I’ll never forget the day my washing machine flooded my entire laundry room. I was minding my own business, waiting for the wash cycle to finish when suddenly—water started pouring out everywhere. It turned out the drain hose had cracked, and all that dirty water had nowhere to go except my floor.
That’s when I realized: Replacing a washing machine drain hose isn’t just about avoiding leaks—it’s about preventing a complete disaster.
If your drain hose is leaking, cracked, or clogged, don’t wait until it bursts. Replacing it is easier than you think, and I’ll walk you through it step by step. Let’s fix this before you need a mop!
Step 1: Get the Right Replacement Drain Hose
Before you start, make sure you have the right hose for your washing machine. Not all hoses are the same size!
How to Find the Right Hose:
🔹 Check your washing machine manual (if you still have it).
🔹 Look for the model number on the back of the washer and search online for a compatible hose.
🔹 Measure the diameter and length of the old hose—most are 1 to 1.25 inches wide and around 4 to 8 feet long.
🔹 If your hose connects to a standpipe, utility sink, or floor drain, make sure to get the right fitting.
💡 Pro Tip: If you want extra durability, get a reinforced drain hose—it’ll last longer and resist kinks better than a standard hose.
Step 2: Gather Your Tools (You Won’t Need Many!)
✔️ A bucket (to catch any leftover water)
✔️ Pliers (to loosen hose clamps)
✔️ A towel or rag (because spills happen)
✔️ Zip ties or hose clamps (to secure the new hose)
💡 Pro Tip: If you’re replacing the hose because of a clog, you might also need a drain snake or vinegar + baking soda to clear out any built-up gunk.
Step 3: Unplug & Turn Off the Water (Safety First!)
⚠️ Important: Before touching anything, unplug the washing machine. You don’t want to be dealing with water and electricity at the same time!
1️⃣ Unplug the washer from the wall.
2️⃣ Turn off the water supply—you don’t need water for this repair, so let’s avoid accidental sprays.
3️⃣ Pull the washer away from the wall—you’ll need space to access the back.
💡 Pro Tip: Washing machines are heavy! If you’re working alone, slide an old towel or furniture sliders underneath to help move it more easily.
Step 4: Remove the Old Drain Hose
Now for the fun part—taking out the old, leaky, or clogged hose.
How to Remove It:
1️⃣ Find the drain hose—it’s the flexible tube connected to the back of the washer.
2️⃣ Follow it to the drain pipe, utility sink, or floor drain.
3️⃣ Detach the hose from the drain first. (Some hoses are just placed inside a standpipe; others are clamped to a sink or wall.)
4️⃣ Loosen the clamp (if there is one) where the hose connects to the washer.
5️⃣ Gently pull the hose off the washer’s drain outlet.
🚨 Warning: Some water may still be inside the hose! Hold a bucket underneath to catch any leftover water.
💡 Pro Tip: If the old hose is stuck, wiggle it back and forth gently while pulling—forcing it could break the plastic fitting on the washer.
✅ Hose removed? Great! Now let’s put in the new one.
Step 5: Install the New Drain Hose
Now that the old hose is out, it’s time to install the new one.
How to Attach It:
1️⃣ Connect one end of the new hose to the washer’s drain outlet.
2️⃣ Push it on securely and tighten it with a hose clamp or zip tie.
3️⃣ Run the other end to the drain location (standpipe, sink, or floor drain).
4️⃣ Secure it in place—most hoses come with a U-shaped hook to keep it from slipping out.
💡 Pro Tip: Don’t shove the hose too far into the drain pipe! It should be inserted about 6-8 inches deep to prevent siphoning (which can cause the washer to drain improperly).
Step 6: Check for Kinks & Secure the Hose
Before you push the washer back into place, check that the drain hose is positioned correctly.
🔹 Make sure there are no kinks or bends in the hose—this can cause water to back up.
🔹 Keep the hose elevated if required (some washers need the hose at a certain height to drain properly).
🔹 Secure it with zip ties if needed—especially if your hose connects to a sink or wall drain.
💡 Pro Tip: Most washing machines require the drain hose to be at least 30 inches off the ground but no higher than 96 inches—check your manual for the ideal height!
Step 7: Test for Leaks & Put Everything Back
Almost done! Let’s make sure there are no leaks before we call it a day.
1️⃣ Plug the washer back in.
2️⃣ Run a short rinse or spin cycle.
3️⃣ Watch the drain hose as water flows through it.
4️⃣ Check all connections—if you see any leaks, tighten the hose clamp.
💡 Pro Tip: Place a dry towel under the hose connection and check for dampness after the cycle—if it’s dry, you’re good to go!
✅ Everything looks good? Push the washer back into place and pat yourself on the back—you just replaced your drain hose like a pro! 🎉
A damaged or clogged drain hose can turn your laundry room into a mini swimming pool, but now you know exactly how to fix it!
✔️ Find the right replacement hose for your washer.
✔️ Unplug the washer and turn off the water.
✔️ Remove the old hose carefully (watch for leftover water!).
✔️ Install the new hose and secure it properly.
✔️ Test for leaks before finishing up.
By following these steps, you saved yourself from a costly repair bill—and possibly a huge mess. Now go enjoy laundry without the fear of leaks! 🛠️🚀
