If we turn around and observe our surroundings, we will feel that we are packed with innovative and modern machines all around us. And we have to accept the fact that today we cannot live without these classic machines in our lives. Not only giant machines like ingenious electrical cars but also small handheld appliances are helping us to speed up our routine life activities.
Background of a Washing Machine
One such resourceful appliance is a domestic washing machine. We are all dependent on washing machines and washers for our laundry needs. However, we are hardly aware of their working mechanism and spare parts. This is the reason that whenever we face any problems with our washing machines, we feel helpless and are forced to get expensive washing machine repairs. But suppose, if we have a handsome amount of knowledge about the working mechanism of the washing machine so in case it breakdown we will be able to fix it ourselves and can save a heavy amount of money.
That’s why, in this article, we will go into detail about one of the most important parts of a washing machine, the drain pipe, and will discuss the importance of knowing its correct height. We will also tell you the potential threats that can arise if you get it wrong.
What is a washing machine drain pipe?
In simple terms, a washing machine drain pipe or hose is a flexible tube which is usually made of plastic and its responsibility is to connect the drainage of the washing machine to the existing drainage systems in your living locality. It is one of the most important spare parts in your washing machine that plays a pivotal role in maintaining the sanitary operation of your machine. If you have a properly installed drain pipe system with your washing machine, you can have peace of mind knowing that the wastewater from your washing machine will go directly into the sewer system or septic pipe at the beginning and end of every consecutive washing cycle.
What is the ideal height of a washing machine drain pipe?
Although there is no specific answer to this question because the drain pipe height of a washing machine can depend on several factors, such as the type of your washing machine, its model and make, and its drainage option.
However, generally speaking, the experts recommend that the ideal height for a washing machine drain pipe should be within the range of 23 to 35 inches above the floor.
And if you want to take the measurements in centimetres then it will be about 60 to 90 cm high. But if you are not comfortable with this height and want to go a bit higher, the maximum height recommended by the professional is never higher than 96 inches or 8 feet.
And obviously, as we explain that the height of the washing machine drain pipe also depends on its type, the front loaders will have a different height than the top loaders. In the same way, different washing machine manufacturers sometimes recommend their specific drain pipe height for their particular make and model.
Therefore, in the following paragraphs, we will break down all these factors into various sections so that you can understand the best suitable height for your washer.
But first, let’s ask ourselves what defining factors decide the drain pipe height for your washing machine.
Defining Characteristics of the Washing Machine Drain Pipe Height:
Everything is dependent on some factors because nature has a quality of interconnectedness. The same is the case with machines and domestic appliances. Talking particularly about the washing machine drain pipe height, it depends on the following characteristics of your washing machine:
- Washing Machine Type
- Washer Brand
- Washer’s Drainage Option
Now let us discuss these defining factors one by one and made them easy for you to understand:
Types of your Washing Machine
Even though there are plenty of washing machine types in today’s world but still the most prominent are the front load and the top load washing machines. So the question is how do top loaders and front loaders differentiate in defining the washing machine’s drain pipe height:
(i) Washers with Front Load Option
If you are an owner of a front-load washing machine, you don’t have to worry about the drain pipe being very high! A general height recommendation for the front loader washer is a minimum of 24 inches above the floor surface. But at the same time, you should keep in mind that this height differentiates from brand to brand. However, a general rule of thumb is that the front loaders generally don’t require very tall drain pipe heights.
The maximum allowed height for the washing machine drain pipe in the case of front loaders is 8 feet or 96 inches. If due for any reason, you exceed this height, then it will be really difficult for you to drain the drainage water out of your washing machine, and in this case, you may need to bring a sump pump to drain the wastewater.
(ii) Washers with Top Load Option
Unlike the front loader domestic washers, the top loaders require significantly high drain pipes in order to discharge the drainage water out of them. Experts usually recommend a minimum height of 30 inches above the floor to achieve the best pumping action.
However, in the case of top loaders, the maximum allowed limit is never more than 8 feet or otherwise you need to have a sewage pump for water drainage. Again, you should always keep in mind that these drain pipe heights will differ for different washing machine brands.
Brands of your Washing Machine
Undoubtedly, the manufacturing brand has a big influence on any appliance as they inherit some inbuilt properties into their machines. And the same is the case with the relationship between washing machines and their creators. The big names in the industry don’t want to hurt their reputation and therefore they inform each and every aspect of their machines within the operation manuals to the customers beforehand. Some of the washing machine Giants in the market include LG, Haier, Samsung, Bosch, Whirlpool, and GE. Now we will go into more detail about the influence of these brands on their washing machines in the following paragraph:
a) LG Washing Machine
Being one of the premium washing machine brands in the market, LG has a long-rooted history of providing quality products to customers for many decades. Today, buyers trust the name of LG blindly and try to fulfill their operational instructions so that their LG appliances can work without problem for ages. Specifically, for the washing machine drain pipe height, LG recommends you fix it at least two and a half feet above the floor surface and never go beyond 96 inches as the maximum limit.
If you follow these drain pipe fight limits, then you can be sure that the water will never flow backward and that the source of the water will stay uncontaminated. However, you must consider checking your specific LG washing machine manual before adjusting the height of your washer.
b) Samsung Washing Machine
Who doesn’t know Samsung when it comes to home appliances? Samsung today has a reputation for ruling the household machine industry for years.
