Do new washing machines use the same hoses and plumbing?
Washing machine fill and drain hoses are broadly standardised, so a new machine will usually connect to existing plumbing without modification. However, cost-cutting means new hoses are often shorter than older ones, and most new machines come with only one fill hose since virtually all are now cold fill only. If your previous machine was hot and cold fill, the old hot water tap will need capping off.
All new washing machines come supplied with fill hoses. The fittings are standardised and should connect to existing taps without adapters. The practical issues are usually around hose length, hose type, and the change from hot and cold fill to cold fill only machines.
Fill Hoses
Should I Use the New Hoses or the Old Ones?
If the new hoses reach the taps and are in good condition, fitting them makes sense – they are new rubber with fresh washers. However, new hoses are often supplied shorter than necessary as a cost-saving measure. If the supplied hoses do not reach the taps, the old hoses can be reused provided they are in excellent condition with no signs of cracking, stiffness, or corrosion at the fittings.
If neither set of hoses is long enough, extra-long fill hoses (typically 2.5 metres, compared to the standard 1.5 metres) are available from Spares4Appliances.
Hoses With Built-In Filters
Some new machines come with fill hoses that have mesh filters built into the machine-end connector. If the supplied hoses have these and the old ones do not, use the new hoses – the machine has been designed to use them and the filters protect the water inlet valve from debris.
Anti-Flood (Aqua-Stop) Hoses
Some machines are supplied with aqua-stop flood-protection hoses rather than standard fill hoses. These look and feel very different – bulky, corrugated plastic with a large fitting at the tap end. They can be difficult to fit with some tap configurations. For full guidance on aqua-stop hoses, including whether they need to be used or can be replaced with a standard hose, see our guide on aqua-stop hoses.
Drain Hose
The drain hose fitting on new machines is standardised and should be compatible with existing standpipes or U-bend connectors. As with fill hoses, cost-cutting has resulted in shorter drain hoses being supplied with many machines.
Unlike a fill hose – which screws on and off at both ends – the drain hose connects directly to the water pump inside the machine. Swapping it for an old hose is possible but requires accessing the pump connection, which is too involved for most DIY situations. Instead, if the new drain hose is too short, use a drain hose extension kit – a joiner that allows an additional length of hose to be connected to the existing hose.
Extension kits are available from Spares4Appliances. When using an extension, trim the original hose to the shortest length that still reaches the extension point – avoid unnecessary excess hose length. Check the connection carefully for any leaks immediately after installation and monitor it over the first several washes before leaving the machine unattended. A loose extension connection can cause a significant flood.
For full guidance on correct drain hose installation, standpipe requirements, and the anti-backflow loop, see our guide on how to install a washing machine drain hose.
Replacing a Hot and Cold Fill Machine With a Cold Fill Only Machine
Virtually all modern washing machines are cold fill only – they take in cold water and heat it internally. If the machine being replaced was hot and cold fill, there will be two taps and two hoses in the existing installation. The new machine will come with only one fill hose and will only need one connection.
This raises several questions about what to do with the now-unused hot water tap and hose. These are covered in the following guides:
What to Do With the Old Hot Water TapHow to safely cap off the unused hot water tap when installing a cold fill only washing machine.
Why Do New Washing Machines Not Have a Hot Water Valve?Why virtually all modern machines are cold fill only and whether hot fill is still available.
Can You Connect a Cold Fill Machine to the Hot Water Supply?Whether it is possible or advisable to connect a cold fill machine to the hot supply instead of cold.
Hot and Cold Fill Machine With Only a Cold SupplyWhat to do if you have a hot and cold fill machine but only a cold water supply available.
Installing a New Machine?
Frequently Asked Questions
Do new washing machine hoses fit existing plumbing?
In almost all cases, yes. Fill hose fittings are standardised and will screw onto standard UK washing machine taps. Drain hoses are compatible with standard standpipes and U-bend spigots. The main practical issues are hose length and, for machines from certain brands, the use of bulky aqua-stop hoses rather than standard ones.
What if the new fill hoses are too short?
