3385556 Whirlpool Drain Hose is a factory-designated drain conduit used on Whirlpool appliances to transport wastewater from the appliance’s internal tub and pump to the household drain system. It is indeed a flexible hose assembly-typically made from molded or corrugated plastic or reinforced elastomer-that includes appliance-end and plumbing-end fittings intended to match the unit’s drain pump outlet and standard drain connections.
Within the appliance, the drain hose interfaces directly with the drain pump, the tub or sump outlet, and the external drain connection such as a standpipe, sink tailpiece, or air gap.Its primary role is to provide a fluid-tight, appropriately routed pathway for discharged water while resisting kinks, backflow, and pressure surges produced during pump operation. Proper hose diameter, secure fittings, and routing height affect flow performance, siphoning behavior, and leak prevention, and the hose is therefore an integral part of the appliance’s drainage and plumbing system.
In this article you will find a technical overview of the 3385556 Whirlpool Drain Hose including how it functions,how to determine compatibility with specific appliance models and replacement options,common failure modes and symptoms (for example leaks,blockages,or improper drainage),practical troubleshooting steps to isolate hose-related issues,and key considerations for safe and reliable replacement such as correct fittings,routing,clamping,and basic safety precautions prior to service.
Table of Contents
- Function and Role of the Drain Hose Assembly in Whirlpool Dishwasher Drain Systems
- How the 3385556 Whirlpool Drain Hose Works Inside the Appliance: Flow Path, Valve Interfaces, and Pressure Dynamics
- Common failure Symptoms and Diagnostic Indicators for Blockage, Leakage, and Pump Backflow
- Replacement Considerations, Compatibility with Appliance Models, and Installation Procedures for the 3385556 Whirlpool Drain Hose
- Q&A
- The Conclusion
Function and Role of the Drain Hose Assembly in Whirlpool dishwasher Drain Systems
The 3385556 Whirlpool Drain Hose is the flexible conduit that conveys pumped wastewater from the dishwasher’s circulation pump to the household drain or disposer. Functionally, the hose must tolerate repeated pressure pulses from the drain pump, resist kinking and crushing, and maintain a smooth internal bore to prevent trapping solids that cause backups. Proper material choice and reinforcement (corrugated or ribbed polyethylene/rubber constructions) provide the needed flexibility while preserving flow characteristics; the part also uses OEM-specific end fittings and clamp connections to ensure a watertight seal at the pump outlet and at the sink tailpiece or air gap.
In operation the drain hose must be routed and supported to prevent siphoning and to maintain the recommended high loop or connection to an air gap; poor routing or undersized/compromised hoses produce slow draining, recurring clogs, or leakage at joints. Technicians should verify inner diameter, overall length, and end-fit style for compatibility before installing a replacement, and inspect the hose for soft spots, cracks, or mineral buildup that indicate replacement. Practical practices include securing the hose to avoid sharp bends, using the correct clamp type at both ends, and clearing visible obstructions at the pump outlet and disposal inlet to restore reliable drainage.
- Key considerations: maintain high loop/air gap, avoid kinks, confirm OEM fitting compatibility, and replace if deformed or leaking.
| Item | Description |
|---|---|
| Typical inner diameter | Approximately 5/8 inch (≈16 mm) common for Whirlpool drain systems; verify against the appliance specification |
| Typical length | Often supplied in lengths around 5-6 feet to accommodate standard installations; trim only when maintaining proper loop height |
| Material and fittings | Reinforced flexible rubber or polyethylene with OEM-specific slip-on or stepped fittings and clamp connections |
How the 3385556 whirlpool Drain Hose Works Inside the Appliance: Flow Path, Valve Interfaces, and Pressure Dynamics
The 3385556 Whirlpool Drain Hose functions as the primary fluid conduit that carries discharged water from the appliance sump/pump assembly to the external drain or disposal. Water is expelled by the appliance’s drain pump into the hose and then routed either through an air gap or directly to a household drain; the hose therefore interfaces directly with the pump outlet and any intermediate check valves or quick‑connect fittings required by the installation. Flow behavior is dominated by pump-generated positive pressure and the static head created by the vertical rise of the hose: higher routing increases backpressure and reduces volumetric flow, while an unrestricted, properly sized internal diameter minimizes head loss and transient pressure spikes during pump start/stop events.
In operational terms the hose experiences pulsatile flow and occasional pressure transients as valves open and close and the pump accelerates; these dynamics mean that kinks, partial occlusions, or hardened hose material will quickly increase system backpressure, cause noisy pump operation, and can prevent complete drainage. For practical compatibility and maintenance, ensure the hose length, inner diameter, and connector style match the appliance outlet and local drain method (air gap, disposer, or standpipe), secure the hose to prevent low sag that enables siphoning, and replace hoses showing cracks or permanent deformation to avoid elevated pump load and leaks.
