3385556 Whirlpool drain Hose is a wastewater conveyance component designed to transport discharged water from an appliance to the household drain. The part is a flexible hose-typically formed from durable thermoplastic or elastomeric material-with molded or barbed end fittings intended to attach to the appliance drain pump, tub outlet, or standpipe. It is a non-electrical, fluid-handling part whose physical properties (diameter, wall thickness, material compatibility and length) determine its suitability for a given Whirlpool model and installation arrangement.
inside the appliance system the drain hose links the drain pump and tub to the external drain plumbing and interfaces with related components such as the drain pump outlet, clamps or quick-connect fittings, the appliance base, and any required elevated loop or air gap assembly. Its condition and routing affect hydraulic performance: restrictions, kinks, improper elevation or a failed connector can impede flow, increase pump load, permit backflow, or cause external leakage. Because it carries hot, detergent-laden water, the hose must resist chemical exposure and repeated flexing while maintaining a seal under pressure and during pump discharge pulses.
In this article readers will find a technical overview of the 3385556 drain hose covering its functional role,how to verify compatibility and fitment (key dimensions and connector types),common failure symptoms (visible leaks,slow or incomplete drainage,unusual pump sounds,odors),step-by-step troubleshooting checks,and practical replacement considerations such as selecting the correct replacement,securing and routing the hose,verifying clamps and seals,and testing for proper drainage after installation. The focus is procedural and diagnostic to assist technicians, engineers, and appliance owners in assessing and resolving drain-hose-related issues.
Table of Contents
- Function and Role of the Drain Hose in Whirlpool Washer Drainage Systems
- How the 3385556 Whirlpool Drain Hose Works Inside the Appliance
- Common Failure Symptoms, Leak Patterns and Flow Restrictions of the Drain Hose
- Replacement Considerations and Step‑by‑step Installation Procedures for the Drain Hose
- Q&A
- In Summary
Function and Role of the Drain Hose in Whirlpool Washer Drainage Systems
The 3385556 Whirlpool Drain Hose serves as the flexible conduit that carries pump-discharge water from the washer tub to the household drain or standpipe. mechanically it must sustain repeated pressure pulses from the drain pump, resist collapse and kinking, and maintain a continuous inner diameter so that flow velocity and pump backpressure remain within designed limits. Hose material, corrugation profile, inner diameter and end fittings determine compatibility with the washer pump outlet and the effectiveness of the drain path; incorrect diameter or a loose connection increases the risk of leaks, while excessive length or tight bends can raise pump load and cause slow draining or premature pump wear.
- Typical behaviors: steady pipe-like flow when free of obstructions; pulsatile flow tied to pump cycles; susceptibility to siphoning if routed below the recommended drain height.
- Common failure modes: cracks at clamp points, internal obstructions from lint/soil buildup, and kinks reducing cross-sectional area.
- Installation checks: match end fitting type and inner diameter to the pump outlet, secure with a corrosion-resistant clamp, and route with a high loop or to the specified standpipe height to prevent backflow.
in practical service and replacement scenarios, technicians and appliance owners should verify that replacement hoses match the washer’s mechanical interface and routing requirements rather than relying solely on length.Such as,replacing a damaged hose with the same part number preserves the original end-connection geometry and material properties; if a universal hose is used,ensure the inner diameter and barb/profile are identical and that the hose is secured to prevent dislodgement during vigorous spin cycles. Regular inspection for soft spots, odor, visible splitting, and restricted flow during a drain cycle will identify when cleaning or replacement is needed to maintain reliable drainage performance.
| Item | Description |
|---|---|
| Material | Flexible, detergent-resistant polymer designed for repeated pressure pulses and temperature exposure from wash cycles |
| Connections | Barbed or quick-fit ends sized to match pump outlet; requires clamp or factory connector |
| Function | Conveys discharge water while preventing backflow and minimizing pump backpressure |
How the 3385556 Whirlpool Drain Hose Works Inside the Appliance
The 3385556 Whirlpool Drain Hose routes wastewater from the appliance’s drain pump to the household drain or air gap. Inside the appliance the hose connects directly to the pump outlet flange and is secured with a clamp, providing a pressurized discharge path during the pump’s purge cycle. Its flexible construction accommodates chassis movement and differential alignment between the pump and the drain port; though,internal corrugations or bends can create retention points for lint and small debris,which will reduce effective flow and increase pump load if not cleared periodically. When replacing or specifying the hose, match the pump outlet fitting style and hose tail diameter to the appliance model to ensure a leak-free mechanical seal and correct flow performance.
