The 3385556 Whirlpool âŁDrain Hose is a flexible fluid-conveyance component designed âto⢠carry wastewater from an appliance’s discharge point to a household drain or disposal âconnection. As a purpose-built drain hose, it typically consists â˘of reinforced polymer or rubber âŁconstruction with factory-formed connection âends and is sized to interface with â¤the appliance sump or pump outlet and the building⣠drain fitting without introducing excessive backpressure or siphoning.
Within theâ appliance, the⢠drain hose serves as the final conveyance in theâ drainage system âand directly interfaces with â˘the drain pump, sump,⢠air gap or⣠check valveand the external plumbing. Its conditionâ and routing influence pump âload,flow rate,and the potential for backflow or air locks; restrictions,kinks,or⢠improper termination can cause slow or failed drain cycles,increased pump wear,or leakage.Material compatibility, connector typeand clampâ integrity are criticallyâ important⣠as they affect sealing, resistance to âdetergents and⣠heatand⤠long-term mechanical fatigue âin a wet,â sometimes warm environment.
This article will explain the âdrain hose’s function in⤠practical terms,â describe compatibility and identification considerations for technicians and owners (including connector styles, length⣠and diameter factorsand material differences), list common failure symptoms and diagnostic checks, âand âprovide troubleshootingâ and replacement considerations focused on⤠safe, code-compliant installation and reliable âoperation. âEmphasis is placed on inspection points, âŁhow⢠the âŁhose interacts with associated subsystemsand the âselection and routing decisions that⢠minimize recurring drainageâ problems.
Table of Contents
- Functional Role⢠of the⢠Drain Hose: Water Evacuation, Flow⣠Control, âŁand Backflow Prevention
- How the 3385556 Whirlpool Drain Hose Operates Withinâ the Appliance Drain System
- Common Failure Symptoms of the Drain Hose: leaks, Blockages, âKinking,⤠and Odor Backflow
- Replacement Considerations â˘and installation Best Practicesâ for the Drain Hose assembly
- Q&A
- The Way Forward
Functional Role of the Drain Hose: Water Evacuation, Flow Controland Backflow Prevention
The 3385556 Whirlpool Drain hose âŁserves as the pressure- and âŁgravity-conveyance path for wastewater leaving the appliance pump to the building drain. Its â¤primary functions are to provide an unobstructed⢠flow channel, to limit backpressure at the pump outletand to âinterfaceâ mechanically with âthe â˘appliance âand household plumbing using compatible fittings and clamps. Flow capacity and âŁhydraulic⢠behavior depend on âinner diameter,â wall⣠flexibility, length, routing âelevation âŁ(discharge head)and âconnectionâ sealing;⤠matching the hose inner diameter âand coupling type âto the pump outlet âŁandâ to â˘local â˘drain arrangements prevents⢠excessive⤠pump⤠loading and reduces the risk of leaks or premature pump cycling.Materials andâ corrugation affect collapse âresistance and sediment entrapment,⤠so technicians âchoose hosesâ withâ appropriate flexibility and internal profile for the âŁinstallation environment.
- Connection and sealing: slip-fit â˘with clamp⢠or model-specific speedy-connectâ to â˘match pump outlet.
- Flow controlâ factors: effective discharge head,hose length,andâ inner diameter determine âvolumetric flow and backpressure.
- Backflow⤠prevention:⤠high-loop, air gapor integrated check valve requirements âdepend on local code and installation.
- Common failure modes: â˘kinking, blockages, â˘clamp failureorâ wear leading to leaks and reduced pump â¤efficiency.
| item | Description |
|---|---|
| Typical interface | Model-specific outlet coupling; ensure matching diameter and clamp style |
| Installation control | High loop or air gap and secure routing to prevent siphoning and âbackflow |
Backflow prevention isâ achieved byâ maintaining an elevation differential and/or providing a physical air gap or⤠a mechanical check â¤device so drained water cannot returnâ under gravity or siphon action into the appliance.In practice, a â˘technician â¤verifies that the hose run rises above the âŁpump outlet to⤠form⢠a high loopâ or connects to an air-gap device where code requires âit; ifâ an in-line check valve is present,â confirm its orientation âand freedom from âdebris. âRoutine troubleshooting focuses⢠on detecting⤠reduced discharge (inspect for clogs, collapsed sectionsor improper routing), ensuring clamp⢠integrity at both endsand⢠confirming that⣠the hose length and routing do not exceed the pump’sâ effective â¤head capability â˘for reliable evacuation.
