View Full Version : Washer back up into sink
spudnick14
Jan 11, 2006, 11:22 PM
:confused: When the washing machine drains it backs up into the kitchen sink which is about ten feet away then drains out. This sink drains very slowly, if I plung it once or twice it drains fast.
RickJ
Jan 12, 2006, 03:38 AM
You've got partial blockage somewhere.
With a bucket under it, remove the trap (http://ace.imageg.net/graphics/product_images/pACEBW-963434reg.jpg).
Hopefully you'll find the partial blockage there.
If it's not there, then your line needs snaked (with one of these (http://images.google.com/images?svnum=100&hl=en&lr=&newwindow=1&safe=off&q=plumbing+snake&btnG=Search)).
Folks with plumbing and/or maintenance experience will do it themselves (with an owned or rented snake) For folks with plumbing knowledge they'd do it themselves (you can buy or rent any of those snakes)... but I'd recommend you call a plumber.
Hopefully, though, you'll find the problem in that trap. That's where problems are frequently found.
speedball1
Jan 12, 2006, 06:06 AM
Hey Spud,
Rick gave you a very good response. However, I can see two partial clogs instead of just one.
(1) " When the washing machine drains it backs up into the kitchen sink."
This indicates a partial blockage downstream from the kitchen sink drain line.
This problem's fixed by snaking the kitchen drain line from the sinks roof vent.
Let the snake go all the way down to the base of the vent and put outabout 25' more. You'll have to rent a commercial snake to do this, a small snake don't get it. Cycle the washer to test.
(2)"This sink drains very slowly."
Since "P" traps are self scouring it's doubfull you'll find the blockage there, most sink clogs are located in the lateral,(horizontal) drain located in the wall. Remove the "J" Bend from the trap. If it's clear then send a drain snake,(see image) up the traps tail into the wall. The good news is that you'll only have to put out about 6' on snake. Reassemble the trap and flush the line out with hot water. Good luck, Tom