# Can my washing machine pump another six inches?

**URL:** <https://boards.straightdope.com/t/can-my-washing-machine-pump-another-six-inches/229374>\
**Category:** Factual Questions\
**Created:** [February 15, 2004, 6:58pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/can-my-washing-machine-pump-another-six-inches/229374 "2004-02-15T18:58:45Z")\
**Posts on this page:** 6\
**Page:** 1

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**Author:** ![NinetyWt](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/n/cc9497/32.png) [@NinetyWt](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/NinetyWt)\
**Post date:** [February 15, 2004, 6:58pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/can-my-washing-machine-pump-another-six-inches/229374/1 "2004-02-15T18:58:45Z")

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Sweety and I are deep in the trenches of the Remodeling Project. Now we have come to the Laundry Room, which we are creating from the old utility room.

As I understand it, washing machine installation requires a “P” trap in the drain. Usually this trap is placed in the slab. Our installation is on an existing slab; the “P” trap will have to be higher than normal. While my brother assures me that only a foot or two vertical distance is needed between the discharge elevation and the “P” trap elevation, I’ve been toying with the idea of extending the discharge hose vertically; so that the discharge elevation is 6 to 10 inches higher than normal. This would allow for the usual height difference between the discharge and the “P” trap.

I don’t know too much about washing machine pumps, so here’s the Q: Can the pump stand that much more head? Or will I burn it up prematurely from it having to push a little harder?

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**Author:** ![mangeorge](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/m/d78d45/32.png) [@mangeorge](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/mangeorge)\
**Post date:** [February 15, 2004, 7:15pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/can-my-washing-machine-pump-another-six-inches/229374/2 "2004-02-15T19:15:54Z")

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My manual (Maytag) say’s to go ahead and extend the hose. It doesn’t say how far.  
Peace,  
mangeorge

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**Author:** ![Q.E.D](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/q/51bf81/32.png) [@Q.E.D](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Q.E.D)\
**Post date:** [February 15, 2004, 7:24pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/can-my-washing-machine-pump-another-six-inches/229374/3 "2004-02-15T19:24:48Z")

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Besides, once the flow starts, it creates a siphon effect which takes some of the load off the pump motor. Unless you live _below_ the drainage system, like in a sub-basement or something.

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**Author:** ![Una\_Persson](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/una_persson/32/346_2.png) [@Una\_Persson](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Una_Persson)\
**Post date:** [February 15, 2004, 7:36pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/can-my-washing-machine-pump-another-six-inches/229374/4 "2004-02-15T19:36:31Z")

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My washing machine pumps nearly to the level of the console on top of the unit, and does seem to work fine. I wonder sometimes about the accumulation of water when it runs back, which is significant (clear pipe so you can see it) but in 5 years have had no problems with odour, etc.

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**Author:** ![NinetyWt](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/n/cc9497/32.png) [@NinetyWt](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/NinetyWt)\
**Post date:** [February 15, 2004, 8:40pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/can-my-washing-machine-pump-another-six-inches/229374/5 "2004-02-15T20:40:27Z")

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Thanks y’all.

I finally got smart and looked up the installation guide (don’t know why I didn’t think of that before! :smack: ). Lo and behold, the outlet can be as high as 96" off the floor.

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**Author:** ![mangeorge](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/m/d78d45/32.png) [@mangeorge](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/mangeorge)\
**Post date:** [February 16, 2004, 12:27am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/can-my-washing-machine-pump-another-six-inches/229374/6 "2004-02-16T00:27:51Z")

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> [@NinetyWt](#):
>
> Thanks y’all.
> 
> I finally got smart and looked up the installation guide (don’t know why I didn’t think of that before! :smack: ). Lo and behold, the outlet can be as high as 96" off the floor.

This board _really_ needs just one more smiley. One that shakes it’s head, and says “sheesh”. Sort of a more gentle :rolleyes:  
😉