Gravity/Pump Drain.........

[ThePoetSuede]

I have heard the term gravity drain and pump drain, can anyone explain what these are and what I should look for.

[PeterH]

A gravity drain is simply a dump valve at the bottom of a washer's outer tub that opens and lets the water run out into the waste lines. Nearly all commercial front loaders have this type of draining system. The building drain system is just above or below floor level, and gravity pulls the water out of the machine and into the waste system.

Pump drain machines have a pump mechanism to remove water from the washer. All toploaders today and some front loaders have a pump. These machines need a standpipe, usually about 36" tall, for the drain connection from the machine.

It is rare that you really have to think/worry about what your machine has. Most building drainage systems are at or below the floor level where the machines are installed. Whoever does your installation should be able to adapt the drainage system to your machines.

[ThePoetSuede]

Are there any advantages to either?

[StoneColdKiller]

There is no selection process if that is what you are asking. I imagine there may be some freak circumstances that would require the use of one or the other, but basically the machine comes with whatever it is designed with. Most frontloaders simply "dump" the water out of the bottom of the tub while top loaders and horizons "pump" the water up and out of a tube. Either way there is a mechanism that will need maintenance.