You generally want to know how high your washing machine can pump to tell what drain pipe size to get and prevent issues like back siphoning, water contamination, and washer damage. The question, however, is, how high can a washing machine pump?
Most standard washing machines, which include top-loaders and front-loaders, can pump up to 8 feet (2.4m), while their compact counterparts can only do a maximum of 5 feet (1.5m), depending on their working condition and motor power.
Expect new and well-maintained washing machines to pump the furthest and those in poor condition or too old to pump the nearest. And when it comes to the drain pipe height, top-loaders are more powerful and therefore enjoy a greater drain pipe height than their front-loader siblings.
This article shall discuss how far the washer can pump or the maximum drain pipe height and the factors that bring the difference. Moreover, we’ll look at examples you can relate to.
Let’s dive in!
How High Can a Washing Machine Pump?
We must discuss several determining factors to determine precisely how high a washer can pump. These factors will help you understand why some washing machines pump further than others.
Here’s what determines how far can a washing machine pump up:
1. Size of Washing Machine
You expect standard top-loaders and front-loaders to be more powerful than compact washers. For that reason, the standard options pump higher than their compact rivals.
While a standard washer can pump up to 8 feet (2.4m or 96 inches), a compact washer can only manage a maximum of 5 feet (1.5m or 60 inches).
Compact washers generally average 3-5 feet, whereas standard top-loaders and front-loaders average 5-8 feet depending on the factors discussed below.
2. Washing Machine’s Condition
Realistically, you expect a new, well-maintained washing machine to pump further than an old, often broken-down option. So, while it’s possible for a washer in good condition and possibly newly bought to pump up to 5-8 feet high, depending on its size, it’s pretty unlikely for an old option to match this height.
3. Motor Power
Washing machines with more powerful motors have greater pumping capability. For such options, reaching the maximum pump height (5-8 feet, depending on size) is easy.
In contrast, those with a less powerful motor are less likely to pump further than 5 feet. It doesn’t, however, surprises that such options are mostly compact washers.
Washing Machine Drain Height Maximum
Understanding the washer’s drain pipe height is essential. For one, by observing the correct drain pipe height, you can avoid issues like back siphonage, which could be detrimental to your washer and building.
For example, a back siphonage can result in wastewater returning to your washer and damaging it or causing physical damage to your laundry machine. Worse, it could contaminate your water, and you wouldn’t want that.
Moreover, a back siphonage could drag toxic gases into your home, unsettling the in-house conditions.
So, how far can your washing machine drain? To answer that, we’ve to look at these factors:
1. Washing Machine Type
A top-loader has a different draining capability from a top-loader. Ordinarily, the former is more potent and therefore enjoys a higher drain pipe height.
Generally, top-loading washing machines require their drain pipes to be at least 30 inches off the floor, while front-loading washers require the pipe to be at least 24 inches off the floor.
In both cases, however, the drain pipe shouldn’t be higher than 8 feet as that’s the maximum height the washing machine can pump.
2. Brand Type
Different washing machine brands have different preferences regarding drain pipe height. Some are specific, while others offer the luxury of operating within a particular range.
Here’s a table comparing the various drain pipe heights for different washer brands:
| Washer Brand | Recommended Drain Pipe Height (in inches) |
| Whirlpool | 39″ |
| LG | At least 24″ |
| Samsung | 24-35″ |
| GE | At least 24″ |
| Haier | 31-39″ |
| Maytag | 39″ |
| Kenmore | 35-47″ |
| Bosch | 32-39″ |
3. Drainage Option
The drainage option you opt for determines your washer’s drain pipe height. For example, while the standpipe height should be 39-96 inches for adequate drainage, the underground pipe can start from 18 inches.
As for the utility sink and the laundry tub, you can go for anything below 96 inches, and below is a table to compare the four options:
| Drainage Option | Drain Pipe Height (in inches) |
| Standpipe | 39-96″ |
| Utility Sink | Below 96″ |
| Laundry Tub | Below 96″ |
| Underground Pipe | 18-96″ |
Washing Machine Drain Pipe Height Vs. Flow Rate
The washing machine’s flow rate depends on the drain pipe height. The longer the drain pipe, the slower the flow rate. But overall, top-loaders have a better flow rate than front-loaders.