Flow through the hose is pulsatile and driven by the drain pump; proper routing-maintaining an upward loop when required and avoiding low spots and sharp kinks-prevents siphoning and backflow into the tub. Common practical considerations include securing the hose to prevent vibration wear, routing the hose above the trap or to the designated air-gap point for code compliance, and inspecting for soft spots or cracks that indicate material degradation. Typical field symptoms of hose-related issues are slow draining, intermittent backflow, or residual water after a cycle. Recommended checks for technicians:
- Confirm clamp tightness and tailpiece compatibility at the pump outlet.
- Ensure the hose path maintains the required high loop or connects to an air gap to prevent siphoning.
- Inspect for kinks, crushes, or internal blockages and replace if the hose shows deformation or brittle cracking.
| Item | description |
|---|---|
| Material | Flexible polymer (corrugated or smooth) chosen for chemical and temperature resistance |
| Function | Carry discharge flow from pump to drain while accommodating movement and alignment |
| Compatibility | Match to appliance pump outlet style and diameter; used on compatible Whirlpool models and service replacements |
Common Failure Symptoms, Leak Patterns and Flow Restrictions of the drain Hose
The drain assembly conveys wastewater from the washer tub to the household drain and must maintain an unobstructed, pressure-resistant path under variable temperature and particulate load. The 3385556 Whirlpool Drain Hose is a replacement flexible hose intended to match OEM fittings and routing for compatible Whirlpool machines; it functions as the conduit between the pump outlet and the standpipe or disposal, and relies on proper clamp torque, correct orientation, and undamaged hose geometry to perform. Technically, the hose must resist longitudinal collapse under pump suction, avoid pinch points at clamps or mounting brackets, and tolerate detergent, softener, and mechanical abrasion without developing fissures that compromise the fluid seal or cross-sectional flow area.
Typical failure manifestations fall into two categories: leaks and flow restrictions. Leaks most ofen appear at connection points (loose clamp, corroded fitting) or as linear splits and pinholes caused by material fatigue, abrasion from nearby components, or excessive bending radii; these produce steady drips or volume loss during the drain cycle. Flow restrictions present as slow draining, pump overcurrent or error codes, water remaining in the tub, or audible cavitation and gurgling; common causes include internal lint buildup, trapped foreign objects, kinks or crushed sections, and partial collapses of the hose wall under vacuum. For practical troubleshooting,visually inspect clamps and the hose contour during a drain cycle,straighten any bends,and remove obstructions; replace the hose if the wall is brittle,torn,or permanently deformed,and match the replacement length and coupling style to the original installation to avoid routing-induced restrictions.
- Visible leak at clamp or fitting: check clamp torque and replace worn clamps.
- slow drain or pump error: inspect for kinks, internal debris, or collapsed liner.
- Intermittent dripping along hose length: look for abrasion points or hairline splits.
- Gurgling or cavitation noises: indicates partial obstruction or improper elevation/routing.
| Item | Description |
|---|---|
| leak at connection | Loose or corroded clamp, misaligned coupling, or damaged fitting seal. |
| Hose body damage | Cracks, pinholes, or abrasion from contact with chassis or sharp edges. |
| Flow restriction | Lint, foreign objects, sharp bends, or collapsed wall reducing cross-section. |
Replacement Considerations and Step‑by‑step Installation Procedures for the Drain Hose
The 3385556 Whirlpool Drain Hose is a flexible wastewater conduit that transfers discharge from the washer pump to the household drain or standpipe. Its primary function is to maintain open flow under pump discharge pressure while resisting collapse,kinking,and chemical attack from detergents. Proper behavior includes retaining internal diameter under suction and pressure cycles, providing a smooth route that prevents pockets where lint and debris accumulate, and matching factory connection geometries so the hose seals to the pump outlet and standpipe without leak-prone adaptors. Technicians should confirm material compatibility, length, and end fittings against the service manual or OEM specification to avoid improper routing, siphoning, or failed seals during operation.
- Disconnect power and water supply before accessing the pump area.
- Drain residual water by running a short drain/spin or by manually evacuating the tub into a bucket.
- Release clamps at the pump outlet and standpipe; note clamp type and orientation for reassembly.
- Remove the old hose,inspect the pump outlet,drain pump impeller,and trap for debris,and replace any damaged clamps or gaskets.
- Install the replacement hose ensuring proper orientation and routing (avoid high loops that trap water unless a manufacturer-specified air gap or retention loop is required), secure with appropriate clamps, and test with a short drain cycle to verify no leaks.
