How to Replace a Washing Machine Drain Hose

Begin by ensuring your safety and preparing the work area. Unplug the washing machine from the wall outlet completely. Turn the hot and cold water supply valves clockwise until they are fully closed. These are typically located on the wall behind the machine. Place a shallow pan or several old towels on the floor behind the washer to catch any water that will spill when you disconnect the hoses. Gather all your tools and the new drain hose so they are within easy reach.

Carefully pull the washing machine forward, away from the wall. Be gentle to avoid scratching the floor or putting stress on the attached water supply lines. You need enough space to comfortably work behind the machine and access the drain hose connection port. If the machine is heavy, ask for assistance or use furniture sliders under the machine's feet to make moving it easier.

Locate the outlet end of the old drain hose where it enters the standpipe in the wall. Carefully lift the curved end of the hose out of the pipe. As you do, lower the end of the hose into the bucket you prepared earlier to drain out any trapped water. Let it drain completely to minimize mess in the next step.

Identify where the drain hose connects to the back of the washing machine. You will see a clamp securing it. Using a pair of slip-joint pliers, squeeze the two tabs of the spring clamp together to release its tension. While holding the clamp open, use your other hand to wiggle and pull the old hose off the machine's drain port. Be prepared for a small amount of water to leak out; use your towels to catch it. Once the hose is off, you can remove the old clamp and discard the entire old hose assembly.

Take your new washing machine drain hose. If it came with a new spring clamp, slide the clamp over the end of the hose first. Then, firmly push the hose onto the drain port of the washing machine until it is fully seated. Move the spring clamp into position over the connection, about 1/4 to 1/2 inch from the end of the hose, ensuring it is over the barbed part of the drain port. Use your pliers to squeeze the clamp open, slide it into place, and then release the pliers to secure it. Give the hose a gentle tug to ensure it's firmly attached.

Route the new drain hose towards the wall standpipe. If your hose kit included a plastic U-bend hose guide, snap it onto the hose near the outlet end. This guide creates the necessary curve to hook the hose into the pipe and prevents it from kinking. Insert the curved end of the hose into the standpipe, pushing it down no more than 4 to 6 inches. To prevent the hose from jumping out of the pipe from the force of the draining water, you can loosely secure it to one of the water supply lines or the standpipe itself using a zip tie or a strap. Do not make this connection airtight.

Carefully push the washing machine back into its original position, making sure not to kink the new drain hose or the water supply lines. Turn the hot and cold water supply valves counter-clockwise to open them. Plug the washing machine back into the electrical outlet. Run the machine on a small rinse and spin cycle, or a drain/spin cycle. While it is draining, use a flashlight to carefully inspect the new connection at the back of the machine for any drips or leaks. Also, check that the hose remains secure in the standpipe. If everything is dry and secure, the job is complete.