How to Repair a Leaking Washing Machine Drain Hose
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2 hours
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Intermediate
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There is really no such thing as a little leak, because any leak can create severe water damage and they all have a way of draining your bank account. Knowing how to repair a leaking washing machine drain hose is something you will need to do at some point and the longer you wait to fix it, the worse it's going to be.
Water leaks create the opportunity for water damage, which can cost you as a homeowner. If one of the problems in your home is a washing machine leaking from a drain hose, this is easily repaired or replaced.
Why Water Is Your Enemy
It's a well-known fact of life that plumbing problems are going to cost you money. Plumbers are expensive and if you DIY repairs, mistakes are going to cost you money.
It's tempting to put off seemingly "little" projects like a washer machine drain hose leaking, but you shouldn't. This is a problem that can cause damage, which means this is a project that should be done as soon as you notice the leak.
Standing water from a leak can lead to mold, attract mosquitos, and become a safety hazard for people and pets in the house.
Causes of Leaking
Wondering why is my washing machine drain hose leaking? There are many potential causes of washing machine hose leaking.
The problem could be from drain pipe damage, a door not closing properly, a blocked drain, a leaking detergent drawer, a tear in the cuff, drain filter leaks, and a leak in the washing machine itself, just for starters.
With a water drain hose, leaks occur when the connection between it and the machine or it and the drain or wall is disconnected. Your machine vibrates while in use which can, over time, cause the hose to loosen.
There are other issues that can cause leaking around the washing machine that may not be coming from the hose. Check these problems to see if perhaps you're having one of these issues, rather than the slightly more complicated problem of a leaking washing machine drain hose.
If your washing machine door is not closing properly, you will notice water pooling around your washing machine. Check to make sure there isn't something stuck near the door itself, like a loose button. If this is the issue, simply remove it and close the door.
If your detergent drawer is leaking, some debris or leftover detergent has likely gathered in the area. Simply clean it out and the machine should stop leaking.
If the leaking is not coming from one of these problems, it is likely coming from the hose.
Location of the Drain Hose
Before you start the washer drain hose repair, it is important to know where the drain hose is. The washing machine drain hose is usually on the back of the washer.
Where is the drain hose on a washing machine?
There should also be two additional hoses along the back of the machine. One hose is for hot water and one is for cold water.
All of those hoses are incredibly important components of your washing machine and all need to be working properly and fully secured to the machine at one end and the drain or wall at the other.
The hot water hose is generally red, while the cold water hose is usually blue. These hoses bring clean water into your machine to wash your clothes with.
The drain hose, meanwhile, carries dirty water that was used in the cleaning process out of the machine. You definitely want this used water to be drained away because you only want clean water to wash your clothes with.
How to Repair a Leaking Washing Machine Drain Hose
Once you've traced the leak to the drain hose or you have reason to believe this is leaking, it's time to do some DIY repair that will get the problem fixed and get rid of the excess moisture you don't want to see in your home.
Prep
Move the washing machine away from the wall so you have room to get behind it and work. Do this carefully, as you don't want to dislodge any other hoses or electrical or gas connections while you are doing this.
You might need to get some help to remove the washing machine drain hose from its position but once this is managed, you should be able to do most of the rest of the project by yourself.
Before you begin the repair, make sure the water and electricity supply lines are turned off at the mains in your home before you start the project. Alert anyone else in the household that this is happening and do not skip this step under any means because safety is the most important step of all.
Remove the Hose From the Drain
You will have to take the hose off of the drain. Have an assistant hold the top of the hose while you go below the drain and unscrew it from the bottom.
Remove it carefully and leave one hand free, so that you can catch the washers in case they fall through the hole. They're incredibly hard to get to if they fall so rather than figuring out how to get them out, just make sure you don't drop them in the first place.
Once the hose is off, toss the washers and replace them with new ones. They only cost a few cents each, so even if they are not the cause of the leak, it is worth replacing them while the hose is loose.
Check the Drain
If the drain is clogged, you'll need to clean it out. A clog in your drain hose can cause leaking.
One way to tell if the drain hose is clogged is by pouring water into it to see if backs up. Another way is to blow air through the drain, which will also indicate if the hose has been clogged.
If the drain hose is clogged, you can usually clear it with a plumbing auger. Use it the way you would on any other clog.
