply to the washing machine to avoid water flooding while unclogging. 
• Move the washing machine from its original position to access its backside. 
• Locate the drain hose of the washing machine at the back side of the washing machine. 
• Depending on the model of your washing machine, the drain hose may also be located underneath the machine. 
• Plunger is a tool that you can use to unclog the washing machine. Seal the opening of the hose with a plunger tool. Make sure you don’t leave any gap for the air to escape. 
• After sealing the plunger to the opening of the drain hose pipe, push it inside the hose slowly to clear the clogs. 
• Repeat until all the clogs in the drain hose have been cleared. You must push the plunger firmly to remove all the clogs for the smooth draining of water. 
• You must ensure you are not damaging the drain hose with too much pressure. 
• Turn on the water supply and plug the washing machine into the electric outlet. 
• Run the test washing cycle and check if the water drains well. 

2. How to use a wire hanger to clean a washing machine drain hose

Here are the steps to unclog the washing machine drain hose: 

• Turn off the water supply to the washing machine to avoid getting wet while working. 
• Move the washing machine away from the wall to access its back side. 
• The next step is to locate the washing machine drain pipe. You can find the drain pipe behind the washing machine. 
• Inspect the drain hose for any visible debris particles like hair. Run the hot water through the drain pipe to remove hair and other loose debris particles from the drain hose. 
• Now start straightening the wire hanger as much as possible. 
• Push the wire hanger into the drain [i[e as far as possible to remove clogs. 
• Push the wire hanger back and forth to remove all the clogs. Doing this will loosen the stubborn clogs in the drain hose. 
• After unclogging the drain hose with a wire hanger, pull it out and wash the wire hanger with water. 
• Run the hot water through the drain hose to remove the remaining debris particles. 
• Turn on the water supply and plug the washing machine into the electric outlet. 
• Run the test washing cycle and check if the draining is smooth at the end of the washing cycle. 

3. Using a wet/dry vacuum to unblock a washing machine drain hose

• Unplug the washing machine from the electric outlet and turn off the water supply to avoid flooding water while working. 
• Move the washing machine from the original position to access the backside of the washing machine. 
• Locate the drain pipe behind or underneath the washing machine. 
• Prepare the vacuum to unclog the drain hose. You can unclog the washing machine’s drain using a dry or wet vacuum. To fit tight, the vacuum hose must be equal in diameter to the drain hose. 
• Attach the vacuum pipe to the drain hose and seal it tight for efficient clogging. 
• Plug in the vacuum and turn it on. Start by turning on the wet cleaning and increasing the suction power to clog the drain hose. Increase the suction power more if the clog is stubborn. 
• While vacuuming, move the drain hose back and forth for efficient unclogging. 
• Sometimes, clogs may not clear in one go. Repeat vacuuming until the clog is completely cleared. 
• Once the clog is cleared, flush the hot water into the drain pipe to clean it thoroughly. 

Plug in the washing machine and turn on the water supply valve. Run the test washing cycle, and check if the draining issue is solved in your washing machine. 

4. How to use a drain snake or auger to unblock a washing machine drain hose

A drain snake is a tool you can buy from a local shop or order online to unclog the drain hose of your washing machine. 

It is an affordable yet effective way to clean the washing machine’s drain hose. 

Follow the steps below to unblock the drain hose using a drain snake: 

• Unplug the washing machine from the electric outlet and turn off the water supply. 
• locate the drain hose of your washing machine. 
• Remove the drain hose from the washing machine to unclog it with the drain snake. 
• You can follow the instructions in your user manual to remove the drain hose from the washing machine. 
• After removing the drain hose, pour the hot water into it to remove all the debris accumulated in a drain hose.
• Insert the drain snake into the drain hose, and twist and turn the drain snake into the drain hose until all the clogs are removed. 
• Move the drain hose back and forth to make it easy for the clogs to remove. 
• Once done, flush the hot water into the drain hose to clean it. 

