3385556â Whirlpool Drain Hose is âŁa âŁflexible discharge conduitâ used to⢠route wastewater from⤠an⢠appliance’s pump âor tub to âŁtheâ household drain; itâ is indeed typically constructed from â¤PVC or âsimilar elastomeric material and finished with âtheâ specific diameters and end fittings required for direct⣠connection toâ the pump outlet and drain plumbing.⢠As an OEM-designated service â˘part, it⣠is intended to provide a corrosion-resistant, pliable path for high-volume flow and to withstand⤠the thermal⣠and âchemical conditions present in washer âŁand dishwasher drain systems.
Within the appliance the âdrainâ hose interfaces directly with âthe⣠drain⢠pump/sump assembly and, â˘downstream, with the air⣠gap âor household standpipe; it is â˘an integral âcomponent of the appliance’s water managementâ subsystem. âIts geometry, inner diameter â¤and routing â¤affect flow rate, pump⢠headand theâ potential for siphoning or âŁbackflowand proper sealing⤠at hose-to-pump and hose-to-plumbing⤠junctions is required to prevent leaks.⣠The hose therefore interactsâ mechanically â˘with clamps and fittings,hydraulically with the pump and trap,and operationally with the â˘machine control â¤system⣠when âŁtimed drain âcycles run.
This article⢠will cover the part’s functional role and the physical and⢠performance specifications âtechnicians should verify âŁ(length, inner/outer âdiameter, end fittings and âmaterial compatibility), how to confirm⤠model compatibility and cross-reference options, common failure symptoms to⣠recognize (blockage, pinhole leaks, kinks, improperâ routing â˘causing⢠siphoning âor⤠slow â˘drain), diagnostic and troubleshooting steps âŁto isolate⣠hose-related âissuesand⢠practical âreplacement considerationsâ including â¤installation best â¤practices, clamp selectionand routing to maintain drain performance and prevent â˘future⤠failures.
Table of Contents
- Function and Role of the⤠Drain âHose⣠within Whirlpool Appliance Drain Systems
- How the 3385556 Whirlpool⤠Drain Hose âWorks â˘Insideâ the Appliance
- Common Failure Symptoms and Diagnostic Indicators for theâ Drain Hose
- Replacementâ Considerations â¤andâ installation âProcedures⣠for the 3385556 Whirlpool âDrain Hose
- Q&A
- Wrapping Up
Function and Role ofâ the Drain Hose within Whirlpool âŁAppliance Drain Systems
The â 3385556 Whirlpool Drain Hose serves âasâ the flexible fluid conveyance between the appliance’s drain pump âŁand the household plumbing or standpipe. Its primary function is⢠to transfer discharge at⣠pump pressures â˘while â¤resisting⣠kinking, collapseand deterioration⣠from detergents and⤠temperature cycling. â˘In⢠typical installations the hose must interface⢠cleanly with the pumpâ outlet and the building âdrain usingâ the correct connector type⤠and â˘clamp; mismatched diameter or⢠connectorâ style increases risk of âleaks orâ reduced pump performance. Technicians should treat⢠this âhose âas a hydraulic conveyance component whose internal diameter, wall⤠stiffnessand routing⤠affect pump â¤head â¤and transient fluid âbehavior â˘during⣠drainâ cycles.
The drain hose⢠also âcontributes to âsystemâ behavior such â¤as âbackflow prevention âand siphoning control; proper installation includes a manufacturer-recommended âhigh loop âor an airâ gap⣠to maintain an effective hydraulic break âbetween theâ appliance âand the home drain. Compatibility considerations âinclude hose length, bend âŁradius, connector typeand âmaterial resistance to â˘common household⢠chemicals-choosing⤠the correct replacement avoids⢠unintended âstresses on the pump outlet. Common âpractical issues that⣠indicate hose âreplacement are⤠visible⤠cracks, hardened or flattened â¤sections that restrict flow, persistent leaks at fittingsand â¤blockages from⤠lint or foreign objects; replacing the worn hose with an OEM-matching assembly minimizes fitment rework and restores expected⢠drain performance â¤during service or remodels.