- Installation considerations: correct elevation, secure clamps or fittings, and no sharp bends.
- Common symptoms of failure: slow or incomplete drainage, loud pump noise, and water remaining in the tub.
- Compatibility checks: confirm connector type and internal diameter match the appliance pump outlet and drain interface.
| Item | Description |
|---|---|
| Flow path | Sump → drain pump outlet → 3385556 Whirlpool Drain Hose → air gap/disposal/standpipe |
| Valve interfaces | Clamped or quick‑connect pump outlet; optional check valve or air gap to prevent backflow |
| Pressure dynamics | Pump-generated positive pressure vs. static head; restrictions increase backpressure and pump stress |
Common Failure Symptoms and Diagnostic Indicators for Blockage, Leakage, and Pump Backflow
The drain hose serves as the pressurized discharge conduit between the washer pump and the household drain; the 3385556 Whirlpool Drain Hose is a reinforced flexible hose designed to mate with specific Whirlpool pump outlets and standpipe connections. Mechanically, failures fall into three categories: internal obstruction (lint, fabric fragments, foreign objects), physical breach (abrasions, splits, failed clamp or fitting), and hydraulic reversal (pump backflow caused by check‑valve failure or improper routing). In practice, a blocked hose raises pump discharge pressure and current draw, a leak produces visible trails or wet insulation near connection points, and backflow returns water to the tub or produces intermittent spurts at the hose outlet – each behavior points to different diagnostic directions and possible replacements or repairs. Confirm hose part compatibility with the appliance model and inspect routing height and support to exclude installation‑related causes before replacing the hose itself.
- slow or no drain: Reduced flow with prolonged pump runtime; inspect for kinks,compaction,or trapped debris and verify pump outlet is clear.
- Visible leak or wet floor: Surface splits, loose clamps, or abrasion marks at bend points; replace the hose or tighten/replace clamps as required.
- Gurgling/odors: Partial obstruction in the hose or the house drain allowing air entrapment; use an inspection camera or blow out the hose to confirm.
- Water returns to tub (backflow): Intermittent reverse flow indicating failed pump check valve, incorrect hose routing or blocked standpipe; isolate by removing the hose and observing free discharge.
- High pump amp draw or overheating: Correlates with high backpressure from blockage; measure current under load and compare to pump specification.
| Item | Description |
|---|---|
| Blockage | Obstruction increases pump head and runtime; confirm by removing hose and probing or using an inspection camera. |
| Leakage | Physical damage, loose clamps, or incorrect fittings causing external water loss and localized wetting. |
| Pump backflow | Reverse flow caused by failed check valve, improper hose elevation, or downstream blockage; manifests as water returning to the tub. |
Replacement Considerations, Compatibility with appliance Models, and Installation Procedures for the 3385556 Whirlpool Drain Hose
the 3385556 Whirlpool Drain Hose functions as the wastewater conduit between the washer tub/pump and the household drain. It is a flexible, reinforced hose designed to resist repeated flexing and the pressure pulses produced by the drain pump; typical failure modes include abrasion at contact points, splits at clamp locations, internal collapse from age, and blockages from lint or foreign objects. Fitment depends on the hose end type (barbed, slip-on, or molded connector), inner diameter, length and material construction; technicians should confirm compatibility by cross-referencing the appliance model/serial number and the OEM parts diagram to verify that the 3385556 matches the pump outlet geometry and the required routing/clearance for that chassis.
Replace and install the hose following basic service procedures: de-energize the appliance and shut off the water supply before loosening any fasteners, preserve the original routing to avoid kinks and bending stresses, and use appropriately sized stainless-steel worm-gear clamps or the OEM connectors to secure both ends. After installation, run a drain-only cycle while inspecting for leaks and observing pump flow; symptoms such as reduced flow, periodic leaks at clamp joints, or gurgling indicate a need to recheck clamp seating, hose routing, and for internal obstructions. Practical checklist and reference details below will help ensure a correct replacement and reduce repeat service calls.
- Disconnect power and water, then relieve any residual water in the tub.
- Remove old clamps and hose, inspect pump outlet and drain connection for damage.
- Install 3385556 hose,align without twisting,and secure with properly sized clamps.