Plug the washing machine and turn off the water supply to run a test cycle. 

Here are the easy steps to unblock the drain hose of your washing machine using a drain hose. 

The power auger is the most intensive technique to unclog the stubborn accumulation in the drain hose. 

Based on its power version, a power auger ranges from $300 to $4000. 

Compared to other techniques, it is an expensive repair but equally effective. 

• Unplug your washer and move it from its original position. 
• Spread the towel or place a blanket around the drain hose to collect standing water while removing it. 
• Disconnect the drain hose from the drain pipe. 
• Connect the power auger to the electric outlet and switch it on. 
• Now, you can begin to insert the wire cable into the drain hose. 
• You can find the pedal foot control in the power auger, making it easy to direct the power cable manually. 
• Set the power auger to turn both clockwise and anticlockwise. 
• Also, rotate the pedal foot control as necessary to remove all the stubborn clogs in the drain hose. 
• Once done, remove the cable from the drain hose and unplug the power auger from the electric outlet. 
• Pour hot water into the drain hose to flush all the remaining debris and greasy materials. 
• Thoroughly rinse the drain hose with hot water until there are no debris particles. 
• Finally, reattach the drain hose to the drain pipe and plug in the washing machine. 

Run the test wash cycle to check if your washing machine drains well.

5. Using baking soda and vinegar to clean a washing machine drain hose

Follow the steps to unblock the drain hose using vinegar and baking soda: 

• Locate the drain hose of the washing machine. 
• Remove the drain hose by following the instructions mentioned in the user manual of your washing machine. 
• Prepare a vinegar and Baking soda cleaning solution by mixing vinegar and baking soda in the water bowl. 
• Flush the drain hose with hot water to remove loose debris particles. 
• Run the vinegar and baking soda cleaning solution into the drain hose and let it soak for 3 to 5 hours. 
• After 5 hours, run the hot water into the drain hose to remove the residue from the drain hose. 
• See if the clog is cleared. If not, repeat the same process until all the clogs are cleared. 
• Reattach the drain hose to the washing machine and secure it. 

Plug in the washing machine and turn on the water supply. 

Run the test washing cycle, and check for smooth water flow in the drain hose. 

Removing the drain hose for cleaning and maintenance

When it comes to maintaining the drain hose or removing the clogs, you must disconnect the drain hose from the washing machine. 

Here is how you can remove the drain hose of the washing machine: 

• Unplug the washing machine from the electric outlet. 
• Turn off the water supply. 
• Gather necessary tools like pliers, screwdrivers, towels, and a bucket to make the job easy. 
• Move the washing machine from the original position to access the back side. 
• Refer to the user manual of your washing machine to know which screws you have to remove to disconnect the drain hose. 
• Remove all the screws holding the body of the washing machine using a screwdriver. 
• A drain hose will be attached with a clamp to the drain area of the washing machine. 
• Place a towel under the drain area to avoid water flooding. 
• Use a plier to remove the clamp from the drain hose by pushing a claim through the length of the drain hose.
• Detach the drain hose from the drain area of the washing machine. 
• Detach the drain hose from the drain pipe. 
• Now, the drain hose is free to clean or unclog. 

When to call a professional plumber to unblock a washing machine drain hose?

If you have followed all the steps and still can’t unclog the drain hose or the drain hose is damaged, you can schedule a professional cleaning service.

Unclogging the drain hose requires time and patience. 

If you are too busy to do this DIY project, you can seek professional help to clean the drain hose efficiently. 

Final thoughts

Cleaning and maintaining the drain hose regularly will prevent it from getting clogged. Slow draining and foul odors from the laundry room are common signs of a clogged drain hose. 

Suppose you have confirmed that your drain hose got clogged. In that case, you can unclog it using a plunger, wire hanger, snake drain, or vinegar and baking soda cleaning solution. You must be careful not to damage the drain hose while unclogging it using these materials. 

