You’ll need to call a licensed plumber to clear the p-trap. I went through a lot of plumbers before I finally got an answer that made sense. To avoid sudden, expensive costs due to your washing machine or another appliance breaking down, we recommend that all homeowners consider purchasing a home warranty. Front-loaders use much less water, which means they might not overflow your existing pipes. Virginia Kearney (author) from United States on May 26, 2012: Hi Michele--I'm not a plumber but I've had many different problems like this before in various houses. Thanks for you great article! Then I'd start the regular enzyme treatments to keep it clear. However, because most of us don't use pantyhose anymore, this may not be the cheapest solution and there are some distinct disadvantages. The washing machine drain hose must be maintained if backflow and other drainage issues are to be avoided. One thought he could put in a bigger pipe in the wall, but that wouldn't help the clogging or the size of the pipe that is in our slab. However, our washing machine when on a drain cycle overflows the 1 1/2” drain pipe and then the water just sits there. We have already had to have a plumber come out and unclog the drains that lead from our toilets as they were backing up into the showers. Below are some of the most common causes of a washing machine back up. It’s not uncommon for a washing machine to share the same drain as the sink. So the washer drain was basically a sealed setup. Especially if you have a dog or human hair that goes down your drains, this can help a lot since hair clogs are hard to dissolve with any drain product. Virginia Kearney (author) from United States on March 04, 2012: Virginia Kearney (author) from United States on October 26, 2011: Pia--yes, I think that just putting the lint catcher on helps a lot. I was reading about the laundry sink for the drain that gets backed up from the washer, however that will not help me because of the space I have. Even if an enzyme treatment doesn't solve your problem, it won't hurt you at all to touch it. (Our washer in the garage.) It catches all of the lint exiting the washer so that it doesn't clog your … However, after a few months of lint and soap build-up, we'd have an overflow again. This has been this way for years no changes or additions. Q. Whether that is a big enough pipe depends on the volume of water coming out of the machine, and whether the lint in the water coming out of the machine clogs that pipe. However, bigger top loading machines may make a larger volume of water than the pipe was designed to carry. You can see the in-sink lint catcher in the drain. with water. I'll go ahead and try the enzymes first then utility sink. At one point I was doing about 12 large loads a week. Can anyone point me in some direction as to where to go from here? I can't find it now at my local store, so I was happy when I was able to buy it online. Plumber stated he could not guarantee water tank wouldn't leak, but when asked, he said he would give his work a 30 day warranty. You can get both on Amazon if you can't find them locally. How to Install a Laundry Sink? You can buy a professional metal snake, or just do a short snaking of the first couple of feet with a plastic snake. Your washing machine drains with positive pressure from the pump. Thanks again. Virginia Kearney (author) from United States on October 16, 2016: Glad to know a snake works for you Jacob. We struggled so long with this problem that I wanted to share what we learned so that other people could avoid the problems and damage if possible! Basically, I make sure that hair and lint down the drain are minimized by using lint catchers on the shower drain and pipe from washer. When we bought our house, I suppose we should have paid more attention to the patched plaster on the wall behind the washing machine-- a clear sign that overflow from the drainpipe happened before! It is tied into the same drain for the sinks in the closest bedroom. Now my only problem is when I accidentally drop a sock in the sink. I tried to snake the drain in tub and wall and even basement floor drain. The most common red flags, sewer main cleaners say, are water backing up out of a drain or the toilet plumbing, or a gurgling sound coming from the drains. for you. Having the pipes away from the house fixed is an expensive thing. Just had this happen. I do have to clean that one after every load or two. The shower is downstream on the same drain line. Metal tends to catch more lint than nylon mesh and is easy to replace. If enzymes don't work, you may want to call a plumber in to have the situation evaluated, although I personally did not find the plumbers I hired to be terribly helpful and often their suggestions were expensive. In that case, when the washing machine releases a big amount of water down the drain, that will push the air through the pipes and the air will leave at your sink drain. I use the enzyme treatments monthly. I'd also suggest doing an enzyme treatment in the other sinks nearby to make sure the whole system is