You can reuse the old fill hoses if they are in good condition – fill hose fittings are standardised and the old ones will fit the new machine. Alternatively, purchase extra-long fill hoses (2.5 metres) from Spares4Appliances to replace both old and new hoses with ones of the right length.
Can I extend the drain hose if it is too short?
Yes, using a drain hose extension kit – a joiner that connects an additional length of hose. Do not simply replace the machine-end drain hose with the old one without accessing the pump connection, which is too involved for most situations. After fitting an extension, check for leaks carefully during the first several washes before leaving the machine unattended.
My old machine had hot and cold fill – what do I do with the hot tap?
The hot tap will no longer be needed, as all modern machines are cold fill only. The unused tap must be capped off to prevent water flow into the now-disconnected hose. See our guide on what to do with the old hot water tap for the correct procedure.
37 Comments
Grouped into 23 comment threads.
1 reply Do you have to use blue and red fill hoses? Can’t they just be generic black ones?
1 reply You state that a new washing machine will always come with new fill hoses, but the washer that I purchased from Home Depot did not come with new fill hoses.
You state that a new washing machine will always come with new fill hoses, but the washer that I purchased from Home Depot did not come with new fill hoses.
Hi. If the packaging was already removed or interfered with, someone may have “acquired” them. It’s possible the manufacturer decided to no longer include them, but I would be very surprised. It can’t be used without them, and if it’s a first washing machine they just sold someone a product that can’t be used.
1 reply Hi I am awaiting delivery of a new Samsung washing machine. The only electrical wall socket is one which is connected through a small hole bored in the worktop. This means the cable has to come through a cupboard and up through a hole in the worktop. If I remember when the old machine was installed they took the plug off to enable it to be connected through the worktop. Will my new machine be a fixed plug which would cause a major problem or are they all plugs which can be removed and reconnected once the cable is pushed through the hole in the worktop? Also do I remove the old hoses completely from both the machine and under the sink to be disposed off as not sure if all three hoses hot cold and waste will be supplied with my new machine and they are a universal fitting. Old machine is a Bosch new one Samsung. Thanks Anne
Hi I am awaiting delivery of a new Samsung washing machine. The only electrical wall socket is one which is connected through a small hole bored in the worktop. This means the cable has to come through a cupboard and up through a hole in the worktop. If I remember when the old machine was installed they took the plug off to enable it to be connected through the worktop. Will my new machine be a fixed plug which would cause a major problem or are they all plugs which can be removed and reconnected once the cable is pushed through the hole in the worktop?
Also do I remove the old hoses completely from both the machine and under the sink to be disposed off as not sure if all three hoses hot cold and waste will be supplied with my new machine and they are a universal fitting. Old machine is a Bosch new one Samsung. Thanks Anne
Likely replying to Anne Macleod
Hello Anne. All electrical products come with a moulded factory fitted plug. You will have to cut the plug off and fit a normal 13 amp plug
Best practice is to remove the old hoses and fit the new ones unless they are fairly newish and in good condition. Most new machines are cold fill only now What do you do with the old hot water tap?
The drain hose just needs disconnecting from the plumbing and the new drain hose on the new machine connecting in its place. Be aware though that if the washing machine is plumbed into the u-bend under a sink then once removed water will leak into the cupboard if the spout it fits to is not blocked off. If so and you don’t have the blanking cap leave it until the night before.
0 replies That sounds like it might do it Joseph. The 21 mm end in your current drain hose and the 17 mm end in the new drain hose.
That sounds like it might do it Joseph. The 21 mm end in your current drain hose and the 17 mm end in the new drain hose.
0 replies This is getting a little difficult to explain. A picture would be easier as I could annotate it. The hose exiting the washing machine has an external diameter of 25mm, internal of 21mm. It has a dual 19mm connector coming out of it. The extension hoses I have seen, including the one I bought from yesterday are odd. The actual internal diameter of the hose is 17mm but it has two moulded openings, one with an internal diameter of 22mm and the other of 28mm. I decided I would cut off the large end but the connector now does not fit inside the cut tube. Do I try a 21mm to 17mm connector?
This is getting a little difficult to explain. A picture would be easier as I could annotate it.
The hose exiting the washing machine has an external diameter of 25mm, internal of 21mm.