How theâ 3385556 Whirlpool Drain Hose Operates Within the Appliance Drain System
The 3385556 Whirlpool âDrain Hose serves as the primary wastewater conduitâ between an appliance’sâ discharge pump and the household drain connection. It conveysâ pressurized effluent expelled by the pump and must be routed and secured to prevent âbackflow, kinkingor pinching that would restrictâ flow. The hose construction is a flexible, reinforced polymer that permits tight routing under cabinets while resisting common dishwasher and laundry chemicals and elevated temperatures⤠encountered during normal cycles. Properâ attachment âat⣠the appliance discharge and⢠at the drain orâ tailpiece with a corrosion-resistant⢠clamp maintains a liquid-tight seal under intermittent pump pressure.
- Flexible, reinforcedâ construction âŁfor routing andâ kink resistance
- Standard discharge-interface â¤(clamp or quick-connect) for secure⢠attachment
- Designed âŁto âtolerate typical appliance wastewater⢠temperatures â¤and detergents
- Requires a â high loop or airâ gap in routing to prevent siphoning and cross-contamination
Compatibility âwith specific Whirlpool models⢠depends âŁon the discharge port geometry and connector type; technicians verify fit by matching the hose end to the appliance outlet and confirming length and clamp style. In â˘practice, replacement is a matter of removing â˘the clamp at both ends, inspecting for internal obstruction or externalâ damageand reinstalling with âa properly seated â˘clamp while maintaining a high loop under the sink orâ installing an â¤air gap where code requires it. âCommon âŁfailure modes are abrasion where the hose rubs against cabinet framing, splits at stressedâ bendsand blockages ânear the trap-these manifest as slow draining, intermittent pump cyclingor leaks and are resolved by inspection, cleaningor replacement with⣠the correct part number.
| Item | Description |
|---|---|
| Material | flexible, reinforced polymer (commonly PVC or similar) for⤠chemical âand heat resistance |
| Connection | Appliance discharge fitting âŁwith clamp or quick-connect;⢠verify connector geometry for compatibility |
| Function | Conveys⢠wastewater from appliance pump to household drain while preventing âbackflow when routed correctly |
| Installation note | Maintain â˘a high loop or air gap⤠and avoid tight bends⤠or compressive routing â¤that could restrict flow |
Common Failure âŁsymptoms of the Drain Hose: Leaks, Blockages, Kinkingand Odor Backflow
The ⤠3385556 Whirlpool Drain â¤Hose functions as the flexible discharge conduit âthatâ carries wastewater from the appliance pump to the â¤household drain. When the hose develops a fault, its behavior is predictable: a breach or clamp failure produces a steady or intermittent external leak; âinternal obstruction or accumulated grease and debrisâ reduces flow rate and â¤causes slow âŁdraining or cycling issues; and compressive deformation or â¤improper routing producesâ kinks that restrict flow and increase back pressure. Compatibility of replacement hoses matters as inner âŁdiameter, wall thickness and connector style determine flow capacity and reliable sealing at the pump outlet and the house âplumbing connection.
Field â˘diagnosis centers on visual inspectionâ and simple functional checks.â Look for wet⤠stains along the hose path,bulges or⤠splits in the hose wall,and loose or corroded clamps at both ends; listen for gurgling⣠during â˘drain cycles,which indicates partial blockage or a âsiphon condition that âŁcan lead to odor backflow.Practical âcorrectiveâ actions include removing and flushing the hoseâ to clear trapped debris, replacing a mechanically damaged hose with an equivalent part to preserve diameter and bend â˘radiusand restoring a proper âhigh loop or P-trap âto prevent sewer gas. Avoid âusing aggressive solvents on hose polymers;â instead âuse mechanical clearance (wire or⢠small auger) and verify connections are tightened to specified â˘clamp torque for a leak-free seal.