For example, while a top loader pumps about 15 gallons a minute, a front loader can only manage 10 gallons. However, the flow rate for each case reduces by a gallon for each foot you add to the drain pipe. That’s as shown in the table below:
| Extra Drain Pipe Height | Top-Loader’s Flow Rate (No. Of Gallons Per Minute) | Front-Loader’s Flow Rate (No. Of Gallons Per Minute) |
| 1 ft. | 14 | 9 |
| 2 ft. | 13 | 8 |
| 3 ft. | 12 | 7 |
| 4 ft. | 11 | 6 |
| 5 ft. | 10 | 5 |
| 6 ft. | 9 | 4 |
How Can You Raise the Washing Machine Drain Pipe Height?
Having the correct drain pipe height for your washer is essential in avoiding an overflow or backup. Suppose your drain pipe isn’t high enough? What should you do?
Well, here are two things you can do:
· Observe the correct standpipe height
The International Residential Code (IRC) recommends the distance between the standpipe and the trap weir to be 18-42 inches. That means the standpipe shouldn’t be below 18 inches from the trap weir or more than 42 inches from it.
If you don’t observe that, your washing machine will have difficulty draining, and you’ll probably have to contend with the dangers of backflow.
· Raise the washer
You can also improve your washer’s drain pipe height by raising the washer. One smart way to do it is using a washer pedestal like the Royxen Laundry Pedestal (View on Amazon).
This laundry pedestal which measures 28 inches wide and 16 inches high, raises your washing machine by 15.5 inches and can hold up to 700 pounds. So, it’s perfect for heavy-duty washers.
It’s quick to assemble and compatible with virtually all washer brands. Even better, you can use it to raise the dryer and refrigerator. The selling point is its cushioned pads which absorb vibration to allow your washer to run at a low noise level.
Important Note
Note that you should only elevate your washer drain pipe below the minimum requirement (30 inches for top loaders and 24 inches for front loaders). That’ll ensure there is no overflow and the pump pumps almost seamlessly.
And while at it, ensure the washer is well-leveled to stop a backflow or any other issue.
People Also Ask
1. How Far Can a Washing Machine Pump Water?
A washing machine can pump water up to 5-8 feet, depending on size, power, and condition. Standard-size washers in good working conditions will likely pump up to 8 feet, while their compact equivalent can reach 5 feet.
2. How High Can a Top Load Washer Pump Water?
A top load washer can pump water up to a height of 5-8 feet, depending on its working condition. Those working just fine and probably new are the most likely to pump the furthest. But as far as the drain pipe height goes, a top loader’s drain pipe height should be at least 30 inches.
3. How Far Can a Washing Machine Pump Water Horizontally?
Depending on the washer’s motor power and elevation, wash machines can pump between 25 and 150 feet horizontally. If the motor is powerful and the washer is well elevated, you can expect it to cover a wider area.
4. How Far Can a Washing Machine Pump Water Vertically?
Vertically, you can expect a properly working and raised washing machine to pump water as high as 5-8 feet. Standard options pump the highest (up to 8 feet), while their compact counterpart rarely exceeds 5 feet.
5. How High Can a Whirlpool Washing Machine Pump?
Whirlpool washers, like most standard washers, can pump as high as 5-8 feet, depending on their working conditions. More powerful whirlpool washers are likelier to pump the furthest than their less powerful siblings.
6. How High Can a Samsung Washing Machine Pump?
A properly working Samsung washing machine can pump water up to 8 feet high. These washers are among the most powerful on the market.
Note, however, that as the washer ages, its pumping power reduces. So an old washer won’t pump as far as a new option.
7. Can A Washing Machine Drain Be Too High?
Yes, a washing machine drain can be too high. For example, if the washer drain is raised higher than it should, that may result in an overflow, and if it’s too low, the washer may fail to fill and will, therefore, not run. That’s why it’s recommended not to go past 8 feet.
8. What’s The Maximum Height for A Washer Standpipe?
The recommended standpipe height is 39-96 inches. That makes the maximum 96 inches (or 8ft.). Going past that will likely encourage backflows and other drainage challenges you wouldn’t want to deal with.
9. What’s The Standard Height of a Washing Machine Water Supply?
The standard washing machine’s water supply tube should be 32-34 inches off the ground. It shouldn’t be too low as the washer will have a problem pumping the water, and it shouldn’t be too high as that may also result in similar issues.
Conclusion
Discussed above is how high can a washing machine pump. Whether it’s a standard or compact washer, you can expect a washer in good working condition to pump up to 5-8 feet. Of course, standard washers pump the furthest.
It’s also important to consider your washer’s drain pipe height while at it. And as seen, consider at least 30 inches for top loaders and at least 24 inches for a front loader.
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