How to Extend Dishwasher Drain Hose? Ultimate Guide

Dishwashers are among the god-sent innovations of man. But sometimes, the length of the drain hose is just too small. Do not panic; there are simple tricks on how to extend dishwasher drain hoses even if you’re dealing a double drawer dishwasher.

You may want to relocate the dishwasher, but the drain hose is too short. Alternatively, you could move to a new home or find a better location to set up your washer. When you finish moving the heavy machine, you realize that the drain hose is short of the required length.

If so, you might wonder what would be the best approach to take and how to extend the dishwasher drain hose. Then you are in the right place. This ultimate guide will teach you a few tricks to use when you want to extend your dishwasher’s drain hose.

Tricks for Extending Your Dishwasher’s Drain Hose

If you are remodeling and the project forces you to move your dishwasher from one place to another, you might need to extend the drain hose length to reach your drainage system. You can take a few approaches to increase this length when this happens.

1. Use a Plumbing Connector

You may need an extra length to set up your dishwasher. Even though dishwashers have a maximum drain hose length for optimal performance, you can go against this by adding a plumbing connector.

If you use a Y or T connector, you add extra length to your drain hose. However, this is possible if you join the old drain pipe with a different pipe but still need the extra size for assurance.

However, be careful with the distance you add. Otherwise, you might have a kinked hose, which only interferes with the drainage process.

2. Connect Two Dishwasher Hoses

When you decide to connect two dishwasher drain hoses to increase the length of your current drain hose, there are a few steps to follow.

While it might be an elementary skill for a professional plumber, you need to be extra careful so that your dishwasher does not clog or overflow.

Now, when connecting two dishwasher hoses;

1. Get your dishwasher drain connection kit– The kit will contain a few tools, like channel lock pliers, a screwdriver, and a soaking cloth. You should also get a barb union (either a Y or T connector, a two-way coupler, and hose clamps if you were not using screws.
2. Also, get your additional drain hose
3. Observe safety as you connect the clamps to the drain hoses

• When your tools are ready, you should start by turning off your dishwasher and any other appliances in your vicinity.
• Next, turn off the supply valve while you locate the drain hose.
• You may need to move the dishwasher to reach the hose, but do not strain yourself too much
• Now, lay the soaking cloth under the drain lines
• Although the dishwasher drain hoses are universally the same size, you can process to join the pipes without the connector to see if they are of the same size
• If they do not have similar diameters, extend the smaller drain duct
• If they match, attach the clamp and insert the coupler on the end of the smaller pipe.
• Put the clamp on the extension pipe as you connect it to the open end of the connector
• Tighten the clamp with your screwdriver and try pulling the pipe gently. If it is firm, you can proceed to the next step

3. Connect the Drain Pipes

• Here, you put another clamp on the adjoining ipe
• Using a Y or T connector, you can couple both pipes and make the connection tight
• Finish by deeding the extension through the drain hole and repositioning your dishwasher

4. Check Your Connections

• After your dishwasher is in place, it is time to test out your handiwork
• Switch on the dishwasher and turn on the supply valve
• When you activate the drain, take a close look at the connection points for any leakage
• If there are none, then you have completed the connection successfully. However, if there are leakages, you need to re-evaluate your connections.

5. Use flexible Metal Drain Pipes

Another answer on how to extend the dishwasher drain hose is to use a flexible metal drain pipe. You have to buy a longer drain pipe and replace it with the existing pipe or attach it to the existing hose.

What are the Dangers of Extending Your Dishwasher Drain Hose?

The best dishwasher come with an optimal drainage hose length. But sometimes, this length is not enough. So, you decide to add an extra hose to extend the size of your dishwasher drain hose. In so doing, you can exceed a specific limit that makes your dishwasher counterproductive.

Yes, the drainage hose can be too long sometimes. The longer the hose you add, the more likely it will kink. Kinks interrupt the dishwasher operation, making it a nuisance to use.

So, if you want to avoid the stress, make sure you do not exceed the stated length as you extend the dishwasher drain hose.