- Visible leak or wet floor under appliance
- Slow draining or water remaining after cycle
- Permanent or⤠intermittent kinking along hose⤠length
- Foul odor from drain during or after â¤operation
| item | Description |
|---|---|
| Slow drain / gurgling | Partialâ blockage⢠from lint, foodor grease;⢠inspect and flush hose, check pump outlet and air gap. |
| External leak | Crack,split,or loose clamp at hose-to-pump or âhose-to-drain connection; replace âhoseâ or âŁre-clamp with correct fittings. |
| Odor⣠backflow | Insufficient trap/high-loop configuration⣠or siphoningâ due to blockage; restore trap/high loop andâ clear restriction. |
Replacement considerations and Installation Best Practices for theâ Drain Hose Assembly
The 3385556 Whirlpool Drainâ Hose is the discharge conduit that carries wash water from the appliance âŁpump to⣠the building drain. In normal operation it must provide an unobstructed â¤path with minimal backpressure,⣠resist repeated flexingand âmaintain a consistent internal diameter to avoid restriction⣠or turbulence that can trap debris. When selecting a replacement, verify the hose end fittings match the pump outlet (ribbed barb, push-fit, âor threaded⣠adapter) and that the material is compatible with typical âŁdetergents and âtemperature ranges used by the appliance;â mismatched âfittings or âa hose with a softened inner â¤lining will increase risk of â¤leaks⢠or premature collapse under siphon or pump âŁpulsation. Compatibility checks should include physical fit, inner diameterand length so the hose can⤠be routed⤠without excessive bends or strain on the⢠pump⤠outlet.
Best practices for installation focus on⣠routing, mechanical supportand leak control to preserve pump performance and prevent contamination of the drain. Maintain a⤠high loop orâ install an air gap â¤where code requiresâ to â˘prevent backflow into the appliance, secure the⤠hose âwithâ corrosion-resistant worm-gear or stainless-steel clamps atâ both the âpump and the drain⣠connectionand avoid sharp bends or⢠kinks that reduce flow area. Inspect⤠replacement hoses for abrasion, soft âspots, âor⤠swelling before installation âand pressure-test the connections at the operating cycle to detect âslow leaks; if the original clamp or fittingâ shows corrosion, replace it ârather âthan â˘reusing it to âensure a reliable seal under â˘vibration.
- Confirmâ part fit: verify end-style,inner diameter,and required length before replacement.
- Route hose⣠to create a high âloop or connect to an air gap to â˘prevent siphoning.
- Use⢠appropriate clamps⤠and avoid over-tightening that can⣠cut the hose material.
- Perform a running-water leak test and inspect for chafing after âŁa complete cycle.
| Item | Description |
|---|---|
| Material | Thermoplastic â˘or EPDM-like compounds âresistant to detergent âand heat; choose hose ârated for appliance temperatures. |
| Common failure âmodes | Abrasion at contact points, clamp-induced cuts, âinternal â˘collapse from softened materialand⢠clamp âcorrosion leading â¤to leaks. |
| Installation feature | High âloop orâ air gap, secure âŁclamps, strain relief at pump outletâ to prevent stressâ on âplastic fittings. |
Q&A
What is âŁthe Whirlpoolâ part â3385556 drain hose?
Part⣠3385556 âis an OEM replacement drain hose assembly sold for certain Whirlpool appliances. âIt is indeed the flexible discharge hose⢠that carries wastewater from⣠the appliance to the household drain, garbage disposal, âŁor standpipe. exact fitment varies by model, so confirm compatibility with your appliance model number before purchasing.
How⣠do I verify that 3385556 is the correct⣠replacement for â˘my appliance?
Check yourâ appliance’s⣠fullâ model number (usually on the â¤door frame, behind⤠a kickplateor inside the controlâ panel)⤠and⢠look up parts compatibility on Whirlpool’s parts âsite or an authorized⢠parts dealer.Also compare â˘the hose⣠length, end-connector style,⢠and diameter of the old hose to the replacement. If theâ connector type, hose ID/ODor routing â˘requirements differ, the part may⤠not fit correctly.
