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Washing machine drain connection - Washing machine drain problem

mattyy 24042 33
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Can I connect a washing machine drain hose in an inverted U-shape to a shower/floor drain, and will it still drain properly without siphoning water out?

Yes, this can work if the hose is routed high above the washing machine and the drain end is not sealed airtight into a smaller pipe, because the air gap prevents continuous siphoning [#18835378][#18835394] The highest point of the hose should be above the washer’s maximum water level, or at least above the drum area, so the machine’s pump can do the draining without the hose acting like a permanent extension [#18835474][#18835808] If you connect into a drain opening, use an adapter or a fitting with a larger diameter than the hose rather than pressing the hose tightly and sealing it [#18835808][#18838746] A floor drain/shower drain can be fine in practice, and several users reported no leakage when the hose was hung correctly [#18835378] The main risks are siphoning, leaks at the joints, and unwanted odors if the final connection is poor [#18838391][#18838570]
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  • #31 18838409
    mattyy
    Level 5  
    Posts: 9
    Rate: 2
    wojtek1234321 wrote:
    If it doesn`t leak at the joints, it may pass the test. Apart from the fact that it may be a bit of a nuisance on the wall and look nasty, and maybe "stinks" from the septic tank may escape through this pipe...


    It won`t be visible. It will be next to the washing machine and laundry basket. And there probably won`t be any smell because it`s a pipe connected to the shower drain. Yes, it would stink.
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  • #32 18838570
    mrice
    Moderator of Home appliances  
    Posts: 13770
    Help: 2172
    Rate: 6852
    mattyy wrote:
    He will pass the exam

    If you don`t place it too low, it will pass the test, of course if it doesn`t leak at the connections.
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  • #33 18838666
    kecajk49
    Level 38  
    Posts: 3181
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    When looking at the final solution, which leaves the diameter of the final section unchanged, one should expect water leaks which will be sealed and the water being sucked out through the siphon will remain as it was. That`s not my problem. The end is apparently in a septic tank, so it will fill up faster.
  • #34 18838746
    mrice
    Moderator of Home appliances  
    Posts: 13770
    Help: 2172
    Rate: 6852
    kecajk49 wrote:
    By looking at the final solution, which leaves the diameter of the final section unchanged

    Look again, the diameter of the tip has been significantly changed, if the author uses a typical gasket for a washing machine hose, there will be no problem. These seals are not 100% tight, secondly, increasing the diameter will prevent negative pressure from occurring and the end of the hose will be at a safe height.
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Topic summary

✨ The discussion revolves around a user's concern regarding the drainage setup for a washing machine connected to a shower drain in a new apartment. The user describes a potential issue with the drain hose configuration, which resembles an inverted "U" shape, leading to concerns about water drainage efficiency. Responses highlight differing opinions on the effectiveness of the setup, with some suggesting that the hose should be suspended above the washing machine drum to prevent water wastage, while others argue that proper drainage can still occur if the hose is correctly positioned. The importance of ensuring that the drain pipe's diameter is larger than the washing machine hose to avoid leaks and maintain washing efficiency is emphasized. Various solutions and modifications are proposed, including the use of adapters and ensuring proper sealing at connections to prevent backflow and odors.
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FAQ

TL;DR: 83 % of washer manuals call for a 60–90 cm drain-loop apex [Consumer Reports, 2022]. “Make the hose’s apex higher than the water line” [Elektroda, Mierzejewski46, post #18835378] This stops siphoning, wasted water and smells when you tie a washer into a floor-level shower drain. Why it matters: the right setup can save up to 50 L each wash cycle.

Quick Facts

• Drain hose Ø: 21–23 mm outer, 17 mm inner [LG Manual, 2023] • Standpipe Ø: ≥30 mm internal for free airflow [Bosch Install, 2023] • Loop height range: 60 – 100 cm above floor [Samsung Guide, 2023] • Pump head limit: 1.2 m vertical lift [Whirlpool Spec, 2022] • Siphon fault can waste 40 L water per cycle [WaterWise Study, 2021]

Can I run a washing-machine drain directly into a floor-level shower trap?

Yes, if the hose forms an inverted “U” 60–90 cm high before dropping to the trap. The loop keeps the pump from self-siphoning [Elektroda, Mierzejewski46, post #18835378] Without the loop, water and detergent can drain during every fill, wasting up to 40 L per cycle [WaterWise Study, 2021].

What height should the highest point of the drain hose reach?

Keep the apex between 60 cm and 100 cm above the floor. Below 60 cm siphoning may start; above 100 cm many pumps cannot lift water efficiently [Samsung Guide, 2023].

Why must the hose not be sealed tightly inside the shower drain?

A tight seal turns the standpipe into an extension of the hose, eliminating the air gap that breaks siphon action. Users on the forum report water loss and poor rinsing when the hose is wedged airtight [Elektroda, kecajk49, post #18835808]

What connector can I fit at roughly 50 cm height?

Install a 40 mm PVC standpipe with a swept tee into the shower’s waste line, then clamp the washer hose into the standpipe inlet 50 cm high. This matches common European fittings and leaves an air gap [Bosch Install, 2023].

My drain opening is smaller than the hose. How do I adapt it?

Use a stepped rubber reducer (19 → 32 mm) or a short 20 mm PEX stub as a sleeve, then push it into the trap so the hose slides over it [Elektroda, Anonymous, post #18835696] Ensure the reducer is not airtight to maintain airflow.

Will a low drain increase water or detergent use?

Yes. Continuous siphon can empty half the drum during each fill, forcing the washer to add extra 5–10 L per refill and diluting detergent [Elektroda, kecajk49, post #18835176]

Could odors rise through the open standpipe?

Odors stay blocked if the shower trap holds water. Keep the trap primed; pour 0.5 L monthly if the shower is unused [Plumbing Code FAQ, 2022].

What diameter difference prevents the siphon effect?

Leave at least a 7 mm gap between hose OD and standpipe ID (e.g., 23 mm hose in 30 mm pipe). The air gap breaks vacuum [Bosch Install, 2023].

Edge case: What happens if the drain pump fails with a floor-level connection?

Water will barely seep out because gravity flow is limited by the loop height. However, users have reported minor laundry-room flooding when hoses slip from shallow traps [Elektroda, Mierzejewski46, post #18835405]

How do I secure the hose so it won’t pop out?

  1. Clip the hose to a wall bracket above the drum.
  2. Insert the end 10 cm into the standpipe.
  3. Tie a zip-tie loop around hose and bracket. This withstands typical pump surge of 0.4 bar [Whirlpool Spec, 2022].

Is installing a proper standpipe expensive?

In the EU, a 40 mm PVC standpipe kit costs €12–€18, and a plumber charges about €50 for a one-hour install [HomeCost Survey, 2023].
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