If your drain hose cracks due to stubborn clogs and mineral build-up, it is best to replace it. You can schedule a professional cleaning service to unclog the drain hose if you are uncomfortable doing the DIY.

Reference: Washing machine Wikipedia

Getting done with the piling laundry is a relief to everyone, making us feel fresh. But what if the water drains slowly, resulting in a long washing cycle? Let’s discuss the potential causes and steps to prevent them. 

You can clean the washer’s drain using a snake drain, vinegar, baking soda, and a power auger. You can insert the snake drain inside the hose, then twist and turn to unclog the dirt and debris accumulation. If all these don’t work, use a power auger to unclog your washer’s drain hose. 

This article will teach you how to unclog the drain hose, common causes, and steps to prevent clogs. So, keep reading. 

Understanding the Importance of Cleaning Your Washing Machine Drain Hose

Electric appliances need regular maintenance for their efficient function. 

Especially washers which are used every day to make laundering easy. 

It is crucial to maintain a washer properly to avoid expensive repairs. 

One of my friends moved here from a foreign country, and he was unaware of appliance maintenance. 

He was not maintaining his washer properly, and in the long run, the drain hose of his washer got clogged. 

He had no clue what went wrong when his washer was not functioning efficiently. 

One day when I had a conversation with him about his lifestyle here, he shared how his washer became faulty due to improper cleaning of the drain hose. 

He told me he realized the importance of maintaining the washer well when he hired a professional to repair it. 

I shared with him several ways to clean the drain hose regularly and also educated him further about the importance of cleaning the drain hose regularly. 

Situations to avoid to make your washer work efficiently

Below are some avoidable situations that you will need to look for.

Avoid drainage issues

The main purpose of the drain hose is to expel waste water from the washing machine at the end of the washing cycle. 

When the washer’s drain hose is clogged due to improper maintenance, water flow from the washing machine to the drain is blocked. 

There are also chances of water backflow and overflowing, flooding your laundry room. 

It not only hinders the efficiency of your washing machine, but it also causes water damage in your home. 

You can avoid all these hassles from occurring when you have a routine for cleaning the drain hose of your washing machine. 

Mold and bacterial growth

When the drain hose is clogged, water will be stagnant in the hose. 

It creates a desirable environment for mold and bacterial growth. 

If left uncleaned for a long time, it will start spreading a bad odor. 

Mold growth also causes several health issues for people who are constantly exposed to the environment. 

You can avoid this by unclogging the drain when you sense bad odors from your drain hose. 

Cleaning it will make your laundry room smell good. 

Increase the efficiency of your washing machine.

When the drain hose is clogged, your washer will take a long time to drain the washer from its drum. 

It delays the functionality of your washing machine, affecting its overall efficiency. 

Due to the longer washer cycle, there will be a hike in energy bills, and your clothes will look dull due to the decreased performance of your washing machine.  

You can avoid all these issues when you keep the drain hose clean. 

Increase the lifespan of your washing machine.

Suppose you are not cleaning the drain hose even after the initial signs. In that case, your washer will put extra strain on the pump, drum, and other important internal parts. 

In the long run, due to the constant wear and tear, the life span of your washing machine will reduce. 

Allotting time for cleaning the drain hose in your schedule will prevent your washing machine from getting damaged. 

Avoid expensive repairs

Just like my friend who hired a professional to repair, not cleaning the drain hose will also put you in his place. 

As professionals’ labor costs are high, you must maintain your drain hose well to avoid expensive repairs. 

Signs That Your Washing Machine Drain Hose Needs Cleaning

There are obvious signs indicating the issues with the drain hose. 

Here are the common signs that indicate that your drain hose needs cleaning:

Water accumulation

Due to a clogged drain hose, water will start accumulating in the washer’s drum. You can observe this at the end of the washing cycle. 

Instead of draining, water will stand inside the drum, resulting in an elongated washing cycle. 

This occurs because clogs in the drain hose will block the water flow, paving the way to the backflow. 

