How to Install a Laundry Drain to a Sink Drain

Since its introduction to American homes on a wide scale in the 1950s, the washing machine has become an indispensable part of the household. These appliances wash clothes in a tub of soapy water. After washing, the dirty water is pumped out of the washer through a drain hose. These hoses can either be attached to a standing drain pipe or to a nearby utility sink or tub with a drain outlet. Installing a laundry drain to a sink drain is straightforward and can be completed in just a few minutes.

• 1

  Position the laundry machine near, but not in, its final location. This will typically be next to a wall. Make sure that you have plenty of room to work behind the machine.

• 2

  Disconnect the washing machine drain hose from the back of the washer if it is still attached. These hoses are either taped in place or secured with plastic ties during shipping. Use a sharp knife to cut the tape or ties.

• 3

  Stretch the laundry drain hose over to the sink drain where you want it to discharge. The gooseneck end of the drain hose is designed to hang over the edge of the sink.

• 4

  Wrap the water supply outlet threads and the inlet threads on the washing machine with Teflon plumber's tape. Connect a hose from the hot water supply valve to the hot water inlet valve on the washing machine. These should be identified on the back of the machine. Supply valves are coded red for hot and blue for cold in newer home installations. Connect the other hose from the cold water supply valve in the same manner. Tighten the couplings at both ends with a pair of pliers.

• 5

  Plug in the washing machine.

• 6

  Carefully move the washing machine to its final location. Have an assistant help you, if needed.

• 7

  Use a spirit level to adjust the legs on the washer so that it is even. Turn the legs with a wrench counterclockwise to raise the machine and clockwise to lower it. Make sure that the machine is level both from front to back and side to side.

• 8

  Run a small test load in the washer. Make sure that it drains properly into the sink and remains level. Adjust it if necessary.