How to Build a Drain Pipe for Your Washing Machine

When automatic washing machines came into the modern world they brought along with them some special requirements. One of these requirements is a sufficient drainage system that can handle high-pressure drain-water rates of flow. Because automatic washing machines utilize multiple cycles, there is a demand for efficient water evacuation from the machine. The pre-fabricated drain hose included with an automatic washing machine is designed to fit inside a standpipe connected to the nearest drain pipe within the home to meet this demand.

Materials Needed:

Tape measure

Two-inch diameter PVC pipe

Hacksaw

Razor knife

PVC primer solution

Two-inch prefabricated trap

PVC glue

Step 1: Find the main drain pipe. It will be a vertical pipe with a minimum diameter of four inches. Other drain lines will be connected to the main drain pipe which makes it more visible.

Step 2: Measure the horizontal distance between the end of the prefabricated drain hose included with the washing machine and the main home drain pipe.

Step 3: Use the hacksaw to cut a length of two-inch diameter PVC pipe according to the measured distance between your main home drain pipe and the washing machine drain hose. Be certain to work within applicable local plumbing codes.

Step 4: Take your razor knife and trim the flaked PVC leftover by the cut. Ensure all of the waste from the inside edge is removed.

Step 5: Use PVC primer solution to thoroughly clean the exit end of the prefabricated trap flange. Also clean the outside of the PVC pipe two inches in from the end. Let PVC primer dry according to product specifications.

Step 6: Apply PVC glue around the perimeter of the PVC pipe from the lead end back one inch and to the inside of the exit end of the prefabricated trap.

Step 7: Insert the PVC pipe into the exit end of the prefabricated trap and twist for one-fourth of a turn making certain that the PVC pipe is completely and evenly seated within the trap.

Step 8: Measure the vertical distance from the trap entry flange to the exit end of the prefabricated washing machine hose. Add in the additional measurement existing from the exit end to the radius of the prefabricated bend in the hose.

Step 9: Cut a length of PVC pipe to fit the distance measured from the entry end of the trap to the washing machine hose bend. This will serve as the standpipe the washing machine drain hose will enter.

Step 10: Use the razor knife to remove any flaking from the inside edge of the pipe.

Step 11: Clean the entry end of the prefabricated trap's inside flange with PVC primer solution. Also clean the outer two inches of the cut end of the PVC pipe. Let dry according to manufacturer's recommendation.

Step 12: Apply PVC glue to the inside trap flange. Also apply PVC glue around the outer perimeter of the PVC pipe one inch back from the end.

Step 13: Insert the PVC pipe into the trap entry flange making sure that the pipe is seated evenly and completely. Rotate one-fourth of a turn.

Tip: When connecting the drain pipe to the main branch drain, make sure that the drain pipe is pitched to one quarter inch per foot. This works out to 1 inch per four foot section of pipe. This will keep your work within code and also provide sufficient drainage.

Also, make certain that the stand pipe does not exceed 42 inches in height. Check your local codes for accurate stand pipe height requirements.

Remember, always work safely.