How To Shorten Dishwasher Drain Hose (Step-By-Step) -

The dishwasher drain hose can create all sorts of problems when it’s not the right size.

It’s common for people to get frustrated and invest in a brand-new drain hose. Yes, there is nothing wrong with doing that as a universal drain hose can be found easily.

However, what if you want to fix an existing drain hose or perhaps one that is in your hands but is the wrong size? It’s important to learn how to shorten a dishwasher drain hose.

To shorten a dishwasher drain hose, measure the distance between the tailpiece on the countertop/sink deck and the dishwasher. Use a box cutter to cut enough for the hose to reach the tailpiece. Attach it using a clamp to complete the job.

It’s a simple task and one that will be done the way you want it to be.

When doing this, it’s important to remember, when shortening a dishwasher drain hose, you have to account for a little bit of movement. It should not be stretched too much as that might lead to issues later.

This guide will explain how to shorten a dishwasher drain hose the right way.

Table of Contents

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How To Shorten Dishwasher Drain Hose

1. Take Measurements

The first thing when cutting a dishwasher drain hose at home is to take measurements.

You should never move forward with this step until you have measured the distance between the two connecting points.

If you don’t do this, you won’t know how much to cut!

In general, your goal when measuring is to get a look at how much needs to be cut without causing the drain hose to overstretch.

It is recommended to leave a couple of inches on the end for it to stay limp when set up. It should not be stretched out.

This can cause tearing and a long list of other issues.

2. Use a Box Cutter

So, how are you going to cut the dishwasher drain hose?

To shorten a dishwasher drain hose, you have to use a box cutter. Anything handy and sharp will suffice as long as it gets through the material.

Modern cutters will get the job done.

Just make sure to mark where you are going to cut and ensure it’s a clean slice. This will make it easier to connect the dishwasher drain hose using a clamp later.

3. Leave Extra Room When Cutting

The last step is to leave a bit of extra room when cutting and installing the dishwasher drain hose.

The reason for this is to make sure you don’t have a situation where the drain hose does not work.

This can happen because the dishwasher drain hose is supposed to be in a relaxed state once it is set up. This is key as you don’t want a situation where the drain hose doesn’t work or gets clogged.

Be patient when cutting the drain hose and ensure you are as careful as you can be with the markings.

This will ensure the cut is a good one.

What Do You Do If Your Dishwasher Drain Hose Is Too Long?

If your dishwasher drain hose is too long, it’s recommended to cut it using a box cutter or anything sharp. To do this, measure the distance between the two connecting points. Now, cut the drain hose and connect it using a clamp.

This will be more than enough to get the job done.

How Long Should The Dishwasher Drain Hose Be?

A dishwasher drain hose should be less than 10 feet long. If it is longer than this, it will not work properly and it’s likely going to create drainage issues. To shorten the dishwasher drain hose, use a cutter and only measure between the two connecting points to know what the right cutting point is.

This can take a bit of time to do, but it will be worth it.

Just set up the drain hose to work with your setup. This is how you are going to see the best possible results.

Final Thoughts

These are the steps on how to shorten a dishwasher drain hose.

If you want to shorten a dishwasher drain hose, it’s best to measure between the two connecting points. Once you have the measurements, mark the drain hose and use a box cutter to shorten it. To finish the job, connect the drain hose using a clamp.

This is all you are going to have to do to see results.

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