It has a dual 19mm connector coming out of it.
The extension hoses I have seen, including the one I bought from yesterday are odd.
The actual internal diameter of the hose is 17mm but it has two moulded openings, one with an internal diameter of 22mm and the other of 28mm.
I decided I would cut off the large end but the connector now does not fit inside the cut tube.
Do I try a 21mm to 17mm connector?
2 replies Hi. I am having a similar issue. We have just moved house and the tubes on our Zanussi washer dyer are too short. I have bought and fitted some 2.5metre hot and cold inlet hoses. That was easy. The hard bit is the drain tube. The zanussi has its drain hard wired so to speak in the base and I cannot replace it. I have tried extending it by adding a spigot and buying an extension tube but the extension tubes available from Screwfix, B&Q and Selco all have a rarrow opening on one end (perfect) and a wide opening on the other. The larger diameter is way too big for my connection under the sink. Do extension tubes exist with the same narrow opening on both ends?
Hi.
I am having a similar issue. We have just moved house and the tubes on our Zanussi washer dyer are too short. I have bought and fitted some 2.5metre hot and cold inlet hoses. That was easy. The hard bit is the drain tube. The zanussi has its drain hard wired so to speak in the base and I cannot replace it.
I have tried extending it by adding a spigot and buying an extension tube but the extension tubes available from Screwfix, B&Q and Selco all have a rarrow opening on one end (perfect) and a wide opening on the other. The larger diameter is way too big for my connection under the sink. Do extension tubes exist with the same narrow opening on both ends?
Likely replying to Andy Trigg (Whitegoodshelp)
Hi Andy.
Yes I tried. It was way too loose in the larger end of the hose so I cut off the large end with the aim of pushing the connector (spigot) into the remaining hose.
That didn’t work either ( The connector is too big ) and I’m left with a useless hose.
0 replies Just got replacement hose for a second hand machine as woman had just cut it off but one end is too big for the machine or sink end will a garden hose connector work to make the hose longer
Just got replacement hose for a second hand machine as woman had just cut it off but one end is too big for the machine or sink end will a garden hose connector work to make the hose longer
1 reply Hi I will be buying a new Indesit washing machine. The machine will be right beside the sink. The machine only has cold water inlet and the flat is plumbed for hot and cold, is okay to buy a washing machine that can only be plumbed to the cold water tap. Also, do the inlet pipes need to be fitted with washers before the hose is connected to them and if they do what size would I need to buy.
Hi I will be buying a new Indesit washing machine. The machine will be right beside the sink. The machine only has cold water inlet and the flat is plumbed for hot and cold, is okay to buy a washing machine that can only be plumbed to the cold water tap. Also, do the inlet pipes need to be fitted with washers before the hose is connected to them and if they do what size would I need to buy.
Likely replying to Kate Tarpey
Hello Kate. Virtually all washing machines are cold fill only these days. On a washing machine should come with a new fill hose which will have rubber seals inside. The old hot water tap will no longer be required. In theory you should have it removed. However I already know of at least one new washing machine that has reintroduced the hot water tap. There’s always a possibility that eventually they might all go back to having a hot tap. However, for the last 10 or 15 years they have been cold fill only. The arguments for and against have been discussed in great detail and some of my articles. You might want to have a look at these 2 at least What do you do with the old hot water tap? | Cold Fill Washing Machines
0 replies Washing machines can be used with the drain hose pushed into a drain pipe at the back of the machine (the old fashioned way). Most are now pushed onto a small spigot off the u-bend. If neither are available then that's unexpected and very unusual. If there's definitely nothing there the only way the washer could have been used is with the drain hose hooked onto the edge of the sink. This method is doable but very undesirable. First the drain hose can fall out and flood the kitchen. Secondly something like a dishcloth, bowl or other blockage can block the sink and cause it to overfill and flood the kitchen. You need to get it plumbed in properly if you are sure there's no plastic spigot on the u-bend. Otherwise to use that method you need the plastic shepherd's crook that comes with a washing machine but often discarded as not needed if connecting under the sink to force a hook into the end of the drain hose.
