Washing machines each require three connections. Electricity, water inlet and drain must be connected to the device. Adapters may be required to ensure safety and functionality.
Washing machine connections
In addition to a power connection, washing machines require fresh tap water to clean textiles. After the wash cycle, this is pumped out and must be led into a drain pipe. If this is too far away or the diameters do not match, an adapter is required. This also applies if there is no return valve or odor trap or if the household appliance is to be connected to a sink.
Adapter pieces and drain hoses must be selected appropriately. Otherwise, the dirty water may leak and unpleasant smells may occur.
Types of adapters
There are different variants of washing machine adapters. The differences lie not only in the respective diameter, but primarily in the form and function.
Angle connection
The angle connection consists of a horizontal and a vertical end. The horizontal section is pushed into the drain pipe along with a seal until it is secure and tight. The vertical end is connected to the machine's drain hose. The hose is pulled over the nozzle and additionally secured with a clamp. This offers security against leaking water.
The angle connections are fittings that are made of plastic and that can be equipped, for example, with an odor trap or a return safety device. The combination of these functions saves space and effort. In addition, the angle connections offer further advantages. These include:
- easy connection
- low cost
- large selection
- space-saving installation
- little effort
There is also a distinction between surface-mounted and flush-mounted versions. Surface-mounting is quick and easy. It can also be carried out easily by laypeople. However, there must be enough space for this. It is better to have flush-mounted angle connections installed professionally to avoid damage to the wall and errors. This initially means more effort, but saves space and is therefore ideal in narrow niches.
Odor trap
The connection of the drain should have an odor trap, which can be integrated directly into the angle connection or must be connected in front of it. It prevents the residues of dirty water, detergent and fabric softener from spreading unpleasant smells. When making your selection, you just need to pay attention to the diameter of the connections. The installation can also be carried out surface-mounted or flush-mounted.
Tip:
We recommend a combination of odor trap and angle connection. This saves you space and effort.
Reverse protection
A backflow protection prevents dirty water from running back into the machine in the event of a blockage in the pipe or an unfavorable gradient. On the one hand, this keeps the laundry clean. On the other hand, the device is protected and unpleasant smells are also avoided.
Again, it is better to install an angle connection with an integrated odor trap and backflow protection. This saves you space and the effort required for installation. In addition, there are fewer connections and therefore fewer weak points.
Sink connection
If the washing machine drain is to be connected to a sink, this is possible with an appropriate insert and adapters. The simplest variant is to install a so-called Y-piece in the vertical section of the siphon. The drain hose can then be attached to the second connection. Here again, the appropriate fixation is crucial.
Sealing rings and clamps are usually sufficient for this. With these, just as with the pipes and hoses themselves, you have to pay attention to the respective diameter dimensions. When it comes to clamps, you should choose designs that, on average, correspond as closely as possible to the diameter of the pipe or hose. Exhausting the minimum and maximum or using them as a guide when making your selection is not recommended, as the final density will be lower.
Tip:
A sink connection always makes sense if the washing machine is too far away from the intended drain. This can be useful in both the bathroom and the kitchen.
Extension hoses
Washing machine adapters are necessary between hoses when the actual drain hose of the appliance does not reach the required drain. Please note that the length of the drain hose is maximally doubled.
In addition, the connection between the hoses must be stable and secure. This is done using a drain hose extension and a clamp. A second clamp is usually included in the set so that the hose can be connected directly to the drain pipe or another connection.
Matching adapter pieces
When it comes to connecting pieces, you must pay particular attention to the diameter. Due to standardized sizes, it is very easy to find the necessary dimensions both in hardware stores and online. The drain usually has a hose diameter of 19 millimeters on the inside. The outside diameter depends on the material used and its thickness. The connecting pieces can have standard dimensions of 20 to 24 millimeters as an inner diameter. It is important that the drain adapter used corresponds to the drain connection or siphon on one side and that the hose can be inserted and fixed on the other end. Apart from connecting pieces to extend the drain hose, the aids therefore have different dimensions at the inlet and outlet.
It should also be noted that a distinction is made between internal and external dimensions. It is therefore important:
- correct measurement of inside and outside diameter
- consider the manufacturer's information
- Type of connection by pushing in or over
- Design of the connection
- integrated functions and associated requirements for distance or height
A secure connection can only be achieved if you take these factors into account.
Washing Machine Drain Adapter Prices
Prices for drain adapters depend on:
- Material
- Accessories such as fixing clamps
- additional equipment such as odor trap
For a simple angled hose nozzle or a plastic siphon connection, you only need to budget three to five euros. Higher quality and more complex variants with accessories as well as an integrated odor stop and backflow protection cost around 30 euros.