- Route hose to maintain a high-loop or air-gap per the appliance service manual, then test drain cycle for leaks and flow.
| Item | Description |
|---|---|
| Part number | 3385556 Whirlpool Drain Hose |
| Typical material | Reinforced elastomer or corrugated PVC for flexibility and abrasion resistance |
| Connection type | Barbed or slip-on end compatible with hose clamps; verify OEM pump outlet geometry |
| Common failure modes | Abrasion, split at clamp, internal blockage, collapse from age |
Q&A
What is Whirlpool part 3385556?
Part 3385556 is a Whirlpool replacement drain hose used to carry wastewater from the appliance drain pump to the household drain, air gap, or garbage disposal. It is a direct-replacement service part-confirm that it matches your appliance by checking your appliance model number and the parts diagram or the dealer/parts listing before purchase.
How do I know if the 3385556 drain hose needs replacing?
Replace the hose if you see visible cracks, splits, bulging, or hardened/deteriorated sections, if it leaks at any connection, or if repeated clogs cannot be cleared.Also replace if the hose fittings are damaged or the hose collapses/kinks and restricts flow. Persistent foul odors originating from the hose can also justify replacement.
What are the basic steps to install the 3385556 drain hose?
Turn off power to the appliance and shut off water if applicable. Remove the access panel or tip the appliance per the service manual to access the drain connection. Disconnect the old hose from the drain pump and from the sink/g disposal/air gap, catch water in a bucket, then remove clamps. route the new hose following the appliance routing channel, attach it to the pump outlet and to the sink/air gap/disposal, and secure both ends with appropriate clamps. Create a high loop or use an air gap per local code, restore power, run a short cycle and inspect for leaks.
Can I shorten the 3385556 hose or use it on a different model appliance?
You can shorten a flexible drain hose if needed, but only after verifying the internal diameter and connector type match the appliance connections. Use a clean, straight cut and resecure with a proper hose clamp or fitting.For cross-model use, confirm the hose end fittings, inner diameter, and required length are compatible-if connectors differ, you may need an adapter or a different part.
How should the 3385556 be routed and secured to prevent problems?
Route the hose without sharp bends or kinks and avoid rubbing against sharp edges.Secure it along the appliance frame using the factory routing clips or new clamps so it does not sag. Always form a high loop (secured as high as possible under the countertop) or use an air gap to prevent backflow. Make sure clamps at the pump and drain connections are tight but not over-torqued to avoid crushing the hose.
How do I connect the 3385556 to a garbage disposal or sink air gap?
For a garbage disposal: remove the knockout plug in the disposal inlet if present, slide the hose onto the disposal inlet or elbow adapter, and fasten with a worm-gear clamp. For an air gap: connect the hose to the air gap outlet fitting under the sink and secure with a clamp. Always follow the appliance and local plumbing codes-air gaps may be required in some jurisdictions instead of a high loop.
What are common causes of drain hose leaks and how can I fix them?
Leaks are usually caused by loose or corroded clamps, cracked hose, damaged fittings, or improper seating at the pump or drain connection.Fixes include replacing worn clamps, cutting off a damaged section and re-clamping (if feasible), or replacing the hose. If the leak is at the pump outlet, inspect the hose bead and pump port for damage and use the correct clamp style for a secure seal.
What tools and supplies do I need to replace or service the 3385556 drain hose?
Common tools: screwdriver (flat or Phillips depending on clamps), nut driver or socket set, slip-joint pliers, utility knife or hose cutter, bucket and towels to catch water, and new stainless-steel worm-gear clamps or crimp clamps. keep the appliance model number and the replacement hose on hand to verify proper fittings during installation.
The Conclusion
The 3385556 Whirlpool drain hose serves as a critical component in the washing machine’s water discharge system, directing used water safely from the appliance to the household drain. As a flexible conduit designed to resist kinking and withstand regular thermal and mechanical stress, it helps prevent leaks, backflow and overflow conditions that can impair washer performance or cause water damage to surrounding areas. Proper function of this hose contributes directly to the overall efficiency and reliability of the appliance.
Accurate diagnosis and timely replacement of a compromised 3385556 Whirlpool drain hose are essential to maintaining safe and effective operation.Inspecting for cracks, holes, clogs, loose fittings or improper routing can identify issues early; when wear or damage is confirmed, replacing the hose with the correct part and ensuring secure installation minimizes the risk of recurrence. For complex cases or uncertainty about diagnosis and installation, consultation with a qualified technician helps ensure the repair is performed correctly and the appliance continues to operate as intended.
Professional Appliance Service
If your appliance requires professional diagnosis or repair, visit
Revolff Home Services
for expert appliance repair services.
For local appliance service information see
Dryer repair Henderson
.
Replacement parts for many appliance models can also be found at
Reliable-Parts-Hub
.
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