For their washing machines, Samsung requires height limits within 2-2.9 feet above the surface and warns that the drain hose should only go up 6 to 8 inches deep into the standpipe.
The company also recommends that your drain house should always be allowed before you install it, so it is mandatory to check the clearance of the pipe before installation.
c) GE Washing Machine
Regarding energy efficiency and pricing, GE appliances are leading the world. So their reliability cannot be judged. GE top-load washer drain requires the drain to be 30 inches higher than the surface beneath, while this value amounts to 24 inches in case of front load.
Hence, in both cases, you must remember that the drain pump elevation should be kept at most 8 feet above the floor unless and until you possess a drain pump.
d) Whirlpool Washing Machine
Whirlpool boasts the top position among its competitors in the US. You can take an idea of its user-friendliness from the fact that only a few consumers of this brand require appliance service maintenance.
Since their drain pipe height varies from model to model, you can know their required elevation by referring to the manual. However, the minimum to maximum range usually falls between 39 and 96 inches.
e) Bosch Washing Machine
Bosch appliances have stood the testament of time with their cutting-edge technology. Their solid build is the secret behind their longevity. You may want to know their outlet pipe height. There is no fixed value. It generally shifts from type to type.
Nevertheless, the standard elevation lies somewhere between 31.5 to 39.4 inches. You may be wondering the exact reason behind knowing this height above the floor. That’s because the ideal pipe prevents the retrograde flow of water.
f) Haier Washing Machine
In recent years, Haier has taken the world by storm with the innovative technology and space-saving designs of its appliances. Lastly, offering a wide range of options catering to every need, demand, and even pricing has made it today’s tech giant.
Coming to the drainage tube height above the surface beneath it is similar to that of Bosch’s. That fluctuates between 31.5 to 39.4 inches.
How to Determine Drainage Pipe Height?
Drainage occurs via different possibilities, like a laundry basin, outlet line, and stand tube.
- Laundry Basin
Your washer may empty through its tub. The general recommendation is that your washer outlet tube be elevated 96 inches from the floor below to prevent retrograde wastewater flow. Additionally, the basin must be approximately 45 inches from the washer.
- Outlet Line (Drainage Line)
Though pricey, it is the most streamlined drainage part of your washer. Its distance from the machine bed fluctuates from 18 to 96 inches. As reiterated above, you should choose a length of at most 8 feet.
- Stand Tube (Stand Pipe)
This part of your washing machine makes a connecting line between the outlet pipe and the primary sewer system of your house. Since it ascertains to keep your home odorless by ensuring a seamless water flow from the washer, you should pay heed to its ideal length (39 to 96 inches) by installing it at the predetermined location. Well, its position relies on mainly two factors.
- The Distance from the Washing Machine
Enhancing the gap between the standpipe also extends the drainage line.
- The Length of the Outlet Hose
Increasing the height of the stand tube requires the hose to be prolonged.
What is P-Trap?
A P-trap is a component that restricts the backflow of foul gases from entering your drainage pipe from the sewer. Its typical ‘P’ shape gives it this name. However, you must only put it if your outlet pipe drains into the onsite sewage system or main sewer. Otherwise, no need.
But bear in mind not installing this component is illegal since United States law possesses UPC (Uniform Plumbing Code) guidelines in this matter. So, you better seek help from a pro.
Optimal Distance from the Floor Level
The desired distance is 6 to 18 inches. Now this is crucial for you to note because if it is less than 6 inches, it will lead to sewage backflow into the drainage line. And ultimately, your house water supply will be degraded.
In the same way, positioning it higher than 18 inches will make its maintenance difficult.
How P-Trap Evaluates Stand Pipe Height?
If your p-trap is 6 inches from the surface below, then the ideal location of your stand line must be 24 inches.
In other words, you must place a standpipe about 18 inches above the p-trap.
Why Should You Elevate Your Washer Drain Hose?
Elevation of your washer-draining hose essentially prevents a process of “siphoning.” There are two main reasons behind it.
- Too Low Drainage Hose
- Too Deeply Inserted Hose into the Drainage Pipe
This insertion optimally should be 5 and 7 inches into the outlet pipe for the top load and front washing machines in the respective manner.
Additionally, this rising of the hose reduces the occurrence of any hindrance, if any.
Tidbits
- Maximum Height of Washing Machine Drain
Not more than 8 feet, as it will lead to retrograde water flow
- Required Height of Washing Machine Drain
It ranges from 23 to 35 inches from the surface/floor level
- Primary Height of Washing Machine Drain
For top load and front load washer, it is 30 and 24 inches, respectively
- Height of Washing Machine Evacuated Water
Along the horizontal plane, it is 150 feet, and it should not be more than 8 feet in the vertical plane.
- Height of Washing Machine P-Trap
To prevent the reverse water flow from the sewer, it should be about 6 to 8 inches from the floor level.
Take Home Points
To make a long story short, the height of drainage pipes varies from model to model, but the detailed discussion above concludes that it should be 30 inches for the top load but 24 inches from floor level for the front load washer. Also, don’t exceed 8 feet until you have a water evacuation pump.
Did you digest what you just read above? Put your views in the comments.