What â¤is the⢠proper⣠procedure to install the â3385556â drain hose?
turn off power to the appliance (unplug⣠or switch off the circuit) and shut off the water supply if âŁapplicable. Place a small⤠bucket to catchâ residual water, disconnect â˘the⢠old hose from theâ appliance⢠and drain connection, â¤remove clampsand⢠unroute the hose. Route the new hose following the original path,⣠attach it to the appliance outlet and âto the drain/disposal/standpipeand âŁsecure both endsâ with⣠appropriate âclamps. Create a âŁhighâ loop (or install an air gap if required by code) before finalizing.Restore power,⤠run a test cycleand checkâ carefully for leaks.
Do I need an air gap or a âhigh loop when â¤installing this drain âhose?
Yes-either a high loop or a dedicated air gap is necessary âto prevent backflow and contamination of⤠theâ appliance. Many local plumbing codes require an airâ gap; where not mandated,aâ highâ loop (securing the hose up near âthe⤠underside of the countertop) is commonly accepted. Follow local code⣠and the appliance installation instructions for the correct method.
What tools â¤and clamps â˘will I need to install or replace this hose?
Typical tools are a⣠screwdriver (flathead or Phillips depending â¤on clamp type), slip-joint pliers, âŁand possibly nut drivers.â Use durable hose clamps-stainless-steel worm-gear clampsâ are common-sized to⣠match the hose diameter.Have a towel or bucket handy â¤to catch water âwhen disconnecting the old â˘hose.
why is my âdrain hose leakingâ and how can I fix it?
Leaks are usually caused by loose or damaged clamps, a âpuncture/crack âin the hose, improperly seated fittingsor a kinked hose that splitâ under stress. Inspect both ends for proper seating and tighten or⤠replace clamps. âŁIf the hose is cracked, swollenor punctured, replace âŁit. Re-route⣠the hose to remove kinks and ensure the high loop/air gapâ is correctly installed.
How can Iâ prevent or clear clogs in the 3385556 drain hose?
To â¤prevent clogs, avoid putting large food particles, âgreaseor fibrous⣠materials into the âappliance. Run âhot water throughâ the sink âŁand appliance drain occasionally. âTo clear âa clog, disconnect the âŁhose and flushâ it with water; use a flexible brush or a length of tubing âŁto dislodge debris if â¤needed. If âŁblockagesâ are frequent, check the drain/disposal and trap for restrictions and confirm the⢠hose slope âand routing are correct.
Can I use an aftermarket drainâ hose rather of â˘the Whirlpoolâ 3385556?
Yes, an aftermarket hose can be⣠used â¤if⣠it â˘matches the OEM dimensions, connector type, â¤material qualityand local plumbing approvals. though, using⣠the OEM part ensures⢠correct fit and material compatibility. If you chooseâ an aftermarket hose, verify diameter, length, connector compatibilityand that âthe hose is rated for appliance use to avoid âpremature failure or âŁwarranty issues.
The⢠Way âForward
The 3385556 Whirlpool Drain Hose serves a basic âŁrole⣠in directing water from⢠the applianceâ to the household⤠drain system,helping to maintain efficient drainage and prevent leaks or water damage.As an engineered component designedâ for compatibility with specific Whirlpool⣠models, âthe drain hose contributes to the⤠appliance’s overall performance, reliabilityand safety when fitted and sealed correctly.
Proper diagnosis is essential⢠before replacing the drain hose: identifying signs such as âvisible âcracks, bulging,⢠persistent⤠leaks, kinksor⢠recurring âdrainage problems helps distinguishâ hose âfailure from⤠other â˘issues âŁlike âpump faults â¤or blockages.When inspection confirms⤠wear or damage, timely replacement with the âcorrectâ part number minimizes the risk of secondary damage, restores proper âfunction,⤠and supports long-termâ applianceâ reliability.Ensuring correct â¤routing, secure⣠fittingsand adherence to manufacturer specificationsâ furtherâ preserves performance and reduces the likelihood of future problems.
In professional practice, pairing âaccurate⣠diagnosis withâ appropriate replacement-using âcompatible parts and properâ installation techniques-offers the âmost âeffective âapproach to â˘resolving drain-related issues. Routine inspection and maintenance,â together with replacement when warranted, help⢠protect the appliance, the surrounding areaand the â¤user’s investmentâ in their Whirlpool product.
Professional Appliance Service
If your appliance requires professional diagnosis or repair, visit
Revolff Home Services
for expert appliance repair services.
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Replacement parts for many appliance models can also be found at
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