When my washing machine drains, it comes up in my bathroom sink. I'm using small load settings, and the water comes up and overflows. I usually have to wait for the cycle to start draining, and run downstairs to stop it mid way through draining so I don't have a flood.

Hi Kellrich:

Is this washing machine in the basement or at the 1st floor or second floor?

Sounds like the drain is getting clogged and only now backs up when a large volume of water is used... it will only get worse.

You will need to rent a small electric snake from a local rental store and snake the drain line (goggles and leather gloves are a good idea, too). Do not use drano or other chemicals down the drain line at this time... they will not help in this case.

If the washing machine is in the basement then your MAIN DRAIN LINE may be getting clogged and that will require a LARGE snake machine to clear the blockage. Here, you would need to locate the main cleanout to the drain line, use washing machine and see if the drain backs up and out the cleanout... if it does then need to snake from the main cleanout.

If washing machine is upstairs look for a cleanout you can remove and send small snake down the drain. If possible, may need to go on roof to snake down the washing machine VENT line to clear the blockage below. Further, may even need to cut into the vent in the attic to snake the drian...

Click on SNAKE HEADS2pdf. below to see examples of different snake heads.

A bit involved here... let me know exactly where machine is located... more details gets best answer.. ok?

MARK