Washing machines can be used with the drain hose pushed into a drain pipe at the back of the machine (the old fashioned way). Most are now pushed onto a small spigot off the u-bend. If neither are available then that’s unexpected and very unusual. If there’s definitely nothing there the only way the washer could have been used is with the drain hose hooked onto the edge of the sink.
This method is doable but very undesirable. First the drain hose can fall out and flood the kitchen. Secondly something like a dishcloth, bowl or other blockage can block the sink and cause it to overfill and flood the kitchen. You need to get it plumbed in properly if you are sure there’s no plastic spigot on the u-bend. Otherwise to use that method you need the plastic shepherd’s crook that comes with a washing machine but often discarded as not needed if connecting under the sink to force a hook into the end of the drain hose.
0 replies Hi Whitegoodshelp, I want to buy a Bosch washing machine and I have moved to a new property and it does not appear to have a connection for the drain hose socket under the kitchen sink. I was told by the estate agent that the previous owner had a washing machine installed previously. Can a washing machine be used without connecting a drain hose? Please help. Alex
Hi Whitegoodshelp,
I want to buy a Bosch washing machine and I have moved to a new property and it does not appear to have a connection for the drain hose socket under the kitchen sink.
I was told by the estate agent that the previous owner had a washing machine installed previously.
Can a washing machine be used without connecting a drain hose?
Please help.
Alex
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1 reply Hi, My old washing machine had extension pipes for the hot & cold inlet pipes and the outlet pipe. My new washing machine has come with just a cold inlet pipe which has a smaller diameter tube to the extension pipe (connectors the same size). 1) Do you think there would be an issue connecting the thinner inlet pipe to the bigger extension pipe, I'm thinking difference in pressure? 2) I still have the old bigger inlet pipe that was attached to the old machine. Can you think of any issues just using the old inlet pipes into the new machine. Am I right in thinking that washing machines stop the flow of water once it reaches a certain level rather than a set period of time? So the diameter of the inlet pipes isn't an issue? Any help appreciated. I'm UK by the way.
Hi,
My old washing machine had extension pipes for the hot & cold inlet pipes and the outlet pipe. My new washing machine has come with just a cold inlet pipe which has a smaller diameter tube to the extension pipe (connectors the same size).
1) Do you think there would be an issue connecting the thinner inlet pipe to the bigger extension pipe, I’m thinking difference in pressure?
2) I still have the old bigger inlet pipe that was attached to the old machine. Can you think of any issues just using the old inlet pipes into the new machine.
Am I right in thinking that washing machines stop the flow of water once it reaches a certain level rather than a set period of time? So the diameter of the inlet pipes isn’t an issue?
Any help appreciated. I’m UK by the way.
Likely replying to David
Hello David. Yes water levels are controlled by measuring the level of the water so the thickness of the inlet hoses won’t make any difference. I’m not aware of any real advantage over the thinner inlet pipes other than presumably they use less material and are cheaper to produce. Any washing machine hoses as long as they are in good condition should work perfectly okay.
0 replies I have the same problem as other people here. I have just purchased a Haier HWS60-12F2S washing machine to go into a newly built property (finished 2 months ago). The cold water inlet pipe/thread from the plumbing is ever so slightly too small for the screw/thread on the end of the machines inlet hose. Not entirely sure what to do
I have the same problem as other people here. I have just purchased a Haier HWS60-12F2S washing machine to go into a newly built property (finished 2 months ago). The cold water inlet pipe/thread from the plumbing is ever so slightly too small for the screw/thread on the end of the machines inlet hose.
Not entirely sure what to do
1 reply I have bought a ProACtion washing machine. However the diameter of the drain hose is 2.8 cm. The diameter of the pipe it is supposed to attach to is only 2 cm, even if i attach it the water floods out. I cant take the hose off the machine. Is there something I can attach to the pipe to make it wider??
I have bought a ProACtion washing machine. However the diameter of the drain hose is 2.8 cm.
The diameter of the pipe it is supposed to attach to is only 2 cm, even if i attach it the water floods out.
I cant take the hose off the machine. Is there something I can attach to the pipe to make it wider??
