Washing Machine Drain Pipe Height Shared with Examples!

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Installing a washing machine comes with different demands, and the commonest is fitting the drain pipe correctly. Since you want the washer to drain properly, you should know the correct washing machine drain pipe height.

Generally, the standard washing machine’s drain pipe height is at least 23-35 inches off the ground, and the maximum height is 96 inches (or 8 feet). However, these measurements may vary from brand to brand and depending on the type of washer.   

So, expect brands like LG, Bosch, Samsung, GE, Haier, Whirlpool, and others to have their drain pipe height preferences, which may differ between their top and front loaders. On that note, I’ll share the recommended drain pipe heights for these brands.

Before I do, I’ll explain what the drain pipe is on a washing machine and why its height is essential. So, let’s jump in!

washing machine drain pipe height

In a hurry? Below is a table summary of the drain pipe heights of the various washing machine brands.

Washing Machine Drain Pipe Height Summary

–Washer BrandMinimum Drain Pipe HeightMaximum Drain Pipe Height
1.LG30 inches96 inches
2.Bosch31.5 inches39.4 inches
3.Samsung24 inches34.8 inches
4.GE24-30 inches96 inches
5.Haier31.5 inches39.4 inches
6.Whirlpool39 inches96 inches

What’s The Drain Pipe On a Washing Machine?

The drain pipe is a flexible plastic tube that connects the washer’s drainage to the existing home drainage system. This tube is essential for facilitating the drainage of the washer’s wastewater and maintaining sanitation.

Why is the Drain Pipe Height Important for Washing Machine?

Knowing the correct drain pipe height for your washing machine is vital for these two reasons:

1. Prevents siphoning

By observing the correct drain pipe height, you ensure the water filling and the drainage happens simultaneously. None occurs before the other, preventing the washing machine from experiencing a back siphoning.

In that case, the washer won’t suck back the dirty, contaminated water, which may taint your laundry or cause it to smell.

2. Good flow rate

Your washing machine must have a good flow rate to ensure water flows correctly. That usually depends on the drain pipe height where these rates are observed:

  • For top loaders – The flow rate is 15 gallons per minute
  • For front loaders – The flow rate is 10 gallons per minute

Note that for every extra drain pipe foot, the flow rate reduces by a gallon per minute. That means the longer the drain pipe, the lower the flow rate.

How High Should Drain Pipe Be for Washing Machine?

Regarding the washing machine’s drain pipe height, two factors are critical: washer brand and type. Let’s discuss them!

1. Type of Washing Machine

Generally, top loaders and front loaders have varying drain pipe heights.

Here’s what to know about them:

· Front Load Washing Machine Drain Pipe Height

Most front-loading washing machines require a drain pipe height of at least 24 inches off the ground. You should, however, not go above 96 inches (8 feet), as that’ll make it hard for the washer to pump out wastewater.

· Top Load Washing Machine Drain Pipe Height

Top-load washing machines require a minimum drain pipe height that is slightly higher than that of front loaders. Most need a drain pipe height of at least 30 inches off the ground. However, you shouldn’t exceed 96 inches off the ground like front loaders.

top load washing machine drain pipe height

2. Washing Machine Brand

The other drain pipe height determining factor is the washer brand, and here’s what to know about the various washing machine brands:

· LG Washing Machine Drain Pipe Height

LG recommends a drain pipe height of at least 2.5 feet (or 30 inches) off the ground for better drainage and to prevent back-siphoning. However, the maximum you can go is 8 feet, which applies to most washers.

· Bosch Washing Machine Drain Pipe Height

Bosch gives a drain pipe height range of 31.5-39.4 inches, which applies to top and front loaders. The manufacturer doesn’t say anything about a maximum of 8 feet, as it’s the case of the above-shared brands.

· Samsung Washing Machine Drain Pipe Height

Samsung recommends a drain pipe height of 2-2.9 feet (or 24-34.8 inches) for its washing machine. They also, like Bosch, do not say anything about a maximum height of 8 inches. However, Samsung mentions that the drain pipe should be 6-8 inches into the standpipe.

Also Read: Why Samsung Washer Won’t Spin Dry Clothes

· GE Washing Machine Drain Pipe Height

GE recommends different minimum drain pipe heights for its top and front loaders. GE recommends a minimum drain pipe height of 24 inches off the ground for its front loaders. And for its top loaders, GE recommends a minimum drain pipe height of 30 inches off the ground.

However, regarding the maximum height of washing machine drain pipe, GE insists on not exceeding 96 inches (or 8 feet). If you do, the drain pump will have difficulty pumping out wastewater.

