Do I need a lint trap on my washer drain?

Having a lint trap on your washing machine drain line is an important part of keeping your laundry system functioning properly. Lint and debris can build up over time and cause clogs or back-ups if not filtered out. Here is a closer look at how lint traps work, why they are recommended, and what your options are.

What is a lint trap?

A lint trap is a filter or screen that is installed inline on the drain line of a washing machine. Its purpose is to catch all the lint, fabric fibers, hair, and other debris that can wash off of clothes and linens during the wash cycle. By trapping this material, a lint trap helps prevent clogs from forming in the drain line or laundry tub. Some key facts about lint traps:

• They are usually made of plastic and feature a fine mesh screen.
• Lint traps are installed between the washer’s drain hose and the standpipe, drain pipe, or laundry sink drain.
• As water exits the washing machine, it passes through the lint trap so only water (no lint) goes down the drain.
• The lint trap housing will have a lid or access port that allows you to open it up and clean out the collected lint as needed.
• Lint traps are passive devices with no moving parts – water flow passes through the screen during the drain cycle.

Why are lint traps recommended?

There are a few key reasons why having a lint trap is recommended for most washing machine installations:

• Prevent clogged drains – Lint and debris can accumulate over time and create a clog, which can lead to drain back-ups, flooding, and costly plumbing repairs.
• Improve drain flow – Trapping lint helps water flow quickly and smoothly down the drain line instead of slowly through a lint-filled pipe.
• Protect septic systems – Excess lint can clog up components of a septic tank or drain fields if connected to a septic system.
• Filter out hair – Pet hair, human hair, and other particles get caught before going down the drain.
• Prolong washer lifespan – By preventing clogs near the washer, lint traps help ensure your washing machine continues draining properly for years of use.

Overall, a lint trap is a simple but useful accessory that helps ensure proper drainage and smooth operation of your washing machine. The minor extra effort to periodically clean out a lint trap is well worth avoiding major drain clogs.

Where should a lint trap be installed?

For effective lint filtration, the lint trap should be installed in the drain line between the washing machine’s drain hose outlet and the main drain pipe or sink drain. This allows all water exiting the washer to pass through the lint trap. There are a couple installation options:

• On the standpipe – If the washer drain hose is connected to a standpipe, the lint trap can attach directly to the standpipe.
• In the drain line – For other drain configurations, a lint trap is installed inline on the drain hose itself before reaching the main drain pipe.
• At the sink – For washing machines that drain directly into a laundry sink, a lint trap can attach to the sink drain outlet.

The key is that the lint trap is lower than the washer’s drain hose outlet so water flows downward through the trap. Be sure to secure all connections tightly with hose clamps. It is also a good idea to install the lint trap as close as possible to the washer so lint has less chance to accumulate in the drain hose.

Cleaning and maintenance

Like any filter, lint traps need occasional cleaning and maintenance to work properly. Here are some tips for keeping your lint trap working well:

• Check and clean the lint trap every few months. Clean more often if you notice draining issues.
• Open the lid or access port and pull out the screen. Rinse away lint under running water.
• Use a brush to dislodge stuck-on debris if needed.
• Dry the trap fully before reinstalling. Make sure the access lid seals tightly.
• Replace plastic lint traps every few years as the plastic can deteriorate.
• Clean the drain hose and drain line periodically by flushing with hot water.

Caught early, drain clogs from lint accumulation can often be cleared with a drain snake. But a badly clogged line may require disassembling piping to fully remove blockages. That’s an inconvenient and expensive repair. Staying on top of lint trap maintenance helps avoid serious clog issues.

Where to buy lint traps

It’s easy to find lint traps at most hardware stores, home centers, and online retailers that sell washing machine parts and accessories. Here are some options:

• Home improvement stores – Home Depot, Lowes, Ace Hardware
• Online specialty retailers – WebstaurantStore, Keeney, SupplyHouse
• Amazon – Multiple brands and styles available
• EBay – New and used lint traps
• Manufacturer websites – Whirlpool, Maytag, Samsung, etc.
• Plumbing supply stores

Lint trap prices typically range from about $5 to $15 depending on the size and materials. Make sure to get the appropriate size, shape, and connections for your drain configuration. The universal style with multiple hose fitting options provides the most flexibility for connecting to different drain line sizes.

Types of lint traps

There are a few basic designs and options for lint traps:

• Plastic body – The most common style, molded plastic body with plastic mesh screen.
• Metal body – Less common but more durable option with a metal housing.
• Adhesive style – A thin mesh screen backed by adhesive to stick inside a drain pipe.
• Clamp-on style – Attaches via clamp to the outside of a drain standpipe.
• Removable screen – Access lid allows the fine mesh screen to be removed for cleaning.
• Disposable style – The entire lint trap is replaced when full instead of cleaning the screen.