Some home improvement stores will also allow you to rent this device for a day or even a half-day rather than purchasing one, if you don't already own one.
Remove the Hose From the Machine
Figuring out how to remove drain hose from washing machine might seem daunting at first, but this isn't as big a task as it first seems. Simply use a wrench to remove the bolt that secures the hose to the machine and carefully remove it.
Water might come out of the machine or hose when it is removed, so you might want to have something to catch the water and a couple of towels handy while you are doing this. Since all the electricity in the house is turned off, you are not in danger.
Visually examine the hose to see if you can spot any rips or damage. If there's a tear in the cuff of the hose, you will need to contact the maker of your washing machine to get the piece replaced because you cannot easily find these at home improvement stores.
Test and Seal the Drain Hose
Test the hose for leaks if you can't visually see any.
Fill a large bowl with soapy water and push the hose through it in segments. At each point, squeeze the hose and check for signs of bubbles forming on the hose.
If you find any leaks, fix them using plumber's tape. This will only create a temporary fix, however, enough to get you through a few more washes.
You should instead replace the hose with a brand new one, which you can purchase online or in a home improvement store.
Install the New Drain Hose
How do you fix a broken washing machine drain hose? Replace the drain hose if you found any leaks or damage on the hose.
Washing machine drain hose installation is a DIY you can perform alone but it is usually better if you can get help.
Have a helper hold the hose over the washers and the drain hole while you screw it in from below. You can possibly do this alone but it can be a bit frustrating, so be read to work carefully and patiently in this situation.
Once this has been done, you can re-attach the other end of the hose to the washing machine. Simply re-secure the hose and tighten the bolt.
Test
It is now time to turn on the power and water supply lines back on and run the washing machine to check that the hose is no longer leaking. Let the washer go through a full cycle to properly test it.
Other Options
Do you always have to fully replace a leaking washing machine drain hose? Well...maybe not.
Can You Patch a Washing Machine Drain Hose?
If you notice a hole in your washing machine drain hose, you may be wondering if you can simply patch it up rather than purchase a new one. While it's possible, most experts recommend repairing it only as a temporary measure.
However, yes. This can certainly be done and sometimes, the whole point of DIY is making things last a little longer and stretching time a bit.
Can you patch a washing machine drain hose? Yes, of course you can but this repair isn't likely to last very long so eventually, you'll need to replace the hose anyway.
Washing Machine Hose Repair Kits
Washing machine drain hose repair kits are an easy way to get started on your repairs. They can be purchased at home improvement stores or online and don't generally cost very much.
These kits have everything you need to fix a couple of leaks on a washing machine drain hose, but you will need to have your own basic tools on hand as well. If you have basic hand tools, you should have no trouble with it.
Repair a Leaking Washing Machine Drain Hose
A leaking washing machine drain hose can create a whole lot of water but this is not a difficult repair to DIY. Once you know what to look for and what to do, you can fix most hose problems fairly quickly and affordably.
Get your washing machine draining properly again so you don't have any water hazards in your home and get everything flowing smoothly.
Washing Machine Drain Hose FAQs
Why is my washing machine hose leaking from the bottom?
If you're seeing a washing machine hose leaking from the bottom, there's a good chance the drain hose itself is loose or punctured or otherwise damaged. This is usually a good indication that your hose is leaking, so you should pull the washing machine out and test the hose before you run any more clothes through the machine.
How do you fix a small hole in a washing machine drain hose?
Small holes, known as pinhole leaks, can be fixed with plumber's tape. Wrap the hose multiple times so there a few layers of protection.
It's better to replace the hose if there are any leaks present, but small pinhole leaks can be patched with tape wrapped right around the hose. This will hole for a little while but the hose will need to be replaced in time.
How do you splice a washing machine drain hose?
If you want to join two washing machine drain hoses together, you can achieve this with a hose fitting. Place plumber's putty all around each hose end, place both ends inside the fitting and secure the fitting.
Cover this fitting with plumber's tape. The tape and the putting will waterproof this connection so there is no leaking.
However, you will still want to check this connection after using the washing machine to make sure no water is leaking out of it.
Should washer drain hose be sealed?
No, the washing machine drain hose not only doesn't need to be sealed but you should not seal it. Any plumber can tell you that drains require ventilation.
This means you need air for the drain to work properly, so don't seal the drain hose.
