Washing Machine Drain Plumbing (2023 Updated!)

Washing machine drain pipe height

Well, before you install your washing machine, you certainly need extensive knowledge about the washing machine drain pipe height.  

You really don’t want water and sewages getting siphoned back into the machine after using a wrong or inaccurate height of the drain pipe.  

Every aspect of the drain pipe is very important if you want your washer to work perfectly and intend to use it for a very long period of time. 

In a quick overview, the drain pump height of washing machine should be at least 24 inches and not be higher than 8 ft or 96 inches. It should be high enough to aid the sufficient passage of water waste.

Moreover, we’ll be highlighting a more detailed explanation on the drain pipe height for specific washing machine brands and other related information. 

What Is A Washing Machine Drain Pipe Height?

Generally, the accurate washing machine drain pipe height should be at least 60 to 90 cm from the bottom of the washer which is approximately 24 to 35 inches.

You just have to ensure that the distance from the base of the washing machine is not higher than 8 feet (96 inches).

This is the most accurately recommended height for most brands unless the washing machine is of a different type.

Without a doubt, this is where the top loader and front loader washing machine types come into play.

There are numerous factors that determines the height of a washing machine drain pipe and this includes the following below.

  1. The size or type of the washing machine.
  2. The model of the washing machine.
  3. The drainage system.
  4. The location or space of the washing machine.

The Type Of Washing Machine And Their Drain Pipe Height

Regarding the size and type of a washer, the top loader washing machine have a slightly different drain pipe height compared to the front loader washing machine. 

I’ll be highlighting the difference in the drain pipe height between these two washing machine types.

Top Load Washing Machine Drain Pump Height

For a Top Load washing machine, the drain pump height is a little bit higher than the other type.

Be aware that if you are installing a top loader washing machine, you will need a drain pump that has a minimum height of 30 inches from the bottom surface.

Top loader washing machine drain pipe height

Aside this being a minimum of 30″ high for top load washers, the drain pump height should not be more than 96 inches.

Front Load Washing Machine Drain Pump Height

A Front Load washer is slightly different from the latter as you know.

For this specific type of washing machine, it requires a much shorter drain pipe compared to top loaders.

The drain pump length should be a minimum of 24 inches directly from the bottom ground. At the same time, you really don’t want to make mistakes here.

You also should not exceed the maximum height of 96 inches just like the top load washing machine. This is approximately equal to 8 feet. 

This height should not be exceeded in order to ensure proper functionality unless you make use of a sump pump.

Kenmore Washing Machine Drain Pipe Height

  • A sump pump is constructed hole that is made below the floor of your laundry room or basement, depending on the location of your washing machine.
  • It is a device that moves water to the outside of your house.  

Different Washing Machine Brands And Their Recommended Drain Pipe Height

If you have a specific washing machine model, this particular section of the guideline will help you identity the recommended drain pipe height for your washer.

Washing Machine brands Drain Pipe Height
Whirlpool washer39 inches high
Kenmore washer35 to 47 inches high
LG washerAt least 24 inches 
Haier Washer From 31 to 39 inches
Bosch WasherFrom 32 to 39 inches
Ge WasherAt least  24 inches
Samsung Washer24 – 35 inches
Maytag Washer39 inches high

Whirlpool Washing Machine Drain Pipe Height

Regarding all whirlpool washing machines, you need to know that the height of the drain pipe must be at least 39 inches from the ground surface.

Anything lower than this might cause improper functioning of the washer or backflow.

You also need to ensure that the drain pipe is not longer than 96 inches.

Most times, this data is mentioned in the manual of some whirlpool models. You can simply check to see if you can find yours.

Kenmore Washing Machine Drain Pipe Height

For Kenmore washing machines, it is recommended that the drain hose height is from 35 to 47 inches which is approximately (80 to 120 cm) off the bottom of the floor. 

Ensure that you don’t install a drain pipe that is higher than 96 inches, that’s the maximum height of the pipe.

Front loader washer

The drain hose also should not be more than 152 cm or 60 inches away from the washing machine.

