The Size of a Washing Machine Drain

Front load washer Washing machines need to be hooked up to drains in order to change out the wash water between loads. The size and setup of washing machine drains is regulated by the Universal Plumbing Code. This code was setup to harmonize plumbing installations and ensure that the plumbing requirements around the United States met certain universal requirements.

During operation, a washing machine mixes the water and soap in the wash tub. In top-loading models, an agitator then spins the clothes around in the wash to help expose all the surfaces to the water and soap mixture. In a front-loading machine, the wash tub itself spins and provides the agitation. After the wash cycle, the dirty water inside is pumped out into the sewer system through the washing machine drain hose and into the washing machine drain.

The standard for new washing machine drain sizes, according to the Universal Plumbing Code, is now 2 inches. The pipe should be between 18 and 30 inches high from the floor, while the P-trap should be between 6 and 18 inches from the floor. These standpipes connect into the home sewage system. They should also be vented according to the Universal Plumbing Code or the local codes in your area.

The drain hose for most washing machines is usually between 1 and 1 1/2 inches wide. A gooseneck at the end slips into the top of the drain standpipe. The drain hose is secured inside the drain pipe by means of a hose clamp, tie or some other securing fixture. The hose should not be looped or kinked behind the machine, or it could cause the washer to back up and possibly overflow.

Occasionally, washing machine drains can back up with lint or other debris picked up from the washer. To clear a drain, unplug the washer and move it away from the drainpipe. Unclip the drain hose and set it aside. Insert a plumber's snake into the drain opening and push it through the standpipe until you feel it meet resistance. Twist the snake back and forth until it breaks through the clog.

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Washing Machine Hook Up Is Leaking at the Knob

 Repair a washing machine that leaks at the hook-up valve. The next time you suspect that your washing machine might be leaking, take a good look at the machine, but also take time to take a look at the hookups behind the machine as well. These hookups connect the washing machine's water hoses to the water supply of your house or apartment. A washing machine hookup that is leaking at the knob might start out as just a small leak, but it can soon turn into a big headache unless it's taken care of quickly.

The water supply valves are installed so you can work on the washing machine without having to shut off the water supply for the entire house. However, if you are experiencing problems with your washing machine hookup leaking from the knob, you'll need to turn off the entire water supply for your house so you can examine the problem. The main water supply shut-off valve is usually located between your house and the street, most likely buried in the front or side yard.

To be able to examine the washing machine hookup, you'll need to be able to access it. This means detaching the washing machine hoses. The hoses connect to the hookups by means of a coupling at the end of the hose. Take a pair of pliers and grasp the coupling firmly. Turn counterclockwise until the coupling begins to turn. Continue turning, and then pull the hose off the hookup.

To service or replace the hookup valves, you'll have to remove them from the water supply lines. These valves look similar to the water supply valve used for hooking up gardening hoses and other implements on the exterior of your house. To remove the valve, take a wrench and tighten it around the hexagonal base of the valve. Turn counterclockwise until the valve begins to unscrew from the water supply pipe. A liberal spray of penetrating lubricant will help stubborn hook-up valves loosen.

It's possible to repair a washing machine hookup that leaks at the handle, but, because these valves are inexpensive and simple to install, it's much easier simply to replace the entire valve. Once the old valve has been removed, clean off the supply pipe threads with a piece of steel wool. Wrap the threads with plumber's tape. Screw the new hook-up valve onto the threads and tighten it with a wrench.

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