Connecting a dryer drain is a necessary part of using your appliance. It helps prevent water from accumulating in the washer or drying machine’s drum, which can cause problems with the unit’s operation. The process also prevents sewer gasses from entering the home.
Before you connect the drain hose, check that the hose is securely attached to an appropriate drain and is leak-free at its connection point. If not, consider buying or renting a new hose for the purpose.
Start by locating the drain pipe and the hose on your dryer. If you’re not sure where the pipe is, remove the hose from the appliance and examine it closely. If you can’t locate it, the hose may be too short, in which case you should purchase a longer one.
For some brands of appliances, the hose is located at the back of the unit and is connected to a connector at the top. For others, it’s a separate piece of plastic pipe that is plugged into the end of a tube on the front of the appliance.
Use a pair of pliers to remove the connector from the end of the hose. Gently slide the hose off of the connector and place it into a suitable drainpipe, making sure that it’s secure to prevent the hose from twisting or slipping out.
With many models of dryers, the drainage hose is connected to a connector on the back of the device. Alternatively, it’s a separate hose with a hole on the end that can be placed into your drainpipe. For example, with a Haier or LG dryer, the connector is at the bottom right of the nozzle, and the hose comes with the product.
During the dry cycle, a washer’s water-displacing pump forces water into the drain hose. The hose loops to the back of the appliance and down to the drain, where it is then able to be flushed out of the system.
If your washing machine doesn’t drain properly, there are a number of possible causes for this. First, the washer’s filter can become clogged. The hose can also become obstructed by a blockage in the drainpipe.
Next, a blockage in the drainpipe can also be a sign of a problem with the washing machine’s door seal (bellow). In this case, you will need to clean the washer’s door seal to make sure that there are no holes or other obstructions.
A common method of cleaning the drain hose is to run hot water down it, which can break up clogs in the hose or help flush out soap buildup or scum that could be blocking the pipes. This is especially useful if you live in an area that freezes, as it can clear out any ice that has formed in the drain.
If you have a clog deeper in the plumbing system, you’ll need to snake it with a power auger. These are available from hardware stores or equipment rental companies, starting at around $20 to $40. They’re more effective at busting through stubborn clogs than hand-held snaking tools, so they are worth the investment for troubleshooting the clog in your sink, tub or shower drain.