Likely replying to rachel
Hello Rachel, it sounds like you have a non standard set up. The waste water drain hose should normally either push inside a standpipe, or attach under the sink to the u-bend where there’s normally a tapered plastic fitting that the drain hose pushes onto. The diameter of the fitting should go from quite thin to quite thick so it can accommodate all sizes. If yours goes to a thin pipe you are not going to be able to fit it unless by any chance there’s a rubber end to the drain hose which may be cut off so that the plastic drain hose may push onto the pipe. It would need a jubilee clip to tighten it down though.
1 reply Hi, We recently bought a new washer, dryer but the hose connector does not fit under the sink - sorry i don't know the names - we've tried 32mm, 40mm. 32 is literally 1-3mm too small. We think our sink is European but it came when we bought the house so can't be certain. Do you happen to know if they have different sizes there? We're thinking it may well be 35mm but can't find that on any of the obvious sites like screwfix. Beginning to think might be easier just to get a new sink.
Hi,
We recently bought a new washer, dryer but the hose connector does not fit under the sink – sorry i don’t know the names – we’ve tried 32mm, 40mm. 32 is literally 1-3mm too small. We think our sink is European but it came when we bought the house so can’t be certain. Do you happen to know if they have different sizes there? We’re thinking it may well be 35mm but can’t find that on any of the obvious sites like screwfix.
Beginning to think might be easier just to get a new sink.
Likely replying to Liz
Hello Liz. The connector for the drain hose usually comes with the sink, not the washing machine. In the UK at least, the washing machine just comes with the drain hose. Then to plummeting you either pushed this drain hose into a standpipe, or if connecting under the sink to the u-bend then the drain hose should push onto a plastic connector which is already attached to the u-bend. I don’t know if washing machines are connected differently though wherever you are? Click post comment
0 replies The only explanation I can think of is if the Bosch washing machine was made for European countries or somewhere else outside the US with different threads on their plumbing. No manufacturer would supply machines to any country that cannot be connected. Something's wrong somewhere. I would contact whoever you bought it from.
The only explanation I can think of is if the Bosch washing machine was made for European countries or somewhere else outside the US with different threads on their plumbing. No manufacturer would supply machines to any country that cannot be connected. Something’s wrong somewhere. I would contact whoever you bought it from.
1 reply I just bought a bosch washing machine but the threads on the hoses are not fitting the standard outlets I have for my hot and cold water supply. Water spurts out everywhere when the water is turned on. I tried new hoses and these connect fine to the water supply but now water spurt in the machine end, so I assume the threads are different. Is there an adaptor I can buy to fix the issue?
I just bought a bosch washing machine but the threads on the hoses are not fitting the standard outlets I have for my hot and cold water supply. Water spurts out everywhere when the water is turned on. I tried new hoses and these connect fine to the water supply but now water spurt in the machine end, so I assume the threads are different.
Is there an adaptor I can buy to fix the issue?
Likely replying to Adam
Hello Adam, is this UK? I can’t imagine any washing machine manufacturer changing the thread on their new fill hoses so that they no longer fit standard plumbing. I can’t think of any circumstances where that could happen, it would be crazy, like supplying washing machines to the UK with American plugs so they won’t work. Puzzling.
0 replies It may be that the hose on the new washing machine does not need cutting but if you need to cut the drain hose end off this should not prevent it fitting to any future plumbing. The drain hose should still push onto any future u-bend connector. The u-bend connectors are tapered and ridged to allow most hoses to be pushed firmly on.
It may be that the hose on the new washing machine does not need cutting but if you need to cut the drain hose end off this should not prevent it fitting to any future plumbing. The drain hose should still push onto any future u-bend connector. The u-bend connectors are tapered and ridged to allow most hoses to be pushed firmly on.