· Haier Washing Machine Drain Pipe Height

Haier observes similar drain pipe height requirements as Bosch. In that case, the drain pipe should be 31.5-39.4 inches off the ground. Haier, just like Bosch, doesn’t mention anything about an 8 feet maximum drain pipe height, which means we can’t assume that you can go that high as most washer brands do.

· Whirlpool Washing Machine Drain Pipe Height

Lastly, Whirlpool expects its washers to have a drain pipe height of at least 39 inches off the ground. But like most washer brands, the drain pipe shouldn’t be over 8 feet to ensure proper drainage and your pump is not overwhelmed.

maximum height of washing machine drain pipe

Also Read: Why Your Whirlpool Washer Won’t Spin-Dry Clothes

Automatic Washing Machine Drain Pipe Height

You should also observe a maximum drain pipe height of 96 inches off the ground for automatic washers. The minimum drain pipe height, however, depends on the brand and the type of washer – whether it’s a top or front loader. In that case, the above information will be pretty helpful. 

How to Determine the Correct Drain Pipe Height?

As shared, you can determine your washer’s correct drain pipe height depending on its brand and type. But what if it’s an unknown brand? Then the above factors are worth considering:

  • Drainage/outlet line – The drainage line should be 18-96 inches. So, don’t go for anything below 18 inches or above 8 feet, as that’ll affect the proper drainage of your washing machine.
  • Standpipe height – The standpipe connects the drainage line to the primary sewer to keep the foul odor away. This pipe should be 39-96 inches long, and its length typically depends on the distance from the washer and the drainage line length.
  • Laundry basin location – The laundry basin should be 45 inches from the washing machine for efficient drainage. Moreover, the washer’s outlet should be raised 96 inches off the floor.

People Also Ask

1. What Size Should Washing Machine Drain Pipe Be?

The washing machine’s drain pipe should have an inner diameter of 1- 1/2 inches and an exterior diameter of 1- 1/4 inches. And when it comes to the drain pipe height, it shouldn’t exceed 96 inches off the ground.

2. Does The Washing Machine Drain Pipe Need to Be Elevated?

Yes, the washing machine drain pipe should be elevated. By elevating the drain pipe, you prevent back siphoning, which in this case, stops the wastewater from flowing back and contaminating your laundry water and clothes. Overall, elevating the drain pipe facilitates good drainage, which is critical to keeping the foul odor and dirt away from your laundry water.

3. Can The Drain Hose Be Higher Than the Washing Machine?

Ideally, the drain hose and the washing machine shouldn’t be at the same level. The former should be higher than the latter. So, yes, the drain hose should be higher than the washing machine, and the reason is to ensure proper drainage and prevent back siphoning of the drained water.

4. What Is the Standard Drain Pipe Size for A Washing Machine?

The standard height for washing machine drain pipe is 23-35 inches. Most washer brands, however, have their recommendations, whose minimum may be anything between 24 inches and 39 inches, and the maximum drain pipe height is 96 inches. So, confirming this height from your washer’s manual is vital before installing its drainage pipe.

5. How Far Down the Drain Pipe Should a Washing Machine Hose Go?

How deep down the drain pipe a washing machine drain hose should go depends on whether it’s a top-loader or front-loader. New front loaders should have the drain hose go 7 inches down the drain pipe, while top loaders shouldn’t have the drain hose go deeper than 5 inches into the drain pipe.

6. What Happens If My Washing Machine’s Drain Is Too Low?

If your washing machine’s drain is too low, the washer won’t fill up and drain at the same rate, which means the chances of a back siphoning are much higher. If a back siphoning happens, contaminated water will go back and contaminate the laundry water, meaning that the clothes will come out dirty and smelly.

7. How Do You Position a Washing Machine Drain Pipe?

You should position the drain pipe at the washing machine’s exit point 3-4 inches higher than the water level to ensure the water drains smoothly and there’s no back siphoning. That also protects your drain pump from being overwhelmed and failing to pump, and in the end, it ensures your laundry water isn’t contaminated.

8. What’s The Maximum Height for A Washing Machine Standpipe?

Ideally, the washing machine standpipe shouldn’t be too short or extra-long for adequate drainage. Most experts recommend a height of 18-42 inches. So you can work with anything in between.

9. How Long Should My Washing Machine’s Drain Hose Be?

Depending on preference, you can extend your washing machine’s drain hose by up to 2.5 meters. Note, however, that most drain hose extensions measure 1.5-2.5 m, so you can choose whatever height pleases you.

Concluding Thought on the Washing Machine Drain Pipe Height:

Now you know how high your washing machine’s drain pipe should be off the ground. While the standard drain pipe height is 23-35 inches, and the maximum you can go is 96 inches off the ground, you should consider your brand and washer type, and the above guide will be helpful in that regard.   

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