The removable screen models make cleaning easiest. Disposable styles reduce hands-on maintenance but generate more plastic waste. For durability and longevity, look for lint traps made in USA of plastic or metal rather than cheaper imports.

Installing a lint trap

Putting in a new lint trap is a quick DIY project. Follow these basic steps:

1. Turn off the water supply and power to washing machine.
2. Disconnect the washer drain hose from the drain pipe or laundry sink.
3. Clean the end of the drain hose thoroughly with a brush.
4. Attach the lint trap to the drain hose using a hose clamp.
5. Secure the other end of the lint trap to the plumbing using another hose clamp.
6. Check all connections are tight and properly supported.
7. Restore water supply and power. Test for leaks during washer use.

The key is ensuring a secure, watertight connection at both ends of the lint trap assembly. Avoid overtightening clamps or cracking plastic fittings. Positioning the lint trap is also important for smooth drain flow.

For easier maintenance, make sure the access lid is oriented at the top or side once installed. If linking to a standpipe, attach the lint trap below the entry point where water flows in from the washer hose. Follow manufacturer instructions for proper installation.

Do all new washing machines have a lint filter?

Many newer washing machine models actually do have a built-in lint filter as a standard feature. Typically it is a small-mesh filter within the pump assembly or drain outlet. However, experts still recommend installing an external lint trap as well for optimal filtration.

The reasons an additional lint trap is beneficial:

• Catches lint before it reaches pump and internal components.
• Larger capacity and easier access for maintenance.
• External trap protects entire drain system, not just washer.
• Older washers still lack internal filters.
• Provides redundancy if internal filter fails.

An external lint trap is an inexpensive form of insurance to protect your washer’s inner workings and prevent drain clogs throughout the laundry plumbing. While built-in filters help, an external trap adds important extra filtration.

Lint trap alternatives

A dedicated lint trap provides the best lint filtering for your washing machine drain line. But here are a couple alternative options if you can’t install a lint trap:

• Pantyhose – Place a section of pantyhose over the drain outlet as a makeshift filter. Use a hose clamp to hold it in place. Needs frequent replacing.
• Mesh screen – Cut a section of fine stainless steel mesh and fit into the drain hose outlet.
• Laundry balls – Plastic balls with protruding fingers claim to catch lint within the washer drum.
• Drain filter – Some universal drain filters could be adapted to washing machine hoses.
• Mesh bag – Place a fine mesh lint collection bag over drain hose outlet.

These temporary solutions generally require more vigilance than a proper lint trap. The mesh options tend to clog quickly without easy cleaning access. But in a pinch, pantyhose or a mesh screen may provide moderate filtering if changed regularly.

Lint trap placement

Proper position of your washing machine’s lint trap is key for good performance. Here are placement tips:

• Install between washer drain hose and main drain lines.
• Attach to the initial vertical standpipe if draining into one.
• Position below the washer connection on standpipes.
• Keep as close to washer outlet as possible.
• Ensure watertight seals with tight hose clamps.
• Support both inlet and outlet ends securely.
• Allow full drainage flow area through screen.
• Orient access lid up or sideways for cleaning access.

Positioning the lint trap too far away from the washer allows lint accumulation in the hose. Angling the trap too sharply can also impede water flow. Gravity helps pull lint and debris into the trap so keep it inline and below the washer drain outlet. Following manufacturer instructions for alignment and connection details.

Do lint traps work?

When installed properly, lint traps are highly effective at filtering out lint and debris from washing machine drain lines. Here is how the benefits typically measure up:

• Removes up to 90% of lint released from the washer.
• Greatly reduces risk of clogged drain lines.
• Captures particles down to 5-10 microns in size.
• Extends lifespan of the entire drainage system.
• Saves the cost of future drain cleanings and repairs.
• Allows full drainage flow when clean.
• Easy DIY installation with immediate benefits.

Anecdotal evidence from homeowners strongly supports the value of lint traps. Those who install traps report far fewer drainage problems compared to relying solely on built-in washer filters. The amount of trapped lint when cleaning out the filters also demonstrates how effective they are.

Of course, the lint trap only works as well as it is maintained. Just installing a trap without periodic cleaning defeats the purpose. But overall, lint traps work exceptionally well when installed properly and cleaned regularly.

Conclusion

Installing a lint trap is an inexpensive but highly effective way to protect your washing machine’s drainage system from clogs. Trapping lint and debris helps ensure water flows freely down the drain line and into your home’s main plumbing. While new washers may have internal filters, most experts recommend adding an external lint trap as well for optimal benefits.

Lint traps are easy to find at hardware stores or online. Look for a removable screen model that suits your drainage setup. Proper placement in the drain line is key. And be diligent about checking and cleaning the lint trap every few months to keep it working properly. With minimal maintenance, a good lint trap should provide years of clog-free performance.