2 replies Hi, I'm due a new washing machine tuesday and with my last 2 machines I had to have the waste hose connector cut off as the sink pipe connection was too small, and then the hose was taped in place. I don't really want to do this with my new machine as am due to move at the end of the year. Should the sink pipe be ready to have a waste hose connected without fuss? Thanks in advance
Hi, I’m due a new washing machine tuesday and with my last 2 machines I had to have the waste hose connector cut off as the sink pipe connection was too small, and then the hose was taped in place. I don’t really want to do this with my new machine as am due to move at the end of the year. Should the sink pipe be ready to have a waste hose connected without fuss? Thanks in advance
Likely replying to Samantha
Hello Samantha, the end of the drain hose often has a rubber part at the end that fits nice and tight over the sink u-bend connector although I recommend this is secured in place with a cable tie or jubilee clip. Most people connect the drain hose to the u-bend now so drain hoses should be designed to accommodate that. Maybe your u-bend connector is different to normal? They should have a connector that is about 2 or 3 inches long, and tapered so it gets thinner towards the end with ridges on it so that pipes can be pushed firmly onto it.
I have just remembered…This all was as you described except the end of the drain hose was too large in diameter to fit the ubend so it was cut off in order for the bendy part of the waste pipe to be taped snugly in place. This was the same for both waste pipes on both machines and both used taped. I regularly checked for leaks, I’ve been in this house for 4 years and no leaks ever (phew) just I really don’t want to cut anything and be checking all the time for something landlord needs to upgrade and then when I move not be able to connect my machine up. I hope this makes sense. I could also take pics of new machine hose and ubend should I come across the same problem tomorrow?
0 replies Many fill hoses are very thin these days Tracy. They should still work ok.
Many fill hoses are very thin these days Tracy. They should still work ok.
0 replies My pipes to connect my washer are thinner than the outlet hose from the washer. Help!
My pipes to connect my washer are thinner than the outlet hose from the washer. Help!
0 replies I'm glad I came aross this. It's sad that we are in the times of cost-cutting. I've noticed in the past few years that Hoover-Candy and Indesit-Hotpoint washing machines seem to have an extremely thin outlet pipe. Not thick and chunky like they used to be. I think Electrolux AEG Zanussi still have fairly thick outlet pipes but that was only from a quick observation. I recently bought a Hotpoint Smart WMFUG942 and was concerned that the thin outlet pipe might cause issues with connecting up but it's been just fine. I'm not sure about the length and it seems to have quite a reasonably long outlet pipe but I noticed that the Hoover-Candy machines not only have a thin outlet pipe but they seem rather short too and I would not have been able to connect one of those up in my kitchen.
I’m glad I came aross this. It’s sad that we are in the times of cost-cutting. I’ve noticed in the past few years that Hoover-Candy and Indesit-Hotpoint washing machines seem to have an extremely thin outlet pipe. Not thick and chunky like they used to be. I think Electrolux AEG Zanussi still have fairly thick outlet pipes but that was only from a quick observation. I recently bought a Hotpoint Smart WMFUG942 and was concerned that the thin outlet pipe might cause issues with connecting up but it’s been just fine. I’m not sure about the length and it seems to have quite a reasonably long outlet pipe but I noticed that the Hoover-Candy machines not only have a thin outlet pipe but they seem rather short too and I would not have been able to connect one of those up in my kitchen.
1 reply Is the cold always on the left and the hot always on the right on the wall behind the washer?
Is the cold always on the left and the hot always on the right on the wall behind the washer?
Likely replying to Ben
Hello Ben. They vary. The plumber should fit the correct colour (either blue or red) to the tap to indicate cold or hot but even they can’t be relied on. I’ve seen hot supplies with the blue cold indicator and visa versa. The only way to be sure is to try and trace back the pipework to see if it it is connected to a hot or cold pipe or to connect a hose and run the tap to see if it runs hot or cold.
1 reply Following house move, the fitting on the end of the washing machine pipe will not to connect to the washing machine cold water supply fitting. Can you help please?
Following house move, the fitting on the end of the washing machine pipe will not to connect to the washing machine cold water supply fitting. Can you help please?
Do you have to use blue and red fill hoses? Can’t they just be generic black ones?
Likely replying to Carol Hill
Hi Carol. I’m not 100% sure there is any difference, but they always make hot and cold hoses separately. This implies that one is made to withstand greater pressure (cold) and one to withstand hotter temperatures. It’s pretty safe to stick with this assumption, but they could just be exactly the same but just with different colours. I suspect there isn’t any difference in reality but ..