Why is my drain hose leaking?
Leaks on washing machine drain hoses can be caused by all kinds of problems but often, leaks are due to small rips and tears in the hose itself or an unstable connection between the drain hose and the drain.
Are washing machine drain hoses a standard size?
Every state has its own plumbing codes that require drain hoses to be of a certain size and these codes do vary. However, washing machine drain hoses should typically be a minimum of 1 1/2 inches in diameter and they are often sized to be 2 inches in diameter.
How do I stop my washing machine connector from leaking?
If you're noticing leaks around the hose connection, this is often an indication that your washers have worn out. Replacing washers should fix this issue.
How do you fix a hole in rubber tubing?
Small holes in drain hoses can be taped with plumber's tape. Large holes can be fixed with repair kits.
How to replace a drain hose on the bottom of the washing machine?
If the drain hose is on the bottom of the washing machine, you will need someone to help you remove the hose from the machine in order to complete any DIY repairs. You do not want the washing machine to fall on any part of your body, so it is best to have two helpers who can securely hold the washing machine while you remove the hose and then gently set it back down.
Are washing machine drain hoses universal?
Washington machine drain hoses are definitely quite similar, as are the fittings used to secure them in place. However, different manufacturers have their own different styles and materials.
Drain hoses will vary in color, size, length, and overall look and design, but only slightly. For the most part, they are all very similar and they all perform the exact same function.
How do you put a clamp on a washing machine drain hose?
You can install a clamp on a washing machine drain hose if needed. First, wrap a plastic tie around the hose right below the spot where you want to install the clamp.
Place the clamp on the hose above the tie.
Can you put an extension on a washing machine drain hose?
You can add another hose to your existing washing machine drain hose. Secure the new hose to the hold with a fitting, plumber's putty, and plumber's tape to create a waterproof connection.
However, it might be easier to simply purchase a longer washing machine drain hose and install this new hose.
Do washer hoses need plumbers tape?
Do you use plumbers tape on washer hoses? Plumber's tape can be enough to fix pinhole leaks on washing machine drain lines, as long as it is wrapped around the hose multiple times.
Can you patch a washing machine hose?
A DIY washing machine hose repair kit can be used to patch holes in washing machine hose drain lines but this fix probably won't last long before you get more problems with leaking. Plan on changing out the hose for a new one in the near future before you experience more problems.
How tight should a washing machine drain hose be?
The washing machine drain hoses should be quite solidly secured to the back of the machine in a very tight, waterproof seal.
If you need to know how to seal a washing machine drain hose, the answer is to use a secure fitting and plumber's tape. This is the way the professionals do it.
How do you fix a leaking drain line?
Washing machine hose leaking? It can be patched or repaired when you need a quick fix but you will ultimately need to replace the entire hose if there are any leaks on it.
You can learn how to fix leaking washer drain hose or perform a quick patch job for washing machine drain hose repair, but you will want to replace the entire hose eventually.
How do you stop a hose attachment from leaking?
If you have a washer drain hose leaking, unattach the hose at both ends and replace the washers before re-connecting the line. This will often fix leaking issues around the connections.
Is it normal for a drain tube to leak?
Drain hoses will eventually leak over time if they are used long enough. Over time, things wear out and wear down and leaks eventually develop.
While it's perfectly normal for drain hoses to leak, you do need to fix this problem with some DIY washer drain hose repair once you notice you have a leak.
What is the difference between red and blue washing machine hoses?
Red and blue hoses at the back of the water heater usually indicate the hot and cold water that is being pumped into the machine, water that is used to wash your clothes. Red tubes are used to indicate hot water and blue tubes are used for the cold water.
Does a washing machine drain need to be vented?
All drains need ventilation or they will not work properly, including the drain for your washing machine.
How do I know if my washing machine drain hose is clogged?
Go directly to the washing machine drain and pour water into it. If the water drains away smoothly and quickly, then you likely do not have a clog.
If the drainage is slow or nonexistent, you have a clog. You can also blow air in the drain or visually inspect it in order to test for a clog.
Further Reading
Clean Up Common Washing Machine Problems
Clear a Clogged Washing Machine Drain
Clogged Drain: A DIY Alternative to Drain Snakes
Fix a Clogged Drain and Save the Environment
How to Replace a Washing Machine Shut-off Valve
