How high can washer drain tubes be...

[roger]

...before they become a problem for the pump?

Was asked this by a buddy and quite frankly didn't know what to answer.

Seen them as high as four feet, but don't really know what the maximum recommended height could be.

Anyone know?

 

[yogitunes]

Things to consider....

depends by the machine, usually 6 to 7 feet from the base of the machine is about the highest....

some machines have issues when on low speed, of not being able to pump that high as compared to high speed....if this is the case, the machine may only be used for Regular cycles only

if the machine has an electric pump or a GE filterflo which pumps at high speed at all times can be a benefit....Maytag TLers offered a different pulley which allowed the pump to handle a higher lift rate...

sometimes for too high of a drain pipe, machines have been put on a raised platform, even today they offer pedestals which can decrease the pumping height...

we could offer more help if we knew what machine your talking about exactly....as to if it can handle a higher lift, or if it will have issues...

 

[thefixer]

As stated, model specific. Some Whirlpool DD's list an 8' maximum, some 6'. Direct drives with neutral drain always drain in high speed. The new Whirlpool belt drives list 8'. Older Maytag belt drives list typical 5' max. Newer Maytag Bravos and others are 8'. So, minimums are typical 34" to 39", max 60" to 96". Check your model installation manual.

Eric

 

[roger]

The situation:

-they are currently remodling their house
-they want to move the washer to the other side of a wall whose floor is about 3 feet lower (in an unfinished utility room)
-they want to seal up the cuttent side of the wall and just open up the other side and not touch the drain if not needed

I do not know what washer they currently have, but they plan to get a new one and I have strongly suggested a topload Speed Queen.

 

[thefixer]

Current Speed Queen toploader installation manual does not recommend higher than 4'. Wow, amazing difference.

Eric

 

[yogitunes]

I would have to investigate of how far down into the wall the standpipe really is.....they may be able to tap into it with a "T" and a trap, or cut it shorter....and locate the new opening for the drain a little lower....the faucets could stay higher up, longer fill hoses may be needed, no worries there

most regulations call for 18 inches of height from the trap....so where ever that trap is, keep this in mind....

and may want to go with the SQ FL and a pedestal.....

that is odd about the height for the TL machine......and yet the FL will allow up to 8 ft...but most likely because of the electric pump...

 

[roger]

Thanks for all the comments guys, seems there is not cut and dry rule.

I have seen a lot of basement hook-ups done at about 5 feet, but wasn't sure what the absolute maximum height was.

Seems there is no standard, and a lot of variability between manufacturers.

4 foot max height for the Speed Queen is very surprising.

Wonder what would happen if a 4 foot rated Speed Queen would be hooked up to a 5 or 6 foot drain...would something get "burned-up" or broken? ...or would it just not drain completely?

 

[ol_lonely]

drain height

most newer washers have electric pumps and can pump 6 feet. if a higher drain is needed, you may add a pump. the older style machines (usually lower end units) if still available use belt driven pumps and it does vary (see installation guides) FYI, the new speed queen top loaders are based on a whirlpool platform as are the washers sold by Maytag, Magic Chef, Amana, Estate, and mid line kenmores. some Kenmore front load washers are made by frigidaire, Samsung, or LG. good luck
J

 

[yogitunes]

Really?

Speed Queen is based on a Whirlpool platform?.....

I am pretty sure SQ is a machine totally different than a Whirlpool/Maytag/Amana/Estate brands....

 

[launderess]

Not Sure About American Washing Machines

But Miele, AEG and many other European machines state in their owner's manual that maximum drain height is about 36" from the bottom of the machine. This works out to about three feet and seems to be a standard height for sinks.

 

[nmassman44]

I was just going to say that Martin...SQ top load and front load washers are a totally different animal than a Whirlpool built machine. And I have yet to see a Samsung sourced Kenmore washer....LG yes and Whirlpool and Frigidaire with the Kenmore name. My SQ washer can pump up to a 96 inch height drain but I dont have that issue here...mine is a regular 36 inch height and the washer drains plenty fast. The only thing I wish would be for my SQ washer to get it ass up to speed faster during spin...like a Maytag Newton built washer. I am going to have to double check on the pump height now for my SQ washer but 96" does ring a bell for some reason. Plus mine is a one speed wonder....

 

[DirectDriveDave]

Here's a video of a DD with the drain hose higher than normal, it MAY give you some kind of idea.