Extending a dishwasher drain hose

If your dishwasher is too far from your sink, the standard drain hose that comes with your appliance might not reach the drain spigot.

But don’t worry! Extending a dishwasher drain hose isn’t difficult.

Here’s the lowdown.

Do I need a dishwasher drain extension?

If your dishwasher drain hose won’t reach the drain spigot, you’ll need to extend it.

However, you might be wondering if there’s a way to tell in advance if you’re going to need to extend your drain hose – rather than waiting until your new appliance has been delivered.

• Most dishwasher hoses are between 1.5 and 2 metres long
• The length can vary between brands of dishwasher
• Check the specifications of your dishwasher and hose beforehand
• Make sure the hose is going to be long enough for your needs

After all, if you know in advance that you’re going to need to extend the hose, you can make sure you have the bits you need before your dishwasher arrives. It will save you the disappointment of not being able to install it immediately.

It’s also worth noting that you’ll need enough slack in your dishwasher hose to form a high arching loop 20 inches above the finished floor.

That way, waste water won’t be able to enter the appliance if the drain clogs.

Extending a dishwasher drain hose

Once you’ve established that you need a dishwasher discharge hose extension, all that remains is to get the right parts and get the job done.

You’ll generally have two options to choose from.

1. Replace your drain hose with a longer one

The first option is to replace the standard drain hose that comes with your dishwasher, and fit a longer one instead.

Just bear in mind that this is often the more difficult route. It involves removing your dishwasher’s base plate and, potentially, the anti-flood sensor too.

Here’s how to fit your replacement hose:

• Switch your appliance off at the mains
• Remove baskets and filters
• Dry out the sump with a sponge (if your dishwasher has been used)
• Place your dishwasher on its side
• Remove the base plate
• Remove the anti-flood sensor if the cables restrict your movement
• Use pliers to detach the hose from the drain pump
• Unscrew the back panel
• Remove the grommet holding the hose in place
• Fit your new, longer drain hose
• Secure it in place with a new jubilee clip (clips aren’t designed to be reused)
• Refit the grommet and locate it back into the back panel
• Refit the back panel and screw it on

Ta-da! You’ve now replaced your standard dishwasher hose with a longer one that reaches the drain spigot.

Plus, you now know how to replace your dishwasher hose, which is a common dishwasher fix!

2. Get a dishwasher drain hose extension kit

Alternatively, you can purchase a dishwasher hose extension kit.

This makes extending your dishwasher drain hose much quicker and simpler, as you can leave your existing drain hose in place.

There are lots of kits available to purchase, which generally consist of an extension pipe, two-way connector and clip.

So, simply find one that’s compatible with your existing drain hose and then follow these simple steps to fit it:

• Connect the two-way connector to the end of your existing drain hose
• Tighten the screw clip around the connection as tight as it will go
• Connect the extension drain hose pipe to the other end of the two-way connector
• Tighten the screw clip around the connection

And there you have it! You now have an extended drain hose that should reach the drain spigot without an issue.

All that remains is to connect it – head over to our guide on how to connect a dishwasher waste pipe for the steps involved.

What is the maximum length for a dishwasher drain hose?

The maximum length for a dishwasher drain hose will vary depending on the manufacturer of your dishwasher. However, most manufacturers recommend that the drain hose doesn’t exceed 10 to 12 feet in length.

Why?

Well, if your dishwasher drain hose is too long, this can lead to clogs and drainage issues.

Essentially, it’s best to keep your drain hose as short as possible and to reduce the number of bends wherever you can, to ensure effective drainage.

How much does extending a dishwasher drain hose cost?

You’ll be pleased to hear that extending a dishwasher drain hose isn’t an expensive job.

In fact, you can typically buy a dishwasher drain hose extension kit online for between £5 and £15.

If you’re getting a new dishwasher installed, your professional will often be happy to include the work in your overall dishwasher installation cost.

As a rough guide, you’re looking at between £40 and  £90 to get a dishwasher installed, while the call-out fee for dishwasher repairs typically starts at £60.

Find a professional to handle your dishwasher discharge hose extension

If you don’t have the time or skills to extend your dishwasher drain hose yourself, don’t worry.

Our trusted experts in dishwasher installation and repair near you will be happy to help.

All our tradespeople have to pass up to 12 checks to be listed in our directory. And they regularly receive reviews from homeowners on everything from punctuality to professionalism and more.

So, when you hire a trade for your dishwasher hose extension using Checkatrade, you know you’re in safe hands.

Simply enter your postcode into the search box below to get started.

FAQs

What do you do if your dishwasher drain hose is too long?

You’ll need a bit of extra length in your dishwasher drain hose, in order to loop it up to the top of the sink base.

However, if your dishwasher drain hose is much too long, you can cut it with a utility knife and get a piece that will connect to a cut hose on one side and your drain spigot on the other. Or, simply replace it with a shorter drain hose.

Do dishwasher drain hoses come in different lengths?

Yes. Most dishwasher hoses are between 1.5 and 2 metres long. But the length can vary between dishwasher brands and you can also purchase longer drain hoses if your dishwasher is far from your sink.

Does a dishwasher drain hose need to be elevated?

Yes. Your dishwasher drain hose should be elevated right before its connection to the kitchen sink drain – known as a high loop. This prevents waste water from flowing back from your sink to your dishwasher.

Are dishwasher drain hoses universal?

No. Most dishwasher drain hoses are model-specific. However, drain hose extensions tend to be much more similar and will often fit a range of models.