
So, you're wondering if a washing machine comes with a drain hose. The answer is a resounding yes, but with some caveats.
Typically, a washing machine comes with a drain hose, but it's usually not installed. Homeowners are usually expected to install the drain hose themselves, which can be a bit of a hassle.
The length of the drain hose can vary depending on the type of washing machine and the location of the drain. For example, a front-loading washing machine might require a shorter drain hose than a top-loading machine.
In some cases, a washing machine may not come with a drain hose at all, especially if it's a compact or portable model.
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Washing Machine Drain Hose
GE washer models come with a drain hose, and the manufacturer provides it along with the purchase of the appliance. You can find the parts supplied with the washer in your user manual.
The drain hose will come attached to your washing machine and should feed into either a nearby sink or a standpipe. If you are feeding the drain hose into a sink, attach a plastic hose guide to keep the hose bent downward into the sink without kinking.
The correct plumbing should already have a standpipe installed next to or near the water supply valves. If the standpipe is installed in the wall, it may appear only as a hole, or it may be installed to the surface of the wall and appear as a tall pipe that leads to a drain.
If your drain hose cannot reach the sink or standpipe, attach an extension hose. The length of the supplied hose from tip to tip on a Top Load and Front Load washer is approximately 60 inches.
Drain hose installation requirements include ensuring the discharge height is between 30 inches and 8 feet above the base of a Top Load washer, and between 24 inches and 8 feet above the base of a full-size Front Load washer.
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Installation and Setup
The drain hose is an essential component of a washing machine, and it's great to know that most brands, including GE, provide it with the purchase of the appliance. This is because the drain hose is a critical accessory that needs to be installed correctly to ensure proper drainage.
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The installation process varies depending on the type of washing machine you have. For instance, if you have a Top Load washer, the discharge height must be at least 30 inches and no more than 8 feet above the base. If it's not, you can use a Drain Hose Clip (also known as an Anti-Siphon Clip) to lift up the drain hose.
To set up the drain hose, you'll need to attach it to either a nearby sink or a standpipe. If you're feeding the drain hose into a sink, you'll need to use a plastic hose guide to keep the hose bent downward without kinking. If the correct plumbing has been installed, you may already have a standpipe installed next to or near the water supply valves.
Here are some key installation requirements to keep in mind:
- Discharge height for Top Load washers: at least 30 inches and no more than 8 feet above the base.
- Discharge height for Front Load washers: at least 24 inches and no more than 8 feet above the base.
- Drain hose diameter: approximately 1-1/4 inches.
- Standpipe or wall drain diameter: at least 1-1/2 inches minimum.
Do GE Washers Come With a Drain Hose
GE washers come with a drain hose, and the manufacturer provides it along with the purchase of the appliance.
You can find the parts supplied with the washer in your user manual. Installing technicians will usually fix the drain hose provided by the manufacturer unless you want to go for a different type of drain hose.
Most brands, including GE, provide a drain hose out of the box, as it's an important accessory. Some models and brands may not mention the inclusion of a drain hose, so you might have to purchase a new one or request the store to provide one.
Installing technicians know which washer models come with a drain hose, so they'll inform you of the additional accessories you need to buy when you purchase a washer. In some stores, you might have to enquire about the accessories before buying the washer.
If you're installing the washer on your own, it's essential to enquire about the washer prior to the purchase, especially if you find a model that omits a drain hose out of the box. You can try to get one along with your washer purchase.
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Install Drain Hose
To install the drain hose, start by attaching a plastic hose guide to keep the hose bent downward into the sink without kinking. This guide usually comes with a new washing machine, but you can also purchase one separately.
The drain hose should feed into either a nearby sink or a standpipe. If the correct plumbing has been installed, you'll already have a standpipe installed next to or near the water supply valves.
If the drain hose cannot reach the sink or standpipe, attach an extension hose. This will give you the extra length you need to connect the hose properly.
To check for leaks, turn on the water supply valves. If you see water dripping from any of the connections, tighten or adjust as needed. Note that overtightening a connection can also cause leaks by warping the connector's rubber washer.
Here are the minimum and maximum discharge heights for the drain hose:
The drain hose is approximately 1-1/4" in diameter, and the standpipe or wall drain must have an inside diameter of 1-1/2" minimum and be open to the atmosphere.
Drain Hose Details
GE washers come with a drain hose, and most brands provide one out of the box. It's usually included with the purchase of the appliance, and you can find it in your user manual.
The drain hose is typically a corrugated plastic hose, but you can also buy steel hoses, which might have a better life. If you're not satisfied with the hose provided by the manufacturer, you can go for steel hoses.
The drain hose is approximately 1-1/4" in diameter and comes with a length of approximately 60" from tip to tip on a Top Load and Front Load washer. The standpipe or wall drain must have an inside diameter of 1-1/2" minimum and be open to the atmosphere.
Here are some key installation requirements to keep in mind:
- Water may be drained into a standpipe, a wall drain, or a set tub.
- The discharge height MUST NOT BE LESS THAN 30 INCHES and no more than 8 feet above the base of a Top Load washer.
- The discharge height MUST NOT BE LESS THAN 24 INCHES and no more than 8 feet above the base of a full-size Front Load washer (not compact models).
Inlet vs Outlet Hose
The inlet and outlet hoses in your washing machine are two distinct components that serve different purposes. The supply hose, also known as the inlet hose, brings fresh water into the machine.
Here's a quick rundown of the key differences between the two hoses:
The supply hose is the most common source of leaks or bursts, making it a vital component to inspect regularly.
Drain Hose Materials
The drain hose material used in washers is usually a corrugated plastic hose that is flexible.
You can also buy steel hoses, which might have a better life.
Washers are often used indoors, so you don't have to worry about the material of drain hoses.
Flow Rate
The flow rate of your washer's drain hose is an important factor to consider. A Top Load washer's pump can pump water at a rate of 15 to 17 GPM (gallons per minute).
If you have a Front Load washer, Unitized Spacemaker, or UltraFast Combo Washer/Dryer, the pump will pump water at a rate of 10 GPM (gallons per minute). This is a significant difference that can impact your washing experience.
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The flow rate is also affected by the height of the drain pipe. For every 1 foot of additional drain pipe height, the flow rate will be reduced by approximately 1 gallon per minute.
Here's a quick reference guide to help you understand the flow rates of different washers:
Compatibility and Universal Use
Washing machine hoses may seem like a straightforward accessory, but compatibility can be a bit of a puzzle.
Most washing machine hoses use the standard ¾-inch FGH (female garden hose) fittings, making them compatible with most washing machines.
You can find hoses with different lengths and materials, but the connection type is usually the same.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do new washing machines come with new drain hose?
Yes, most new washing machines come with a drain hose already attached to the back. The hose is usually long and grey, and some machines also include a U-shaped bracket for hanging it up.
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