Do Dishwashers Come With Drain Hose?

If you plan on getting a dishwasher, you may be wondering if it comes with a drain hose. Luckily, we have done some research for you on this topic, and here is what we found.

A dishwasher typically comes with a drain hose that connects it to the drain under the sink. This pipe is usually linked to an inlet that can be found in the garbage disposal. 

Every dishwasher comes with a drain pipe which helps to dispose of wastewater from the machine. Keep reading to get detailed information about the dishwasher drain hose and related topics.

Closup of a kitchen dishwasher, Do Dishwashers Come With Drain Hose?

Do Dishwashers Come With Drain Hose?

Having a dishwasher in your kitchen is a good investment. This will save you from the stress of manual washing. The dishwasher has a drain hose that connects it to the drain.

The drain hose is linked to an inlet that can be seen in the garbage disposal. You may need to pull out your dishwasher in order to access the drain hose. 

When getting a new dishwasher or a replacement, you can connect the drain hose to your appliance without the help of a professional.

If it is your first time, you will need to install a dedicated drain fitting called a Y-branch tailpiece which allows dirty water to flow into the drain system. 

The Y-branch tailpiece, which is also known as the air gap, is a safety device fixed on the countertop or sink through which the machine hose flows through to the drain.

The air gap gives a pressure break in the line, and this disrupts the possibility of wastewater flowing back into the dishwasher occupied with cleaning the dishes. 

The tools that will be needed to connect a dishwasher drain hose vary depending on the configuration and whether there is an air gap or not.

Make sure you turn off the water from under the sink and remove your garbage disposal before you begin. 

Where Is The Dishwasher Drain Hose?

The dishwasher drain hose is located under the sink. It is linked to the pump that can be sighted under the spray arm. It runs from the pump to the drain or air gap.

To gain access to the drain hose, you need to, first of all, take out the kickplate panel that can be seen beneath the door. Take out this panel by removing the screws that are located either below or above the panel and locate the pipe.

However, the door of some dishwashers has to be open in order to access and take out the screws but has to be closed so you can remove the panel. 

Do Dishwashers Have Two Drain Hoses?

Dishwashers do not come with two drain hoses, although there are two water lines that go to the appliance: the supply hose and the drain hose. 

These two water lines are linked to the fitting that leads to the kitchen faucet. This fitting is separated in order to direct the fresh water to your dishwasher and the dirty water comes out from the bottom of the same fitting. 

These supply lines and drain lines are the two types of dishwasher hoses. They vary in terms of length and are designed to be used with an air gap. Each of these hoses has different construction materials and configurations. 

Click here to see this dishwasher drain hose on Amazon

How Do You Clean A Dishwasher Drain Hose?

Plastic drain pipe on white background.

A dishwasher drain hose can get clogged if regular cleaning is not carried out. Debris can clog the drain hose over time, especially if you do not rinse the dishes before loading. 

You can clean the dishwasher drain hose using items that you probably have around the house, including vinegar, baking soda, and a toothbrush. You'll also need boiling water.

You can clean the hose without removing it. All you need is a cup of baking soda and white vinegar with a rubber glove.

Follow the five steps below to clean your dishwasher drain hose:

Step 1: Locate The Drain Hose

Remove any dishes and the dishwasher's bottom rack to access the drain hose. After doing this, switch off the garbage disposal and circuit breaker. 

Step 2: Clear The Garbage Disposal

Put on your gloves and clear the garbage disposal. It is important to clean this part because serious problems can emanate from there.

If the garbage disposal is clogged with junk or other debris, it may keep the dishwasher from draining properly.

Step 3: Pour Vinegar And Baking Soda Into The Dishwasher Bucket

Mix a cup of vinegar and baking soda together and pour it into the dishwasher bucket that is located beneath the dishwasher. After doing this, let it settle for at least 15–20 minutes.

Vinegar will help with grime and grease. Baking soda and vinegar are both natural deodorizers that can help prevent any type of unpleasant smell and also clean the drain hose of the dishwasher without problems. 

Step 4: Pour In Boiling Water

After the set time for the baking soda and vinegar solution has been met, you can now get ready to add boiling water. Pour it inside the dishwasher container in order to get rid of clogs and begin the rinse cycle. 

Step 5: Clean The Air Gap

If there is an air gap in your dishwasher, then this part is also crucial when doing regular cleaning, as it may be the reason for any clogging as well as water overflow.

Clean the air gap by taking off the air gap cap and getting rid of all necessary waste. 

You should clean the drain pipe every couple of weeks or once a month to ensure that the appliance does not malfunction. Regular cleaning can help your dishwasher to maintain its performance. Maintenance can also save you money.

When you notice any unexpected signs with your dishwasher, you should get it fixed or call a professional to help you out before it leads to major issues. 

How Do I Know If My Dishwasher Drain Hose Is Clogged?

One repairman fixing malfunctioning kitchen dishwasher problem

To know if the drain hose of your dishwasher is clogged, you need to look out for these signs:

  • Weird sounds like gurgling or thumping when you are making use of your dishwasher.
  • If you notice that the drainage of your dishwasher is getting much slower, then the drain hose is probably clogged. 
  • If water starts flowing back after a certain cycle or the dishwasher is not cleaning your dishes properly, then you need to get your drain hose cleaned. 

If you notice any of these or other unusual signs, check the drain hose of your dishwasher and get it cleaned as soon as possible. 

How Often Should You Change Dishwasher Drain Hose?

A woman's hand puts a dirty plate in the dishwasher

Every household appliance has a lifespan. Even though we hope they keep running at peak performance for years, they may start malfunctioning over time.

Dishwashers have an expected lifespan of nine years. It is recommended that you change the drain hose of your dishwasher every five years.

Do not wait till the appliance starts malfunctioning. Even if you do not notice any obvious wear or tear, you should get the drain hose replaced. 

To replace an old drain hose with a new one, all you need are a wrench and pliers to remove hose fittings, a screwdriver to take out the dishwasher screw, and a towel to clean up any spilled water.

You may also need a bucket to receive leftover water, a towel where the dishwasher will rest, and gloves to protect your hands.

Are All Dishwasher Drain Hoses The Same Size?

Installation hoses for dishwasher machine domestic connection plumbing pipes in kitchen

No, but drain hoses for dishwashers are usually ½ inch in size.

In order to have different connections, rubber boots will be needed. This will allow the drain hose to connect with ½ inch, ¾ inch, and 1 inch.

The rubber boots come with markers that show where to cut for different widths. You can make use of a sharp utility knife. 

To Wrap Up

Generally, dishwashers come with a drain hose which can be found under the sink. Make sure to clean the hose often so it doesn't get clogged. You can use a mixture of baking soda and vinegar to clean it.

If you enjoyed reading this post, here are similar articles you may like:

How To Attach Drain Hose To Dishwasher

How To Unclog A Dishwasher Drain Hose

How To Extend Dishwasher Drain Hose

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