clear. machine as well. This not only backs up kitchen appliances but can also back up your washing Helped me fix my washing machine quickly following your article. If enough sludge builds We think a lint trap and enzymes will be a little cheaper and makes much more sense. the shape of a U and is behind the wall. Most usually it is the strainer that became blocked somehow. If you don't like to do your own plumbing work, you could easily hire a plumber to do the job (or maybe convince a talented friend). Ugh. I wish I had a tub sink but former owners did a crazy set up and holding tank makes zero sense w/my house design I've been told by plumbers. Thank you, thank you, thank you! Your enzyme tip in the other hub, though, combined with this hub, will have my putting the enzyme treatment into the laundry drain also. washing machine drain box is where the lines and hoses from your washing While we replaced the pipe and unclogged the drain, I think that the mesh lint catcher would be an excellent idea. is that all of these problems can be fixed. That is the best to use to get it unclogged. It sounds to me like your clog is in one of the drains common to your kitchen/laundry area. After over 20 years, I've learned my lesson. The that can help keep pipes clear and remove minor blockages. So the water started flowing up out of the drain and my delimma how to fix it began. Virginia Kearney (author) from United States on March 02, 2017: Hi Hollie-If by the pipe area behind the washer you mean that the pipe that is pumping used water out of the washer into the wall is overflowing then you probably have the problem I described. Ronnie Sowell from South Carolina on July 01, 2012: I think I need to work on putting a sink in my house. Your detective story and results are exactly what we needed to fix our draining problem. Doesn't seem to work. [Appliances] Sewer backup into washing machine (Disclaimer I own the washer and dryer) the sink that the washer drains into backed up after we had issues with the main sewer line. The drain in question is the last drain in the house. Any of the enzymes discussed in this article or the Amazon links will work very well on washing machine drains. we found that the problem was not the washer and was not the hose goes. Question: How much vinegar and baking soda do I put down the drain pipe in my basement floor? I'm finding that it seems to catch some lint that is missed by the mesh catcher. This was super useful thank you so much! Actually, I've had this sort of thing happen too, although not in my kitchen area. machine connect to your home’s plumbing. McGuyver called (my wife) and suggested I put one of her knee high stockings over the drain out hose and attach it with a zip tie and just leave it hooked over the sink. Could these be related? Virginia Kearney (author) from United States on April 01, 2012: Mary--thank you so much for coming back to tell me that! I will try these tips. Another sign of a sewer drain issue happens when waste backs up into another pipe when you flush the toilet or use a washing machine. If it turns out that this isn’t the problem, you will need to consider the next scenario. Below are some of the most common I've always seen the drain into the utility sink with a lint trap but all of my neighbors have a similar set up to mine with no issue. It does drain once the washer is stopped, and the vent … Apparently the pipes that leads away from the house goes at an upward angle instead of a downward one. Pantyhose: This old-fashioned solution will catch even the smallest lint pieces, so it can be a good choice if you really need to keep all of the pieces of lint out of your drain. It took me an afternoon to put it in. As shown in the attached video, when draining, water backs up from where the drainpipe and drain hose are connected. good news You can use the enzymes to keep it as clean as possible but can't force more water faster. The directions will be on the treatment container. The top came back with only lint, no mud. If lint, hair, soap, or dirt create a partial stoppage in the line, eventually bacteria grows on the stoppage and you have a sewer smell on your hands. However, a front-loading high-efficiency machine doesn't use as much water and may work fine unless the lint clogs the pipe. Another drain backing up! Sorry for your trouble. I had a laundry sink that required a plumber clean out the line about every 2 months because of the lint from the washer. That way, I was able to put a mesh lint catcher on the end of the drain pipe, as well as to watch whether my drain was running slowly and needed another enzyme treatment. Virginia Kearney (author) from United States on October 25, 2016: I don't know whether that diagram would fix your problem. Left unattended, this stoppage will build on itself causing more odors and possible backups. So, with the main drain backing up, wastewater will continue to build up in the line until it overflows and backs up out of the floor drain. These branch drains are smaller pipes, usually 1 1/4 to 2 1/2 inches in diameter. One month