LG Washing Machine Drain Pipe Height

For someone like me that uses an LG washing machine, I ensured that the end of the drain hose isn’t higher than 96 inches off the ground.

The minimum drain pipe height for LG washing machines is approximately 29 inches.

However, make sure that the elbow bracket isn’t extended more than 4 inches from the end of the drain pipe.

You really don’t want to see molds spreading out inside your washing machine. 

Haier Washing Machine Drain Pipe Height

For haier washing machine, you are expected to install a drain pipe that has a height of 32 to 39 inches, which is estimated to be 80 – 100 cm.

That’s mainly the basics you need to know about haier washer drain pipe height.

White high stand pipe

Bosch Washing Machine Drain Pipe Height

Just like haier washing machines, bosch washers also have a similar drain pump height. 

You need to ensure that the drain hose height is specifically between 32 to 39 inches respectively. This is also the same as keeping the height at 80 to 100 cm.

Ge Washing Machine Drain Pipe Height

Regardless of the type of ge washing machine, you should not go past 96 inches as this is the maximum height of the washing machine drain hose.

For the front load washing machine, I’ve made mention of this earlier that you need at least 24 inches off the bottom of the washer.

Top load washing machine only needs a minimum of 30 inches drain pump for optimal performance.

Samsung Washing Machine Drain Pipe Height

For Samsung washers, it is recommended that you install a 24 – 35 inches drain pipe and make sure it doesn’t go more than 6 – 8 inches off the floor surface.

Maytag Washer Drain Hose Height

Maytag Washing Machine Drain Pipe Height

Generally, maytag washing machines should have a drain pipe of at least 39 inches high from the ground surface.

However, you should also not go higher than 96 inches (8 feet) unless you want to use a sump pump.

Washers Drain Pipe Height For Drainage Systems

The drainage options to be installed alongside the washing machine also determines the specific height of the drain pipe.

Here is a list of drainage options you might want to use and height of the drain pump you should consider irrespective of the washing machine manufacturer.

  • Standpipe drainage
  • The underground pipe
  • Laundry tub drainage
  • Slop sink drainage.

The Standpipe for Washing Machine Drainage

You know that standpipes connect a washing machine’s drain pipe to your house waste stack. So it’s generally a drainage option.

The standpipe height that is required for installing a washing machine is approximately 39 – 96 inches.

You need to ensure that the laundry standpipe is tall enough to go past the washing machine’s overflow line.

Haier washer drain hose

The Underground Pipe Washing Machine Drainage

This might actually be the best washing machine drainage option for you. It will be connected to the waste pipe and will run underground.

The underground pipe height that is required for installing a washing machine is approximately 18 to 96 inches from the base of the washer.

The Laundry Tub Washing Machine Drainage

The drain pipe height for a laundry tub washer drainage system requires the laundry tub not to be more than 45 inches away from the washing machine. 

The maximum height of the drain hose should  also be 96 inches or 8 feet from the ground.

A Slop Sink Or Utility Sink

The washing machine drain pipe should not be more than 96 inches from the bottom of the washer for a slop sink or utility sink drainage system.

Why Is Your Washing Machine Drain Pipe Height Important?

There are several reasons why you shouldn’t just consider using any height for your washing machine drain pump, and why it’s important you use the recommended hose height. 

  1. To help ensure that sewages don’t get siphoned back into the machine and make clothes unclean.
  1. To avoid toxic gas from flowing through the line and directly into the building.
  1. To ensure that a leaky valve is kept from emptying your whole washing machine.
  1. To prevent damages to the wall and floor of your basement or laundry room due to constant spilling of water.
  1. To avoid backflow and prevent water contamination, you need to use the accurate drain pump height.

Washing machine drain pipe size?

Generally for all washing machines, a minimum of 2-inch drain pipe is required for the trap and standpipe.

This size is capable of handling fast drainage of modern washing machines compared to the former size requirement.

Final Thoughts

In conclusion, remember that the washing machine drain pipe height is required to be at least 24 to 35 inches off the bottom of the washer which is approximately 60 to 90 cm. 

This is the standard height regardless of any specific brand or models. I hope this helps.

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