Hello,

A few years ago we installed a ventless washer/dryer in our utility closet in our condo. We had to create space in the utility closet where the washer/dryer went, and so hired a contractor to move the hot water heater and ready a space for the washer/dryer, which included creating a connection for the washer to drain. Home Depot (or their contractor, more accurately) then came out and installed the washer/dryer.



Recently, several units below us experienced leaking, and it was determined to be coming from our washer. A plumber looked at everything and determined that the drain from the washer was not hooked up to a main sewer line for drainage, but instead had been hooked up to an HVAC condensation pipe. We were told that the HVAC condensation pipe is not capable of handling the amount of water/suds produced by a washing machine draining.



Our sense is that this is the fault of the contractor who prepped the space and created the drain hook up, and not the fault of Home Depot's contractors who did the actual machine installation. Is that correct? Should the first contractor have known to connect the machine to the main sewer line and not the HVAC condensation pipe? It seems to us he should have, but want to get other opinions.



Thank you.

Hi Bob

Your answer will depend on the permitting process in your area. In most states, contractors are required to pull plumbing, gas and electric permits for the kind of work you mentioned. That means that a local plumbing and probably an electrical inspector show up and inspect any plumbing/gas/electric work done on the property.

Everything gets even more complicated with delivery of the appliance:

Did gas work get done... if so, by a licensed plumber? Did an electrical cord have to be wired to the dryer... if so, by a licensed electrician? Who did the installation of the dryer vent?

No matter what, you have a problem. I'd consult with your local health department or plumbing inspector and see what they think about all this. They can actually be a great help in cases like this.

Mark

It is wrong - in fact very wrong - to connect washer discharge hose into A/C condensation pipe... Usually, condensation discharge pipe is 3/4" in diameter (sometimes 1" ) and has no vent. Also, it has sharp 90 Ells for turns and is plumbed to pre-trapped pipe.

No matter what the first contractor did, I do not understand why HD installer connected 1" washer hose into 3/4" condensation line. Washer discharge pipe should be connected into 1 1/2" or 2" diameter pipe. Size difference cannot be that easily overlooked. HD installer had to go out of his way to make that connection. Lastly, I am puzzled that you are finding out about the wrong installation now. Have you ever had any drainage problem with your washer ? 1" pipe cannot absorb rapid washer discharge as it is too small and wrong bends.

First installer cut corners, got paid and left. Home Depot installer came in later, and conveniently connected your washer discharge to a wrong pipe because he wasn't plumber and didn't know better. Also, he wanted to install the washer so he didn't have to take it back to the store. So he connected it to what ever pipe was available and left.

Home Depot installer should stop his installation the moment he noticed the wrong size pipe. He should inform you about it and ask you to have correct size drain pipe installed. He should have left w/o installing your new appliances and come back when right size drain pipe was in place.

Since the closet was modified "... few years back.. " I don't think you will accomplish anything by complaining to HD or previous installer. Hire a licensed plumber to correct the problem.

Good luck

Milo