- Installation checkpoints: secure clamps, maintain high âloop/air⤠gap, avoid tight⢠bends âor âkinks
- Diagnostic signs: reduced drain rate, âintermittentâ leaks, pump overrun or noisy drain cycles
- Material âŁconsiderations: flexible, reinforced â˘polymer construction for pressure â¤andâ chemical⢠resistance
| Item | Description |
|---|---|
| Function | Conveys pump⢠discharge to building drain whileâ accommodatingâ movementâ and vibration |
| Connection | Matches pump outlet â˘and household plumbing â¤with âclamp-secured fittings; connector⣠style must be compatible |
| Failure⣠modes | Cracking, flattening, âleaks at clampsor internal blockages that reduce flow |
How the 3385556â Whirlpool Drain Hose Works Inside âthe Appliance
The â˘3385556 Whirlpool Drain â˘hose is the âflexible conduit that carriesâ wastewater from âthe appliance’s pump assembly toâ the⤠householdâ drain. âDuring⣠the drain cycleâ the pump produces a⣠steady, pressurized âflow âthat â˘the hose must withstand without⤠collapsing, kinkingor leaking; the hose is therefore routed â¤from the pump outlet throughâ an antiâsiphon loop to â¤the standpipe âor disposalâ and is secured at both ends with clamps. Proper behaviorâ inside the appliance âdepends on unobstructed⢠internal diameter andâ smooth routing so âŁthat the pump can evacuate water quickly; restrictions,sharpâ bends,or âan⣠incorrectly⣠positioned⣠loop can reduce flow,cause the pumpâ to⣠runâ longer than designed,or allow âbackflowâ into theâ washer â˘tub.
Compatibility and â¤practical handling focus on matching âthe hose âŁinterface and material â¤properties to the â¤original equipment: the replacement must mate with the pump outlet and the household drainâ fitting, resist âŁtypical âcleaning chemicals and temperature exposure, âand be long and flexible enough for correct routing. Technicians commonly diagnose⤠hose issues âby âŁobserving drain-cycle flow, checking forâ visible âdamage or⣠clogs, âand⣠confirming clamp tightness; common repair actions â¤are âreplacing âŁa collapsed or perforated section, reârouting âto restore the antiâsiphon âloop,⢠or swapping to an OEMâequivalent âpart with the same connection type and⤠internal diameter to⣠ensure âreliable performance.
- Key behaviors: carries pressurized discharge from theâ pump, must maintainâ slopeâ and âloop to preventâ siphoning.
- Typical failure â˘symptoms: âslow draining, intermittent backflow, leaks at clamp âŁjoints, â¤audible pumpâ strain.
- installationâ checks: secure clamps, avoid kinks, verify length and connector compatibility with the pump outlet âand⢠standpipe.
| Item | Description |
|---|---|
| Function | Conveys wastewater from theâ appliance drain⣠pump âto the household⣠drainâ while resisting collapse and leaks. |
| Connection | Secures to the pump outlet and the standpipe or disposer with clamps; âmustâ match OEM coupling type. |
| Common failure modes | Kinking, internal âŁcollapse, clogging âŁfrom âdebris, clamp leakage,⣠and perforation from abrasion â¤or chemical exposure. |
Common Failure Symptoms âand Diagnosticâ Indicators forâ the drain Hose
The 3385556 âwhirlpool Drainâ Hose â˘serves as âthe fluid conveyance link âbetween theâ appliance pump âŁoutlet and âthe âhousehold drain orâ airâ gap. â˘In normal operation it must present an unobstructed, âŁsmooth flow path and retain structural integrity against compressive loads and pump⢠pressure pulses; failures typically originate from internal debris⣠accumulation,â externalâ kinking, tornâ or softened⢠materialor insufficient sealing at hose connections.â Compatibility is determinedâ by the hoseâ inner diameter,⢠wall construction âŁand connector âtype-matching these to the appliance pumpâ outletâ and the âdomestic drain fitting⣠prevents flow ârestriction â˘or siphoning effects that manifest as⤠abnormalâ drain behavior.
Diagnosingâ drain hose⤠faults combines visual inspection with simpleâ dynamic tests. Begin with âa visualâ check â¤for kinks, abrasions, splits, swollen âsections or loose clamps;â follow by disconnecting the âhose and running⤠a â¤short drain cycle âto observe flow rate and âŁdebris ejection. Listen for⢠gurgling or pump strain during operation â˘and note whether water remains in the tub after a full âŁdrain cycle-intermittent flow usually indicates partial clogging or a sagging hose trap, while â¤steady leakage or dampness â¤at the⢠connectionâ indicates sealing failure. For field replacement,â confirm⣠the replacement matches OEM specifications and âreplace hoses showing repeated blockage, permanent deformationor âmaterial degradation rather than attempting⣠multiple temporary repairs.