later, I still have overflow from washing machine now and holding tank is leaking despite all screws and bolts securely tightened and replaced per plumber advise that came out day after dog left. My snake,would just bend and stood at a certain point. One solution is a low water high-efficiency front loader. Then there’s the drain pump itself. I will install the utility sink and hopefully that will resolve the problem! a sign that the problem is in the plumbing. Also, there is a small gap between … Anyone have luck with draino? Virginia Kearney (author) from United States on June 11, 2018: Oh, If you have a top loading machine that is large capacity it is quite probable that you have exactly the same problem I experienced. you end up with a backed-up washer, similar to the overflowing funnel, though PiaC from Oakland, CA on October 26, 2011: We had a similar issue with our laundry sink as well. Ask us a question or schedule service today! The washing machine drain box is where the lines and hoses from your washing machine connect to your home’s plumbing. I've lived in several old houses and dealing with overflows from my washing machine has always been a struggle. Another way I'm working to make sure no lint gets down is that I bought an in-drain mesh catcher too. In this theatre class (25 girls and 2 guys) he was the only one who knew how to sew, so he got the job of making the princess dress for their project! We just got back from Christmas holidays and the main stack vent on the house was frozen due to extreme cold weather. Virginia Kearney (author) from United States on December 26, 2017: Hi Pumpkee--I am very sorry to hear you have had so much trouble. Virginia Kearney (author) from United States on July 28, 2014: Hi Mike--One thing I learned in going through this process with our house is that different types of washers emit more and less water, and at different rates. They are inexpensive, but sometimes hard to find, so I buy mine in bulk from Amazon. If you can live without your drains for a while, you can try using the Main Line enzyme cleaner overnight (pouring some into all the drains affected and not using them for 8 hours or so, then pouring down boiling water). Fabric mesh: I've tried these and they did not catch as much lint. My house is older and the laundry drain pipe jeeps overflowing too, and snaking des not solve it. Virginia Kearney (author) from United States on May 10, 2016: Alan--So glad this helped you! Answer: We had exactly this problem when we moved in and that is why I installed the sink so that when the water backed up, it had a basin to back up into (instead of our wall and floor!) Some older homes have cast-iron I've found using pantyhose works best to catch lint, but I had the same problem--it was hard to attach and slipped off. Here is what has us stumped. I bought a laundry tub with legs at Home Depot and also got the pipe, faucet, and other supplies there. If your line is working, then I'd hold off on the camera. If so, the problem is probably not the washer drain. Virginia Kearney (author) from United States on January 02, 2018: Hi Kent--I don't know the answer to your question, but it sounds to me like freezing could still be your issue. We did that several times, and we found that took care of the problem for a while. Then the washer water goes down the drain slower and doesn't cause a problem in the shower. I have an overflow sink fir my washer, however my washer tub is clogged. Older houses like ours were built when washers were smaller and didn't require as big of a pipe to drain them. I also have the washer drain pipe that is backing up on the water discharge cycle. I have used a metal mesh to catch any new lint. I did actually see the 2" T and trap idea online although I don't think it would have worked in our particular drain. The best way to stop laundry overflow is to use mesh lint catchers that attach to the end of your washing machine drain pipe. For stubborn clogs, push a plumbing snake down the drain. I would suggest that you might want to run things with lots of pet hair on them through an air dry cycle in your dryer next time to get some of the hair out before washing (or even take them to a laundrymat to save your own pipes). Joined: Aug 30, 2020 Location: Palo Alto, CA. The lint catcher will get the lint and the enzymes will clear out the soap scum on a regular basis. Like all major systems and appliances in your home, your washing machine is likely to endure normal wear and tear over time. causes of a washing machine back up. 2004. This means they combine at some point on the way to the main sewer line. Good hub, voted-up and useful. Even so, lint and soap can cause a drain to plug up, so it is important to keep it clear. This helps prevent Then, just when I was overloaded with laundry from three preschoolers, there would be another messy disaster all over the floor. pipes. Answer: I assume what you mean is that the drainpipe coming out of the washing machine is going into a 1 1/2 inch pipe in the wall. I push the snake down the drain, turn it around, and then pull