Washing Machine Drain Plumbing (2023 Updated!)
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Well, before you install your washing machine, you certainly need extensive knowledge about the washing machine drain pipe height.
You really don’t want water and sewages getting siphoned back into the machine after using a wrong or inaccurate height of the drain pipe.
Every aspect of the drain pipe is very important if you want your washer to work perfectly and intend to use it for a very long period of time.
In a quick overview, the drain pump height of washing machine should be at least 24 inches and not be higher than 8 ft or 96 inches. It should be high enough to aid the sufficient passage of water waste.
Moreover, we’ll be highlighting a more detailed explanation on the drain pipe height for specific washing machine brands and other related information.
Generally, the accurate washing machine drain pipe height should be at least 60 to 90 cm from the bottom of the washer which is approximately 24 to 35 inches.
You just have to ensure that the distance from the base of the washing machine is not higher than 8 feet (96 inches).
This is the most accurately recommended height for most brands unless the washing machine is of a different type.
Without a doubt, this is where the top loader and front loader washing machine types come into play.
There are numerous factors that determines the height of a washing machine drain pipe and this includes the following below.
- The size or type of the washing machine.
- The model of the washing machine.
- The drainage system.
- The location or space of the washing machine.
Regarding the size and type of a washer, the top loader washing machine have a slightly different drain pipe height compared to the front loader washing machine.
I’ll be highlighting the difference in the drain pipe height between these two washing machine types.
For a Top Load washing machine, the drain pump height is a little bit higher than the other type.
Be aware that if you are installing a top loader washing machine, you will need a drain pump that has a minimum height of 30 inches from the bottom surface.
Aside this being a minimum of 30″ high for top load washers, the drain pump height should not be more than 96 inches.
A Front Load washer is slightly different from the latter as you know.
For this specific type of washing machine, it requires a much shorter drain pipe compared to top loaders.
The drain pump length should be a minimum of 24 inches directly from the bottom ground. At the same time, you really don’t want to make mistakes here.
You also should not exceed the maximum height of 96 inches just like the top load washing machine. This is approximately equal to 8 feet.
This height should not be exceeded in order to ensure proper functionality unless you make use of a sump pump.
- A sump pump is constructed hole that is made below the floor of your laundry room or basement, depending on the location of your washing machine.
- It is a device that moves water to the outside of your house.
If you have a specific washing machine model, this particular section of the guideline will help you identity the recommended drain pipe height for your washer.
| Washing Machine brands | Drain Pipe Height |
| Whirlpool washer | 39 inches high |
| Kenmore washer | 35 to 47 inches high |
| LG washer | At least 24 inches |
| Haier Washer | From 31 to 39 inches |
| Bosch Washer | From 32 to 39 inches |
| Ge Washer | At least 24 inches |
| Samsung Washer | 24 – 35 inches |
| Maytag Washer | 39 inches high |
Regarding all whirlpool washing machines, you need to know that the height of the drain pipe must be at least 39 inches from the ground surface.
Anything lower than this might cause improper functioning of the washer or backflow.
You also need to ensure that the drain pipe is not longer than 96 inches.
Most times, this data is mentioned in the manual of some whirlpool models. You can simply check to see if you can find yours.
For Kenmore washing machines, it is recommended that the drain hose height is from 35 to 47 inches which is approximately (80 to 120 cm) off the bottom of the floor.
Ensure that you don’t install a drain pipe that is higher than 96 inches, that’s the maximum height of the pipe.
The drain hose also should not be more than 152 cm or 60 inches away from the washing machine.
For someone like me that uses an LG washing machine, I ensured that the end of the drain hose isn’t higher than 96 inches off the ground.
The minimum drain pipe height for LG washing machines is approximately 29 inches.
However, make sure that the elbow bracket isn’t extended more than 4 inches from the end of the drain pipe.
You really don’t want to see molds spreading out inside your washing machine.
For haier washing machine, you are expected to install a drain pipe that has a height of 32 to 39 inches, which is estimated to be 80 – 100 cm.
That’s mainly the basics you need to know about haier washer drain pipe height.
Just like haier washing machines, bosch washers also have a similar drain pump height.
You need to ensure that the drain hose height is specifically between 32 to 39 inches respectively. This is also the same as keeping the height at 80 to 100 cm.
Regardless of the type of ge washing machine, you should not go past 96 inches as this is the maximum height of the washing machine drain hose.
For the front load washing machine, I’ve made mention of this earlier that you need at least 24 inches off the bottom of the washer.
Top load washing machine only needs a minimum of 30 inches drain pump for optimal performance.
For Samsung washers, it is recommended that you install a 24 – 35 inches drain pipe and make sure it doesn’t go more than 6 – 8 inches off the floor surface.
Generally, maytag washing machines should have a drain pipe of at least 39 inches high from the ground surface.
However, you should also not go higher than 96 inches (8 feet) unless you want to use a sump pump.
The drainage options to be installed alongside the washing machine also determines the specific height of the drain pipe.
Here is a list of drainage options you might want to use and height of the drain pump you should consider irrespective of the washing machine manufacturer.
- Standpipe drainage
- The underground pipe
- Laundry tub drainage
- Slop sink drainage.
You know that standpipes connect a washing machine’s drain pipe to your house waste stack. So it’s generally a drainage option.
The standpipe height that is required for installing a washing machine is approximately 39 – 96 inches.
You need to ensure that the laundry standpipe is tall enough to go past the washing machine’s overflow line.
This might actually be the best washing machine drainage option for you. It will be connected to the waste pipe and will run underground.
The underground pipe height that is required for installing a washing machine is approximately 18 to 96 inches from the base of the washer.
The drain pipe height for a laundry tub washer drainage system requires the laundry tub not to be more than 45 inches away from the washing machine.
The maximum height of the drain hose should also be 96 inches or 8 feet from the ground.
The washing machine drain pipe should not be more than 96 inches from the bottom of the washer for a slop sink or utility sink drainage system.
There are several reasons why you shouldn’t just consider using any height for your washing machine drain pump, and why it’s important you use the recommended hose height.
- To avoid toxic gas from flowing through the line and directly into the building.
- To ensure that a leaky valve is kept from emptying your whole washing machine.
- To prevent damages to the wall and floor of your basement or laundry room due to constant spilling of water.
- To avoid backflow and prevent water contamination, you need to use the accurate drain pump height.
Generally for all washing machines, a minimum of 2-inch drain pipe is required for the trap and standpipe.
This size is capable of handling fast drainage of modern washing machines compared to the former size requirement.
In conclusion, remember that the washing machine drain pipe height is required to be at least 24 to 35 inches off the bottom of the washer which is approximately 60 to 90 cm.
This is the standard height regardless of any specific brand or models. I hope this helps.
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