- Slow or⢠incomplete draining during cycles
- Audible gurgling⤠or cavitation when â¤pump runs
- visible leaks, wetâ connectionsor soaked insulation
- Bulging or collapsed sectionsâ under pump pulses
- Persistent odors indicating retained organic debris
| Item | Description |
|---|---|
| Kink/Collapse | Mechanical distortion âthat restrictsâ flow âand â˘creates a low point trap; correct by replacing or rerouting to remove bends. |
| Clog/Debris | Accumulation ofâ lint, glassorâ food particles causing partial âblockage; confirm by disconnecting and flushing hose. |
| Seal/Clamp⤠Failure | Loose or corroded clamp allows â˘leaksâ and âŁair ingress;â inspectâ clamp torque âand hose end condition,replace âif deformed. |
Replacement Considerations and Installation⢠Procedures for⣠the 3385556 Whirlpool Drain âHose
The 3385556⣠Whirlpool Drain Hose is a flexible discharge line that âconveys wastewater fromâ the washer pump to aâ household⢠standpipe or⤠sink. âFunctionally it must matchâ the pump outlet geometry â˘and â¤internal diameter to âavoid flowâ restriction and pressure âŁloss; installers should confirm â¤end-fitting type, nominal inner diameterand hose length before⢠replacement. Typical hose materials are reinforced elastomer or corrugated plastic designed âto resist â¤repeated flexing and the âŁtemperature range of wash cycles; common failure modes are cracking at the bead, splits from âabrasionor deformation from improper clamp application. Compatibility checks include verifying the pump outlet⣠profile,⢠confirming the drain height and routing constraints for the⤠washer â¤modeland ensuring⤠the hose material tolerances meet chemical and temperature exposure expected in service.
Replacement â˘and installation focus⣠on restoringâ a leak-free, properly⣠routed discharge â¤path and â¤preventing siphoning or âŁbackflow. âDuring â¤installation, use⤠clamps appropriate to âthe hose and outlet (worm-gear âŁor constant-tension spring clamps are typical)â and avoid over-tightening that will cutâ into â¤the hose bead; maintain â¤aâ high loop or air âŁgap per⣠local â˘plumbingâ practice âŁto â¤preventâ siphonageand secure the hose âagainst vibration and âabrasion with â¤supports at regular intervals. After âinstallation, run a⢠full drain cycle⢠and â˘inspect for leaks, âkinksor â˘abnormal vibrations; ifâ the washer still leaks, re-checkâ clampâ seating and â¤hose endâ seating on the âŁpump â¤outlet and⢠standpipe connection.
- Isolate power and âwater,â relieve remaining â˘water in â˘lines,â then âremove⣠clamps and âthe⣠old hose.
- confirm ânew hose end geometry andâ inner diameter match the âpump outlet before fitting.
- Route hose maintaining a âhigh loop, avoid sharp âbendsand â˘secure⤠withâ clamps without deforming the⢠hose bead.
- Perform⢠a drain-cycle test âand visually inspect⣠joints under load for leaksâ or movement.
| Item | Description |
|---|---|
| Material | Reinforced elastomer or corrugated plastic âselected forâ flex fatigue and temperature resistance |
| End fitting â˘/ ID | Match pump outlet profile and nominal inner âŁdiameter (verifyâ specification; common ranges â¤â5/8″-7/8″) |
| Installation check | High âloop or âair gap, secure clamps without â¤over-compression,â support⣠to prevent chafe |
Q&A
What is part 3385556 and which appliances useâ it?
Part 3385556 is a whirlpool⣠OEM drain âŁhose⤠used on â¤many Whirlpool-built dishwashers (and some related KitchenAid/Maytag models).â It replaces â˘theâ flexible âhose that âcarries⢠wastewater from the âdishwasher pump toâ the⢠home âŁdrain, air gapor âgarbage disposal.⢠always âŁcheck your applianceâ model number⣠and the manufacturer⤠parts⣠diagram to confirmâ compatibility before âordering.
How do I tell if âthe drain hose (3385556) â¤needs âreplacing?
Lookâ for⣠visible cracks, softâ or â¤swollen sections, â˘hardening or⣠brittleness, â˘leaks at the hose or â˘fittingsand âpersistentâ clogs not cleared by cleaning the âfilter/pump. If the hoseâ is kinked, permanently collapsed, âor has been repaired multiple âtimes, replacement⤠is⣠recommended.
