The drain hose has to be clipped up on the rear of the unit. There are two clips for the hose on the back of the unit just below the motor. When you want to drain the unit you unhook the hose and when it is empty you re hook the hose to the back. Water seeks its own level so it will only fill as high as the end of the hose. I have one of these units in my camper, it works great. The only draw back is you have to hand wring the clothes before drying as it has no spin cycle.