It also causes the loss of shine in clothes. 

Bad odors

Due to the accumulation of dirty water, you can sense bad odors in your laundry room. 

A clogged drain hose forms the desirable environment for mold growth.

 Mold growth causes several health issues and is the major cause of bad odors. 

Slow water draining

You can notice that the draining cycle takes a longer time than usual. 

It is due to the blockage in the drain hose, which blocks the smooth water flow. 

The more clogs in the drain hose, the slower draining becomes. 

Initially, when the clogs begin forming, you may not notice it. Still, slow draining will be obvious as the clogs keep developing. 

Water leakage

Due to the water accumulation in the drain hose and the washer’s drum, there are chances of water backing up and overflowing, which may result in water leakage. 

It damages the machine and also causes water damage to the floor. 

High energy bills

Due to the longer washing cycle, electricity and water bills may rise.

 If you notice other signs along with the high energy bills at the end of the month, you can confirm that the drain hose is causing issues in your washing machine. 

Gurgling sounds during draining

At the end of the washing cycle, while the water is draining, you can hear the gurgling and air bubbling sound if the drain hose of your washing machine is clogged. 

If you sense such noise, immediately unclog your washer’s drain hose. 

Materials and Tools Needed to Clean a Washing Machine Drain Hose

Suppose you have confirmed that your washer’s durian hose is clogged. In that case, you must gather all these necessary materials and tools to unclog it. 

• Snake drain
• Vinegar
• Water 
• Salt 
• Water spray 
• Power auger 
• Baking soda. 

You may not need all these materials, but you will need one or two based on the method you choose to unclog your drain hose. 

After deciding the method you will choose to unclog your drain hose, you can choose the specific tools and materials needed. 

Ways to Clean a Washing Machine Drain Hose 

Here are the 7 ways to clean the drain hose of your washing machine.

1. Using cleaners

Locate the drain hose of your washing machine. Start by pouring hot water into the drain. 

Pouring hot water helps loosen all the greasy materials and makes unclogging easy. 

After running the hot water in the drain hose pipe, pour the drain hose cleaner solution of your choice to clear all the clogs. 

For efficient results, disconnect the drain hose from the washing machine.

 Pour the cleaner solution and let it sit for a few minutes. 

Make sure the cleaner is not too harsh to damage the drain pipe.

 After pouring the cleaner solution, use warm water to rinse the debris particles from the drain hose. 

Ensure all the clogs are removed by flushing the hot water at the end. 

If you have removed the drain hose from the washing machine for efficient cleaning, make sure you screw it back into the washer properly to avoid leakage. 

2. Using a snake drain

Snake drains are especially available for cleaning the washing machine’s drain hose. 

It is an efficient way to remove clogs from the drain pipe. 

To do so, remove the drain hose from the washing machine using a screwdriver.

 Follow the instruction in the user manual to disconnect the drain hose. 

Once done disconnecting it, insert the snake drain into the pipe and twist it inside the hose forcefully until all the clogs are removed. 

After unclogging the drain hose, flush the hot water to remove the greasy build-up in it. 

You can buy a snake drain in your local shop or order it online. 

3. Using a high-pressure water spray

I use water spray to clear all the clogs in the drain hose twice a month. I have recommended it to my friends, and it also worked well for them. 

It is simple to use. You can attach your drain hose pipe to the water spray and continue to spray until all the clogs are cleared. 

Due to high water pressure, clogs are easily removed in less time. 

4. Cleaning with a vinegar solution

You can use a vinegar solution if you are looking for an affordable way to clean your washer’s drain hose. 

You can prepare the vinegar solution by mixing 1 cup of vinegar with 2 cups of water and letting it boil for a few minutes. 

After the mixture is ready, flush it inside the drain hose and let it soak for 5 to 10 minutes. 

You can also use a snake drawing for effective results. 

It cleans the dirt and debris particles and also helps prevent bad odors. 

