dan_reds
Oct 5, 2009, 04:09 AM
A few months ago, out of the blue, our washing machine overflow pipe began overflowing during the wash cycle. :confused: I looked around on the net to try to find solutions and most recommended snaking the pipe which we did, along with flushing some drain cleaner/unblocker down.
This helped, if not resolving the problem entirely (a bucket underneath would catch any overflow and wouldn't fill for a couple of weeks), for a couple of months until again, somewhat randomly, it started flooding the garage. :eek:
Our pipe is a standard configuration. A flexible drainpipe out of the washer into an upright pipe - rested loosely with a hard plastic u-bend. The top of the drain off pipe is the same height as the washing machine and the drain itself feeds through the kitchen, where it joins the dishwasher drainage and out through the drain under the sink to an open drainage hole in the garden. In total, there can be less than 10 metres of pipe between the washer and release.
This weekend we put the hose down the pipe - about half way as there is a 90 degree kink down just after the dishwasher joins the pipe - and the flow was consistent and fine, with the hose coming back out clean to all intents.
I have resisted taping the top of the overflow pipe where the rubber drainpipe from the machine sits, as I have read conflicting reports as to the safety of this - no vent in essence - but surely there must be something that can be done here? Why would this start, as it did, out of nowhere and then despite being snaked and appearing clear return with vengeance? :mad:
Any and all suggestions are greatly appreciated, with two sub 5 year olds the washing machine is a vital appliance, but I can't keep flooding the garage! :(
This helped, if not resolving the problem entirely (a bucket underneath would catch any overflow and wouldn't fill for a couple of weeks), for a couple of months until again, somewhat randomly, it started flooding the garage. :eek:
Our pipe is a standard configuration. A flexible drainpipe out of the washer into an upright pipe - rested loosely with a hard plastic u-bend. The top of the drain off pipe is the same height as the washing machine and the drain itself feeds through the kitchen, where it joins the dishwasher drainage and out through the drain under the sink to an open drainage hole in the garden. In total, there can be less than 10 metres of pipe between the washer and release.
This weekend we put the hose down the pipe - about half way as there is a 90 degree kink down just after the dishwasher joins the pipe - and the flow was consistent and fine, with the hose coming back out clean to all intents.
I have resisted taping the top of the overflow pipe where the rubber drainpipe from the machine sits, as I have read conflicting reports as to the safety of this - no vent in essence - but surely there must be something that can be done here? Why would this start, as it did, out of nowhere and then despite being snaked and appearing clear return with vengeance? :mad:
Any and all suggestions are greatly appreciated, with two sub 5 year olds the washing machine is a vital appliance, but I can't keep flooding the garage! :(