If you’re doing laundry every other day, draining your washing machine after each cycle can easily become a chore.
You might even be tempted to skip the draining step altogether, but doing so can cause your washer to malfunction and leave you with a flood of water and dirty laundry on your hands.
Fortunately, it’s easy to prevent this issue by connecting your washing machine waste pipe to a sink drain instead. The following guide will walk you through the process of connecting your washing machine waste pipe to a sink drain.
Why Should You Opt For A Drain Pipe?
The main reason to opt for a drain pipe is convenience. If you’re washing clothes regularly and don’t want to be bothered with draining your washing machine after each cycle, connecting the two pipes is a great option.
It’s also important to note that using a sink drain will prevent clogs from forming in your washer or sink, which can lead to expensive repairs or even flooding if left unchecked.
Perhaps, you are living in an apartment or can’t afford the high costs of having a dedicated space for draining your washer.
If any of the above is the case, using a drain pipe is your best option. You’ll still have access to a convenient drain without worrying about pipes clogging or leaking.
Different Ways Of Connecting Waste Pipe
1. Hooked Over The Sink
You can connect your waste pipe to the sink using a hook. This is an excellent option for those who want to save money but don’t have access to the plumbing in their home. If you are doing this, it’s essential to ensure no leaks or clogs between your sink and drain pipe.
While this is convenient, it’s not a good idea to let items fall into or sit in the sink. For example: if a dishcloth fell in or you left an empty bowl sitting there, the drain might get blocked.
This could cause a backup in yourplumbing system, which can be dangerous. If you’re going to use this method, make sure that you check the sink regularly to ensure it is free of any items that might get in the way.
To prevent backup, allow a sizable gap between the draining pipe and the sink.
2. Drain Hose
A more convenient approach would be to utilize a fixture called u-bend.
Instead of spending a couple of hundred bucks to reroute pipes, installing a u-bend is cheaper and more accessible.
A spigot is used to push the drain hose, and later it is screwed onto the u-bend.
How to Extend Washing Machine Waste Pipe?
Step 1: Purchase The Right Extension Kit
A good quality extension kit will give you the flexibility to install your washing machine in a new location.
It’s crucial that the waste pipe is not too long or too short, as this can cause leaks and overflow. The best thing to do is measure the distance from where you will put your machine up against a wall back to where it will drain into an existing u-bend or sink trap.
Manufacturers produce extension kits for washing machine drain hoses that are compatible with the machines.
If you’re not able to find a washing machine parts kit designed specifically for your appliance, consider using a universal extension kit for drain hoses.
Most universal kits include connectors with an 18mm and a 22mm end. If the inside diameter of your washer’s drain hose is smaller than either size, you will need to find thinner tubing or use duct tape to extend the drains beyond their average reach.
Buy an extra connector and hose from a utility store if you need a size other than the one available.
The typical extension of hoses lies between 1.5 to 3 meters long. If you need a more extended line, it’s best to move the drain (so you can use existing plumbing) rather than try to extend the hose itself.
Step 2: Shut Off The Water And Electricity
When using an appliance, it is essential to exercise caution. You can disconnect the appliance from its power source. If you cannot reach the plug, shut off electricity to your home at the main breaker or fuse box.
Locate the valve near one of your home’s primary water sources—the washer, a sink or tub, or basement pipes to turn off the water supply. If there’s water in the appliance, you can use a towel or other materials to soak up the water.
Step 3: Extend Your Machine’s Waste Pipe
Waste pipe extension kits are made to include all tools needed for the job, including a connector and Jubilee clip.
The connector fits easily inside the washer and extension hose and does not require any clips to stay in place. However, you may add additional fasteners if you’re concerned about leaks.
The hose connection can quickly be tightened by locating a washing machine hose and sliding a clip. Use a flathead screwdriver to turn the clip until it is secure.
Repeat the process to attach another extension hose in line with the first.
Step 4: Establish A Secure Connection Between Waste Pipe And Drain
In most homes, washing machines are installed in kitchens or utility rooms and drain into the sink or standpipe. To prevent backflow and siphonage, the hose should be connected at the correct height to fit your drain.
The height of the hose bracket should be between 40 and 100 centimeters. You should check your appliance’s specifications before purchasing a new one or installing this accessory.
To ensure a proper fit, insert the hose through the bracket before fastening it to your wall.
Slide a Jubilee clamp onto the end of your hose and press it on until you feel the spigot push in all the way. Tighten down with a screwdriver for extra security.
If you have a standpipe, insert the hose no more than 15 centimeters into it. Pushing the hose farther in can cause siphonage to occur.
You don’t need to connect the hose directly to your standpipe, but you can secure it with a plumber’s tape if needed.
Step 5: Test Run
Run the shortest cycle on an empty load.
Check your washing machine throughout the cycle to ensure no leaks occur, and that water isn’t creeping back into it. If you have a leak, tighten the spigot or Jubilee clamp. If your hose leaks at its connection to the standpipe, tighten it with a screwdriver.
Why Is My Washing Machine Pumping Water Into The Sink?
If you’re not familiar with the workings of a washing machine, seeing water drain into the sink instead of into an outside pipe can be alarming.
When this happens, try to find the root of the problem.
Usually, water is discharged in the sink for one or more of the following reasons:
1. Blocked Drainage Pipe
If the washing machine and utility sink are connected by a common drain pipe, you may experience clogs that prevent either appliance from working properly.
Because items such as clothing and dishes are washed in the utility sink, debris can accumulate inside its drainpipe over time.
You can usually identify where the clog is by examining two areas of your drainpipe:
- If you see water backing up from your washing machine drain, that is a sign of a clog in the utility sink’s line.
- The water in the lowest fixtures is rising. The obstruction is in the drainpipe immediately after the connection between the sink and washing machine.
If you find that your drains are clogged, you may be able to clear the blockage by using a plunger.
2. Venting Problems
Air is needed in drains to ensure a smooth flow, and vents are responsible for it. If there is a problem with this system, it can cause plumbing problems like blockages and backups.
The most obvious way to identify a problem with the vents is by listening for gurgling sounds in the drain pipes when water drains. These could be signs of issues with vent pipes.
If you have installed the wrong size vent, it will fail to supply adequate air pressure. If you have a problem with the vent, it is probably best to contact a professional plumber so that they can diagnose the issue and repair it.
3. Drainage Problems
If you see water backing up in the sink when the washing machine is draining, your drain may have a problem. A standard washer fills drains with 15 gallons of water per load.
To drain water properly, a pipe connecting your washing machine and the sewage system must be at least 1-1/2 inches in diameter. Many building codes require you to use pipes that are 2 inches or larger.
Final Thoughts
Just like the dishwasher, a washing machine’s drain pipe can easily be modified to drain into the sink.
If you’re planning to do this, make sure you consider all the above factors. If unsure, ask a professional plumber.
Now that you have heard our suggested way of installing a washing machine’s drain pipe, we would love to hear yours in the comments below!