Can Iâ install part 3385556 myself?â What âtools and safety â¤steps are⤠required?
Yes,⢠a competent DIYer⤠can â¤replace the âŁhose.⣠Turn off power to the⣠dishwasher at âtheâ breaker and shut off the water â¤supply if you need to move the appliance.⢠Pull â˘the dishwasher â¤out enough to access the connection points.Toolsâ typically needed: pliers or âscrewdriver âfor âŁhose clamps, adjustable âwrenchand possibly â¤a socket set. support the dishwasher whenâ tilting it and â¤follow⤠manufacturer instructions. If â¤unsure, hire⤠a technician.
How âshould the 3385556 drain hose be routed and secured?
Route the â¤hose⢠so it forms a high loop â¤above the â¤dishwasher base or connect it to an⤠airâ gap⣠(if your installation has one). The⤠high⣠loopâ orâ air gap âprevents backflow intoâ the dishwasher. Secure the hoseâ with the provided clamps âŁor a⤠stainless-steel worm-gear clamp âat each⤠connection (pump outlet and âdisposal/air-gap/drain line)⣠toâ prevent leaks and movement.
My dishwasher still won’t drain after installing â¤the new â˘3385556 hose – âwhat else should I check?
Verify the hose is â¤not kinked and that â¤clampsâ are tight.Check âŁthat the âgarbage disposal âŁknockout âplug was removed if connecting to a â˘disposal. Inspect the â¤dishwasherâ drain pump⣠and filter for debris/blockage âŁand âconfirm the check â¤valve (if present)⤠is functioning.⤠Also ensure â¤the â˘hose outletâ to the household drain â˘orâ air⢠gap âŁis not clogged.If these are allâ OK,â the pump or timer/PCB â¤might potentially be⤠faulty.
Do I need an âair âgapâ when replacing the drain hose with part 3385556?
Whether you⣠need âan air gap depends on local plumbing âcodes and âyour existing installation.Many jurisdictions require âŁan air gap orâ anâ equivalent⢠high-loopâ installation to â¤preventâ backflow into the dishwasher. If you âalready have an air gap, the drain hose should connect to it; otherwise create a⢠high â˘loop and secure the hose as high âas possible under the âcountertop.
What clamps andâ fittings should âbe used with the 3385556 drain hose?
Use corrosion-resistant clamps sized to the hose diameter – stainless-steel worm-gear clamps are commonly recommended for a secure, adjustable âŁfit.Avoid cheap spring clamps that â¤can âŁloosen over â¤time. If connecting âto âŁa disposal â¤or air gap, ensure the hoseâ fits the inlet and use an appropriate adapter if necessary.
Is the 3385556 an OEMâ part âor areâ aftermarket hoses âŁacceptable?
3385556⣠is an OEM Whirlpool⣠partâ andâ will matchâ factory â˘specifications.â Aftermarket hoses can be⢠less⢠expensive and â˘frequently⤠enough work,⤠but quality, fitand material may vary. For best fit and longevity,especially if your dishwasher is âstill under⤠warranty or you want exact compatibility,choose⤠the OEM part.
Wrapping Up
The 3385556 whirlpool drain âhose serves⤠a fundamental role in washing machineâ operation⤠by⤠channelingâ wastewater safely and efficiently⣠from the tubâ to the household â¤drain. â¤As an âŁOEM-designated â¤component, itâ contributes to âproper water flow, âhelps prevent âleaksâ and backflowand supports overall â˘applianceâ reliability and hygiene. Correct fit, material integrity and secure âconnections are all important⢠to maintain performance andâ to â˘reduce âthe â˘risk âof â˘water âdamage or service interruptions.
Accurate diagnosis and timely replacementâ of the 3385556 drain hose are âcritically âimportant when âŁsigns of wear, cracking,â clogging,⤠poor drainageâ or persistent leaks appear. verifyingâ the â˘root cause-distinguishing hose failure from pump,â clamp or installation issues-prevents unnecessary repairsâ and ensuresâ the problem is âŁresolvedâ effectively. âWhen replacement is required, using â¤the correct âpart and following proper installation⢠procedures (or â¤engaging âa qualified âtechnician) helps âŁrestore⣠safe, efficient â˘operation⤠and minimizes the likelihood of recurrence.
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