5. Salt and water solution to clean

A salt and water solution is another affordable technique to clean the drain hose. 

You can prepare a salt and water solution by adding salt to the bowl of water. 

Let the mixture boil for 10 minutes. 

After that, pour the mixture slowly into the drain hose. Let it soak for 5 to 10 minutes. 

Now, flush the hot water again to remove all the remaining clogs and the saltwater mixture. 

Use this technique thrice a month to prevent clogs in the drain hose. 

6. Using a hot water and baking soda mixture

Hot water and baking soda mixture are also cost-effective to unclog the drain hose. 

Boil one gallon of water and keep it ready. 

Unplug the washing machine and move it from its original position. 

Remove the drain hose from the drain pipe and pour the hot water into it.

After pouring the water, put the baking soda into the drain pipe. 

Let it soak in the drain hose overnight, and you can also add vinegar with it for efficient unclogging. 

After soaking it, pour the hot water to flush all the residue and debris particles from the drain hose. 

Once done, reattach the drain hose to the drain pipe and run the test wash cycle to check if the issue is solved. 

7. Using a power auger

The power auger is the most intensive technique to unclog the stubborn accumulation in the drain hose. 

Based on its power version, a power auger ranges from $300 to $4000. 

Compared to other techniques, it is an expensive repair but equally effective. 

Unplug your washer and move it from its original position. 

Spread the towel or place a blanket around the drain hose to collect standing water while removing it. 

Disconnect the drain hose from the drain pipe. 

Connect the power auger to the electric outlet and switch it on. 

Now, you can begin to insert the wire cable into the drain hose. 

You can find the pedal foot control in the power auger, making it easy to direct the power cable manually. 

Set the power auger to turn both clockwise and anticlockwise. 

Also, rotate the pedal foot control as necessary to remove all the stubborn clogs in the drain hose. 

Once done, remove the cable from the drain hose and unplug the power auger from the electric outlet. 

Pour hot water into the drain hose to flush all the remaining debris and greasy materials. 

Thoroughly rinse the drain hose with hot water until there are no debris particles. 

Finally, reattach the drain hose to the drain pipe and plug in the washing machine. 

Run the test wash cycle to check if it is draining well. 

Tips for Preventing Clogs in Your Washing Machine Drain Hose

Follow the tips below to prevent clogs in your washing machine: 

Clean the drain hose regularly

Wastewater draining from the washing machine contains dirt and debris particles.

 In the long run, all this dirt and debris will accumulate in the drain hose. 

So, it is important to clean the drain hose regularly. 

Disconnect the drain hose from the washing machine and flush hot water into it.

 Use a snake drain to remove all the clogs. 

Doing this will avoid severe clogs in the drain hose. 

Trapping the lint

Trapping the lint at the end of the drain hose will also prevent clogs in the drain pipe. 

To do so, attach the nylon stocking at the end of the drain hose.

 It will catch all the debris and dust particles from the drain hose, which will empty into the drain pipe. 

Doing this will prevent clogs in the drain hose and the drain pipe. 

Install water softener

High salt and mineral content in the water is the major cause of clogs in the drain hose when such water is used to wash clothes. 

You can prevent this by installing a water softener in your water tank. 

Clean the drain pipe.

Even after cleaning the drain hose, the washing machine will drain slowly if the drain pipe is clogged. 

You can prevent this by cleaning the drain pipe regularly with the help of a drain cleaner solution. 

Also read: How To Remove Hardened Detergent From Washing Machine?

Common Causes of Clogs in a Washing Machine Drain Hose

So far, we have learned the signs of a clogged drain hose, how to unclog it, and how to prevent it. 

Now, let’s discuss the common causes of drain hose clog to avoid them from occurring in the future. 

Here are the common causes of clogs in the washing machine drain hose: 

• Accumulation of soap residue in the drain hose. 
• Dryer lint and fragment getting stuck in the drain hose. 
• Loading clothes that are greasy, oily, and contain debris particles in them. 
• Not cleaning the drain hose and drain pipe regularly.  