it up again. Every time I forget enzymes, I end up having problems with slow or stopped drains. We talked to a few of the plumbers who came out to unclog our drain. I do not have a drain sink currently (washing machine empties into a water holding tank). I had this problem but the solution was to put an outside house down the main vent on the roof. Content is for informational or entertainment purposes only and does not substitute for personal counsel or professional advice in business, financial, legal, or technical matters. How To Prevent Drain Pipe From Overflowing Install a laundry sink – If you don’t already have a laundry sink, you should think about getting one. You'll need to turn the machine off and look for the strainer on the drain hose. My laundry room, with sink: Solve washer overflow by installing a sink for draining water from washer. Floor drain backs up when doing laundry – Check hoses and floor drain. I'm confused by one thing, however: Can I safely use a lint catcher on the end of the washer drain hose if it goes into a wall pipe? When I get a clog, I use a declogger and then put in enzymes for 3 days in a row and flush with boiling water. If so, then just repeat the treatment about once a month. I learn a lot from my readers too! When the washer drains (twice per load, if large) the excess flow comes out of the drainage pipe and into/under the wall, is there anything I can do to force the excess flow from the pipe to a basin? Answer: I have read about this method but not tried it. Why does this happen? As it goes down, turn the handle clockwise anytime you feel a clog, which will grab the debris and allow you to pull it out. If there is, the chances are high that your washing machine is malfunctioning. serious clog. Amazon delivered it and I hired a local plumber to install it. PS - I dog sat a very heavily shedding dog week of Thanksgiving, once the dog left, I washed all linens it laid on. professional plumbers are available 24 hours. If this solves your problem, that is great! One comes with Draino, and I got it at the supermarket. If the water is backing up there, it’s Good luck to you! Plumber snaked it. First it was out the drain pipe onto the floor so my boyfriend blocked that off and then the water came up my kitchen sink. I just have to keep a screwdriver handy. I do not understand why. But is it the washer itself, or is it an issue in the plumbing? You should be able to narrow it down by considering the following scenarios. I believe there is some type of suction going on because if I try to pull up on the hose going into the drain, I hear a kind of suction sound. The new owner, my brother, wanted to use the washer in another house, so I bought one and switched it out today. In-sink lint trapper: I discovered this recently and think I may buy one, even though at $16 and up this is one of the more expensive devices and some people say you still need a drain pipe catcher too (I'm pretty sure I'd keep both). We have two types. We just moved into a new home. I've been in our house for 23 years now and haven't had any problems with overflow after we put in the drain sink. The result? I have an article that shows how to do that. I think that more water must go down during that time. Virginia Kearney (author) from United States on September 14, 2017: Hi Krystal--We had a similar backup when we moved in and it often was during the rinse cycle. If you have room to put a sink in the area, that is often the best solution when unclogging doesn't provide enough draining. getting it checked out. I found one recently at a dollar store and added it to my drain to see what happened. Question: We have three washers in our cabin resort. I've found it online and at Walmart, but there are other enzyme brands out there too. However, in the long run you want to avoid having to call the plumber. How to Clean Clogged Washing Machine Drain Pipe. If the machine still isn’t draining, the problem may lie with the drain pump or some piece of internal hardware. Hello Virginia, thanks so much for the advice. the funnel fast enough, so it overflows. I've tried other lint catchers like fabric mesh and pantyhose (a homemade solution I saw on the Internet), but those don't seem to work as well and I always end up back with the wire mesh again. These really aren't that expensive if you buy in bulk, and they are a lot cheaper than a plumbing bill. It is also easier to put the enzymes down the sink rather than the pipe behind the washer. I'd done plumbing projects before, so I found it wasn't that hard to install a sink with a large tub. Cast iron However, if your lint catcher is regularly in the water from the tub, a metal one can get rusted and fabric might work better. Drive Belt Problems. No luck. taraparkertong@yahoo.com on June 04, 2016: I have this problem! I find that these screens trap all sorts of lint and hair that used to go down my drains. Today's extra-large capacity washers use more water and spit it out faster. The plumber said the size pipe is too small. 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