Once you know what to do, repairing the washer drain hose is quite simple. And thankfully, it’s one of the easiest parts to find and replace if needed.
Here we will explain how to repair the washer drain hose in five simple steps, so you can use your washer again in no time.
Why you should repair the washer drain hose
The drain hose expels wastewater from the washing machine during and after the washing cycle. When the drain hose is faulty, your washing machine may not work properly. For example, some water could remain in the washer after each cycle if the hose is blocked. As a result, your clothes will be soaked and could smell bad. Therefore, it’s important to ensure that the hose isn’t blocked.
Another point to consider is that a faulty drain hose is more likely to leak, and water could collect behind or under the washer. If you are unaware of this happening, it could damage your laundry room or create a bad smell when the floors or walls start to rot. To prevent this, you should check the drain hose often for any signs of wear and tear.
How to repair the drain hose
1. Disconnect the hose
Before removing the drain hose, ensure no water is pooling in the washer. If any remains, you will need to get a bucket ready. After you disconnect the hose, use the bucket to catch any water.
Additionally, you may notice that some water comes out of the hose as you disconnect it. Laying some towels on the floor could also help.
To access the drain hose, you must pull the washer away from the wall, as the hose is usually located behind the machine.
The drain hose is usually secured to the machine with a clamp. With some, all you need to do is pinch the clamp to remove it. In contrast, other hoses could be secured with a screw mechanism that will need to be twisted. If the mechanism is too tight, you could try using some pliers to loosen it.
2. Clean the drain hose
If you are keeping the drain hose instead of replacing it, cleaning the hose would be ideal. Over time, lint can build up in the hose, making it harder for water to leave the machine. As a result, some water will remain in the washer after each cycle because the hose is partially blocked. Additionally, blocked drain hoses are more prone to splitting and leaking due to the pressure that builds up inside them from the blockage.
First of all, have a look inside the hose’s opening. If the hose looks quite dirty, you could try soaking it in a tub of warm soapy water for 30 minutes. Avoid using harsh chemicals or hot water to clean the hose, as this could cause the hose to split or crack.
After the hose is soaked, wash it out with pressurized water. If you do not have a high-pressure tap, try using a garden hose or shower head. While you are rinsing the hose, it’s an ideal time to check the hose for any leaks. If you see water escaping from the sides of the hose, there is a split in that area.
3. Fix the leaks
Following on from step two, if you notice a leak as you run water through the hose, you can fix that area now. There will be some areas that are easy to identify without running water through the house. However, this technique will allow you to identify tiny cracks or splits in the hose that are hard to see.
It will also help you determine if the leaks have been fixed after patching the hose. After all, it would be pretty annoying to return the hose to the washer, only to discover later that there is a missed leak.
Cover the leaking areas with waterproof flex tape or a sealant. You can find both items from your hardware store. Any brand should work; just ensure that the product is intended for leaky hoses. Ensure the surface of the hose is dry before applying the products.
Next, patch up the hose with your selected product. For example, if you are using a sealant, read the instructions to determine how much time is required for it to dry. Or, if you are using tape, wrap it around the area several times firmly.
Do not use heat to make the sealant dry quickly, because excessive heat could cause the hose to melt. Most sealants have a short drying time and heat is not necessary.
4. Test the drain hose
Then, when ready, run more water through the hose. If the hose still leaks in the same area, use more tape and sealant until it stops leaking. Repeat the process until the hose is no longer leaking.
Should the hose keep leaking, you may need to replace it entirely. In some cases, when the hose is severely damaged, it might be easier to replace the entire hose rather than fix it.
You can find a replacement hose at your local appliance parts store. Bring a model number!
5. Reconnect the hose
Reconnecting the hose is simple; clamp or screw the hose back onto the washer, and reconnect the drain hose to the laundry sink if required. But after it’s reconnected, slide the washer back into its place carefully so you do not damage the hose.
Before returning the washer to its place, you may want to tape some of the hose to the machine, and leave a gap between the hose and the wall. Doing so would prevent the hose from rubbing against a rough surface (concrete wall or floor) when the washing machine operates. As a result, this could reduce some future wear and tear.
Also, ensure that the hose is not jammed or crushed. Again, this will cause unnecessary wear and tear to the hose.