When to Call a Professional Plumber for Help with Cleaning a Drain Hose?

If you have tried all the above methods and your washing machine drains slowly, it is time to seek professional help. 

And also, if you lack time to do this DIY, you can schedule a professional cleaning service to unclog your drain hose efficiently while saving you time. 

Also read:

• Do You Need A P-trap For Washing Machine? (Why+How To Install)
• How To Extend Washing Machine Drain Hose? (8 Steps To Follow)

Final Thoughts

Cleaning the durian hose of the washing machine will prevent several issues, such as clogs, water backflow, and water leakage. 

You can clean the drain hose by combining hot water with baking soda, vinegar, or salt.

You can also use a power auger in case the clog is stubborn. 

Follow the steps mentioned in the article to unclog the drain hose of your washing machine. 

You can also take preventive measures to remove drain hose clogs by cleaning them regularly. 

Reference: Washing machine and Drain(plumbing)  

The drain hose helps to eliminate wastewater from the washer to the drain. What if the drain hose is too short of reaching the drain location after you have remodeled your laundry room? Well, you are at the right place to learn how to extend a drain hose in such scenarios. 

You can extend your washer’s drain hose by attaching an extension drain hose at the end of the existing drain pipe. Secure the connection with a clamp or jubilee clip. Attach the end of the extension drain hose to the standpipe and secure it with the plumber’s tape.

This guide will teach you how to extend the drain hose to the washer. You will also learn how to maintain your drain hose to prevent clogs. So, keep reading. 

Understanding the Need to Extend a Washing Machine Drain Hose

Last month, I decided to remodel my laundry room as the previous setup could have been more aesthetically pleasing. 

While doing so, I realized I had to move my washer to another location.

 Due to the relocation, the drain hose of my washer became too short of reaching the drainage. 

Initially, I was confused about how to deal with the situation. 

Fortunately, after detailed research, I learned that a drain hose could be extended using a drain hose extension kid. 

I successfully relocated the washing machine while remodeling my laundry room.

 While extending my drain hose, I consulted professionals and learned a few things I shared in the article. 

Just like how I was in a situation to extend the drain hose of my washing machine, there would be several other reasons to extend the drain hose of your washing machine. 

The most common reason is that the existing drain hose will be too small to reach the drain location. 

Let’s learn in detail about extending the drain hose of your washing machine. 

What to Consider Before Extending Your Washing Machine Drain Hose?

When deciding to extend the drain hose of your washing machine, it is important to consider the factors mentioned below: 

Length of the drain hose extension

The first thing you need to do when you decide to extend the drain hose of the washing machine is the length of the extension hose. 

Measure the length of the extension hose by measuring the distance between your washer’s drain hose and the location of the drain. 

You should ensure that the extension hose is not so long as they are easily prone to clogs and backflow of water. 

Make sure you do not extend the drain hose more than 5 feet. 

Diameter of the drain hose extension

Measure the diameter of the drain hose of your washing machine.

 The diameter of the extension hose must match the diameter of the washing machine drain hose. 

If the diameter of the extension hose doesn’t match the washing machine drain hose, there are chances of leakage and clogs. 

If the diameter of the extension hose is wider than the drain hose, there will not be enough pressure to drain the water. 

Type of hose pipe

You must also consider the type of pipe you want to use to extend the drain hose. 

There are two common types of hose pipes. PVC and corrugated plastic hose pipes.

PVC hose pipes are durable, but the installation is difficult. 

However, corrugated hose pipes are flexible and easy to install; they are prone to clogs and breakage. 

Based on your preference, you can choose the type of extension kit before the extension of the drain hose. 

Local plumbing codes

When you install the drain hose extension, it is important to consider the local plumbing codes to ensure that the installation complies with the law.  

Considering all these factors before installing an extension to the drain hose will save you unnecessary hassle. 

