Log in

View Full Version : Washing Machine Overflow Question


Fenderstratguy
Feb 11, 2012, 12:30 PM
I am facing the same issue. At my hardware store I was informed by one of the more experience hands that newer washers pump out drain water at a faster rate. This new rate is now faster than many older homes can handle. Newer homes supposedly have larger drain diameters, but if that's not you, you're going to have problems.

We can't afford to have our drain snaked every month! So what this means is, the problem will always come back. My drain is not clogged -- as soon as I hit the off switch to stop the flooding, the water drains down in a few seconds. I have a slab, so replacing the pipe is a non-starter.

speedball1
Feb 12, 2012, 06:43 AM
Hi Guy and Welcome to The Plumbing Page. At AskMeHelpDesk.com. You're responding to a 7 year old dead thread so I gave you one of your own. Look in then upper left hand corner of the first post form the date before you post, Thanks We have had quite a few complaints like yours, ( especially with new washers) where the washer pump is too powerful for a 1 1/2" trap and stand pipe. What size is yours?
I have a solution that I've never had a complaint on and one that I had to use on my washer. You close off the stand pipe the washer connects to with a compression fitting,(see image) or I simply sealed it with duct tape. This makes a water tight connection between the washer and the stand piipe. Nothing can leak out or overflow and the force from the pump will send the discharge out into the main drain. While there is some back pressure involved there will not be enough to damage the washer pump. Outside of oversizing the washer trap and standpipe or reducing the opening at the end of the hose this is about the only solutions that I know that works. Good luck and thank you for rating my answer. Tom