Installing things like washing machines can be a huge hassle, especially when you’re not quite sure where you want everything to fit. After all, it’s not quite like placing a couch where you can simply move it where you want it. There are considerations you have to make… such where you want the machine to drain to.
And during these times, you may wonder “How far away can a washing machine be from the drain?” And luckily, we have the answer for you today as well as some other information on all things washing machines and drainage!
How Far Away Can A Washing Machine Be From The Drain?
The standard length for a washing machine drainage hose is 6 feet long, so this is the suggested maximum distance that you should have between your washer and the drain. However,! If you could find a way to extend the hose then you could probably have a distance of 8 to 10 feet before you experience issues with your drainage.
Can You Extend The Drain Hose On A Washing Machine?
Technically, you can extend the drain hose on a washing machine. The extension could go all the way up to 100 feet long, and even longer if you’re willing to use a garden hose in the process. But it doesn’t come without problems. Generally speaking, it’s a bad idea to extend the drain hose because of several reasons.
The water flow coming from a washing machine can be intense, and an extended hose may not be able to handle all that pressure. Meaning that it could potentially bust and flood your home.
Additionally, the water may not be able to flow all the way down the extended pipe because the farther it travels, the more the pressure drops.
And finally, the more length there is to a hose, the more likely it is to form kinks and other issues that would also restrict the water flow.
But honestly, since water flow is such an important aspect of this issue it deserves its own section…
How Far Can A Washing Machine Push Water?
The answer to this question partially depends on if you mean in a horizontal or vertical sense. A washing machine can push water a lot farther horizontally than it can straight up. And of course, gravity will always pull water downwards so water could be pushed infinitely in that direction.
For the sake of this article and the fact that we’re talking about extending the drainage pipe, which would lengthen it horizontally and not vertically, we’re going to answer the question in that context.
And the answer is that after about 8 to 10 feet, the water would start to lose pressure and may stop moving in the hose. This means the water would build up, and never make it to the drainage hole.
How Can You Extend The Drain Hose On A Washing Machine Safely?
If you do decide to extend your washing machine’s drain hose anyway, then you need to take some precautions in order to make sure the water will still flow safely and properly. Because the last thing you want is one of the instances mentioned above coming true.
First of all, you need to choose the right hose to extend the drainage hose with. Your best option would probably be a heavy-duty rubber hose. Especially if it was designed for washing machines because this would mean that it’s guaranteed to handle the water flow. Although, extension hoses formed for washing machines can be quite hard to find.
As far as the water flow, one of the only things you can do is angle the extended hose downwards so that gravity will help pull it along. But as long as the extension doesn’t make the hose go over the limit we just mentioned then you should be fine.
Can You Extend A Washing Machine With A Garden Hose?
Since garden hoses are so cheap, it might seem like a good idea to use one or more to extend your washing machine drainage hose. But it really isn’t, and there are lots of things that could go wrong with this plan.
Garden hoses aren’t the most durable, and the intense water pressure coming from a washing machine could easily cause it to burst open. Plus, some garden hoses actually have toxins and chemicals that you probably don’t want to have in your home.
And depending on your specific washing machine’s warranty, using a garden hose to extend your drainage hose could actually void it. Then you’d have no coverage for repairs if the extension went badly.
In short, if you’re wondering “how far away can a washing machine be from the drain” then the answer is… about 8 to 10 feet. But if you can simply use the drainage hose you’re given and make the most of your 6 feet, then it’s honestly best. Because at the end of the day, that’s how the drainage system of your washer was supposed to work.
If you do need to extend the hose for some reason though, then take into account everything we talked about today and apply the tips we gave you so that everything can run as smoothly as possible. And of course, always feel free to contact a professional if you need help with your plumbing.