Materials and Tools Needed to Extend a Washing Machine Drain Hose

Before starting an extension of the drain hose, gather all these necessary tools to make the process easy and efficient. 

Here are the necessary tools required for extending the drain hose for your washing machine: 

• Tape measure. 
• Adjustable pliers. 
• Metal supply hoses. 
• Plumbing tape. 
• Flathead screwdriver. 
• Wrench. 
• Bucket. 
• Drain hose extension kit. 

Steps to Extend a Washing Machine Drain Hose

Follow the steps below to extend a washing machine hose: 

Step 1: Buy a suitable extension drain hose kit online based on your requirement and the model of your washing machine. The extension kit will have all the necessary tools for extending the drain hose of your washing machine. Most popular washing machine brands sell extension drain hose kits compatible with the machine. Most kits come with extension drain hoses of 18 mm to 22 mm. You must buy a separate one if you want an extension hose more than this. 

Step 2: Turn off the electricity supply to the washing machine by unplugging it from the electric outlet. Or locate the circuit breaker to turn off the power supply to prevent electric hazards. 

Step 3: Measure the distance between the new location of the washer and the drain. Choosing a drain hose extension of one foot extra is good for safety considerations. After measuring the space, check if the length of the space and the length of the drain hose extension match. It would be best if you brought the extension kid keeping in mind the space between the new washer and drain location. 

Step 4: Turn off the water supply to the washing machine to avoid flooding in your laundry room. It would be best to shut off the water supply before disconnecting the drain hose from the extension. 

Step 5: Disconnect the existing drain hose from the curved hose attached to the standpipe. Try to pull it with your hands. If you cannot do it, try to use a screwdriver to remove it. 

Step 6: Connect the extension drain hose to the existing drain hose of the washing machine. And secure the joint with the clamps or a jubilee clip. 

Step 7: Connect the extension hose to the standpipe or any other drain system you use. No matter the type of drain you use, the height of the drain hose must comply with the local plumbing code to prevent the backflow of water. Secure the extension hose to the standpipe using a plumber’s tape. While connecting the extension hose to the standpipe, ensure you don’t insert more than 15 centimeters to avoid siphonage. 

Step 8: Once the extension drain hose is installed, check if all the connections are secured. Check if there are misalignments. Do a thorough inspection before beginning to use a washer. Now you can plug in the washer and turn on the water supply. Run a test washing cycle to check if there are any leaks or any other inconveniences. In those cases, take the necessary steps to fix the issue. 

Also read: Do You Need A P-trap For Washing Machine?

Tips for Properly Routing and Securing an Extended Drain Hose

Here are a few tips that you can follow for the proper routing of the extension drain hose: 

• While installing the extension drain hose, ensure there are no sharp cuts and kinks in the hose, which will block the smooth flow of water. Instead of the sharp bends, route the extension hose as curves. 
• If you are running the extension hose through the wall, there is the possibility of sagging and pulling. You can prevent this by using metal hangers to secure the extension hose. 
• If the extension drain hose comes in contact with sharp edges or objects, there are more chances of damage to the hose. You can prevent this by using rubber grommets to the hose so that it won’t get damaged. 

Common Issues to Watch Out for When Extending a Washing Machine Drain Hose

Extending the washing machine’s drain hose may be the easiest way to improve the efficient draining of your washing machine. 

But it also causes some issues if not installed properly. 

Here are some issues you must watch while extending your drain hose

• Drain hose extensions are longer than the washer’s drain hose. So, they are prone to clogs due to the accumulation of lint and dust particles. 
• Improper installation of the extension hose will cause leakage, resulting in water damage. Check for loose connections in the extension hose and fix them immediately. 
• It is important to secure the extension hose with clips to prevent sagging. When the extension hose sage, there are changes in water backflow. Securing the extension hose will prevent a block in the water flow. 
• In the long run, the extension hose will wear out. In such a case, you must replace it. 