Replacement considerations include selecting a hose with matching end fittings and sufficient length to reach the drain without excessive stretching; using the correct clamp style (worm-gear or spring clamp) to compress the hose over the pump spigot; and verifying that the hose inner diameter and versatility match the washer’s pump flow characteristics to prevent backpressure or reduced pump efficiency.After installation, run a diagnostic or a normal drain cycle to observe flow and check for leaks at both connection points; if persistent clogging or flow restriction appears, inspect for internal collapse or obstructions in the standpipe and clean screens or trap assemblies as needed.
| Item | Description |
|---|---|
| Material | Flexible, detergent-resistant rubber or reinforced PVC to resist kinks and chemical degradation |
| Connection | OEM-compatible end fittings and clamp seating to match pump outlet and drain inlet |
| Common symptoms | Leaks at hose ends, reduced drain speed, intermittent siphoning, or visible cracks/collapse |
Q&A
What is the 3385556 whirlpool drain hose?
The 3385556 is an OEM drain hose sold by Whirlpool (and used on some affiliated brands). It is a flexible discharge hose that connects the washer pump outlet to the household drain, standpipe, utility sink or air‑gap device and is designed to meet the flow and pressure requirements of the washer pump.
How do I know if the 3385556 is compatible with my washer?
Compatibility is persistent by your washer model number. Check your washer’s model and serial number (usually on a tag behind the door, on the back, or on the console) and compare it to the Whirlpool parts diagram or online parts lookup. If in doubt, contact Whirlpool customer support or a licensed parts dealer and provide the model number to confirm the 3385556 fits your specific machine.
How do I install the 3385556 drain hose?
Turn off and unplug the washer before starting. Access the rear of the washer, loosen or remove the clamp holding the old hose to the pump or rear outlet, detach the old hose, then slide the new 3385556 onto the pump hose barb or outlet fitting. Secure it with a proper hose clamp (worm‑gear or spring clamp as specified). Route the hose without sharp bends or kinks, secure it with the cabinet retainer or hose clip, create a high loop or connect to an air gap as required by code, and insert the end into the standpipe/utility sink. Restore power and test for leaks. Always follow the washer’s installation instructions and local plumbing codes.
What is a “high loop” or air gap and why is it important with the drain hose?
A high loop means routing the drain hose up to as high as possible under the countertop before dropping it into the drain; an air gap is a mechanical device installed at the sink or countertop that physically prevents backflow. Both prevent wastewater siphoning back into the washer and are frequently enough required by local code. If your installation requires an air gap, use one rather than relying only on a high loop.
My washer still won’t drain after I installed the 3385556 - what should I check?
Check for kinks, sharp bends, or clogs in the hose and at the standpipe/sink connection. Verify the hose is properly seated on the pump outlet and the clamp is tight. Make sure the hose end isn’t pushed too far into the standpipe (it should not be sealed tightly) and that a high loop/air gap is present if required. also inspect the washer drain pump for debris or failure – the hose won’t fix a bad pump or an internal obstruction.
How can I clean or clear a clogged 3385556 drain hose?
Disconnect the hose (pump off and power disconnected) and flush it with water. Use a flexible brush or long bottle brush to dislodge soft debris, or run water backward from the standpipe end. For persistent clogs, remove and inspect the washer pump inlet/outlet for trapped objects. Do not use harsh chemical drain cleaners inside the pump or hose, as they can damage rubber and plastic parts.
Can I replace the 3385556 with a universal or generic hose?
Frequently enough you can use a correctly sized universal drip‑proof drain hose, but it must match the washer pump outlet diameter and meet the washer’s flow and pressure requirements. The hose material should be durable and rated for appliance use. Using a non‑OEM hose that is too long, too narrow, or made of inferior material can cause leaks, kinks, or poor draining. When possible, use the OEM part or a validated aftermarket replacement and verify fitment against your model number.
How do I spot a failing 3385556 hose and when should I replace it?
Replace the hose if you see cracks, splits, soft/crumbly rubber, bulges, persistent leaking at seams or ends, severe kinks that won’t smooth out, or internal collapse that restricts flow. Also replace if the hose is the wrong length or configuration for a safe installation (e.g., it prevents a proper high loop). Regularly inspect the hose during maintenance and replace it at the first sign of deterioration to avoid water damage.
In Summary
The Whirlpool 3385556 drain hose serves a straightforward but critical role in a washing machine’s operation: it channels wastewater safely away from the tub and into the household drain system. As an OEM-specified component, the hose contributes to reliable water evacuation, helps prevent leaks and backups, and supports overall appliance performance and longevity when in good condition and correctly installed.
Accurate diagnosis and timely replacement are important when symptoms such as leaks, slow draining, or visible damage indicate a hose-related problem. Verifying that the hose-not another component such as the pump, clamps, or drain line-is the root cause, and then installing the appropriate 3385556 replacement with proper fittings and routing, reduces the risk of water damage and repeat failures. When there is uncertainty about diagnosis or installation, seeking qualified service helps ensure the repair is effective and safe.
Professional Appliance Service
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