The common assumption when setting up a washing machine is the water will drain downwards.
This is due to how the average drainage system works. Water flows through the pipe, gravity pushes it down, and then it filters into the drain.
However, you might want to optimize the setup in your house differently. This includes you wondering, can a washing machine drain upwards?
A washing machine can drain upwards. Some modern washing machines are capable of pumping water vertically across 7-8 feet without backing up. It’s best to read through the manual to see what’s the appropriate setup for your washer.
A lot of stacked washers will have this type of pump because they are designed to handle vertical draining.
You will always want to make sure the drain pipe is set up the right way if you want to do this. Any obstructions will cause the water to push vertically and then filter back into the washer due to gravity.
Getting things right with the setup is crucial when you are looking to vertically drain a washing machine.
This article is going to look at how to set up a washing machine so it drains upwards.
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How To Make A Washing Machine Drain Upwards
1. Set The Drain Pipe Vertically
When it comes to a washing machine drain going to the ceiling, you will want to ensure the pipe is set up appropriately.
This includes ensuring it is installed in a straight line.
The reason for this is to make sure the pumping capacity of the washing machine does not get impeded in any way, shape, or form.
This can happen when your pipe is not wide enough or gets obstructed.
The best approach is to make sure you have laid out the drain pipe in a manner where the water will flush out easily.
2. Assess The Pumping Capacity Of The Washer
You will also want to consider the pumping capacity of the washing machine.
In general, the average washer is going to have a pumping capacity of at least 7-8 feet from the time the water enters the drain.
You will notice it pumps quickly.
This is important because the washing machine needs to have this type of power or the water will filter back into the washer.
If the washer is not designed for this type of drainage, you should not go with the vertical setup. You will need to find another route to get rid of the wastewater in the washer.
3. Ensure There Are No Obstructions
This is one of the biggest priorities a person needs to have when it comes to a washing machine’s drainage setup.
You can’t have obstructions in the drainage setup.
This means when the water is pumped out of the washing machine, it should go in a straight line. This is one of the most important things a person can do as you will want to get things right.
You have to ensure the washer is set up in a manner where the water gets pushed in a straight line and does not get blocked.
If there are too many twists and turns in the plumbing, this will ruin the flow.
4. Run A Strict Maintenance Schedule
This is one of those details you are going to want to consider when it is time to understand the nuances of how to drain properly.
Since you are going to be draining the washer vertically, it needs to be well-maintained.
This includes running an empty hot water cycle at least once every few months. This is a good way to get rid of unwanted dirt/grime inside the washer.
A strict maintenance schedule is the only way to stay on top of things and make sure nothing gets damaged later.
Final Thoughts
Can a washing machine drain upwards?
A washing machine can drain upwards. The average new-age washing machine will have a pumping capacity of 7-8 feet vertically. This means a drain pipe can be set up to push water in this direction and not have it filter back into the appliance.
Having said that, you will still want to make sure the draining setup is efficient. This means it is not twisting and turning as that will make it much harder to get the water out of the washer as it goes through its cycle.
The best approach is to make sure you are setting a maintenance schedule. This is going to let you keep the drain pipe clear, which will ensure the water continues to pump as you want it to.
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