You can avoid all these issues if you have installed the extension hose properly. 

After installing it, it is a must to maintain it well to avoid damage. 

When to Call a Professional Plumber for Help Extending a Drain Hose

You can call a professional when you lack time for this DIY project. 

Also, suppose you are not confident or experienced in working with an electrical appliance. 

In that case, hiring a professional to do the job is best. 

Hiring professionals will save you time and make the job efficient. 

Maintenance Tips to Keep Your Washing Machine Drain Hose in Good Condition

Cleaning and maintaining the drain hose regularly will prevent clogs and damage.

Here are the five ways to clean the drain hose of your washing machine: 

1. Using cleaners

Locate the drain hose of your washing machine. 

Start by pouring hot water into the drain. 

Pouring hot water helps loosen all the greasy materials and makes unclogging easy. 

After running the hot water in the drain hose pipe, pour the drain hose cleaner solution of your choice to clear all the clogs. 

For efficient results, disconnect the drain hose from the washing machine. 

Pour the cleaner solution and let it sit for a few minutes. 

Make sure the cleaner is not too harsh to damage the drain pipe. 

After pouring the cleaner solution, use warm water to rinse the debris particles from the drain hose. 

Ensure all the clogs are removed by flushing the hot water at the end. 

If you have removed the drain hose from the washing machine for efficient cleaning, make sure you screw it back into the washer properly to avoid leakage. 

2. Using a snake drain

Snake drains are especially available for cleaning the washing machine’s drain hose. 

It is an efficient way to remove clogs from the drain pipe. 

To do so, remove the drain hose from the washing machine using a screwdriver. 

Follow the instruction in the user manual to disconnect the drain hose. 

Once done disconnecting it, insert the snake drain into the pipe and twist it inside the hose forcefully until all the clogs are removed. 

After unclogging the drain hose, flush the hot water to remove the greasy build-up in it. 

You can buy a snake drain in your local shop or order it online. 

3. Using a high-pressure water spray

I use water spray to clear all the clogs in the drain hose twice a month. 

I have recommended it to my friends, and it also worked well for them. 

It is simple to use. You can attach your drain hose pipe to the water spray and continue to spray until all the clogs are cleared. 

Due to high water pressure, clogs are easily removed in less time. 

4. Cleaning with a vinegar solution

You can use a vinegar solution if you are looking for an affordable way to clean your washer’s drain hose. 

I saw my neighbor using it regularly to clean his washer’s drain hose, and he never faced clog issues.

You can prepare the vinegar solution by mixing 1 cup of vinegar with 2 cups of water and letting it boil for a few minutes. 

After the mixture is ready, flush it inside the drain hose and let it soak for 5 to 10 minutes. 

You can also use a snake drawing for effective results. 

It cleans the dirt and debris particles and also helps prevent bad odors. 

5. Salt and water solution to clean

A salt and water solution is another affordable technique to clean the drain hose. 

You can prepare a salt and water solution by adding salt to the bowl of water. Let the mixture boil for 10 minutes. 

After that, pour the mixture slowly into the drain hose. Let it soak for 5 to 10 minutes. 

Now, flush the hot water again to remove all the remaining clogs and the saltwater mixture. 

Use this technique thrice a month to prevent clogs in the drain hose. 

Final Thoughts

Extending a drain hose is an easy DIY if you are experienced in working with electric appliances. You can extend the drain hose of your washing machine by buying the extension kit. Start by turning off the electric supply and water supply to the washer. 

Measure the length between the new washer location and the drain. Attach the extension hose to the washer’s drain and secure it with a clamp. Run the extension hose through the shortest path to the drain location and connect the end of the extension hose to the standpipe. 

At last, check for leakage and loose connection. Run the test wash cycle to confirm that the installation of the extension hose is successful. Follow the steps mentioned in the article to install the extension hose to your washing machine efficiently. 

 Reference link: Washing machine Wikipedia