Hi there,

We're in the process of redoing our laundry room, and have run into a few challenges that you might be able to help with...

A little background: Our house is a 1925 California bungalow with two floors. The laundry room is in the finished basement/downstairs and has a ground level concrete floor. The cast iron washing machine drain was cracked at the concrete, so we drilled down 4 inches and added a reinforced fernco coupling just below the floor surface. Here are our challenges:

1. Small drain: The cast iron drain is only 1.5" in diameter, and we're planning on adding a sink. The sink usage will be minimal and more than likely not at the same time as the washer is draining. I know that current washer drains need to be 2" but are we okay using the built in 1.5" that we've been using?

2. Drain flow: can I used the waste T with additional side inlet in my application (see photo) or do I need to use two separate waste T's (one for the sink and one for the washing machine) like in the sketch.

3. Under-counter installation: All applications for washer drain hook ups call for the downspout above the P trap to be above the water level of the washing machine. I've been reading about applications using a siphon break, but have not found any images that relate to my application.

Here is the current space:
http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3617/3340644186_a7be7c3d22.jpg

Here's what I'm thinking the drain/venting should look like for the sink, but I'm not sure about an under counter drain for the washer.
http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3330/3339775157_be78895ac8.jpg?v=0

And here's why... I would like the room to be a seamless as possible...
http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3324/3339774977_a0e33fc95e.jpg?v=0

Thanks in advance!
Nick

Nick, nice drawings...

1. They still use 1 1/2" drains in old houses. They work even though 2" is required by Code these days. Your situation is limited to that 1 1/2" drain inlet so I think you will have to go with it.

2. Use that Double San Tee as shown in exhibit #1. Left outlet for sink is no problem. Lower the San Tee as low as you can. Run 1 1/2" horizontal drain pipe to the right side for washer. Washer appears to be about 36" away from the corner so you should be OK with distance. Also, washer discharge hose is 5' long so it can meet the drain pipe 1/2 way. Your new counter top is 34" to its underside. You want to bring that stand pipe as high as possible. It may be good idea to use Fernco fitting to attach w/m discharge hose to the stand pipe to prevent possible overflow.

3. Yes, we always install recessed w/m box at 41" from the floor, measured to the bottom of the box. It ends up right above the control panel of average w/m. But your situation is different. If you don't mind the look of it, you still can install it above the counter top. You would have to drill 3 holes for hoses in your counter top and hook it up that way. But the overall look of this option is not pleasing.

Note: I see that you are trying to keep everything tight. Remember that you will not be able to push your new washer and dryer all the way against the wall. You will have about 4" of space there. Also , plan your dryer vent carefully since vent will keep your dryer from being close to the back wall.

Thanks Milo!


It may be good idea to use Fernco fitting to attach w/m discharge hose to the stand pipe to prevent possible overflow.

Just to clairify... Would the fernco fitting be used to make sure it's a water tight connection? In effect forcing the water directly into the drain, as opposed to letting it fall in the stand pipe? And would using a siphon break (http://www.whirlpoolparts.ca/accessories/images/laundry_accessories/285320_sm.jpg) at that intersection or in any other part of this install be necessary?

And thanks for the advice on the counter depth and dryer vent.

Nick

I would suggest that your stand pipe is 2" going into 1 1/2" trap. That way stand pipe will act as "storage" space for accumulating water.

Fernco makes the connection coupling you need. Go to Fernco Couplings, Flexible Couplings, Flexible Pipe Connectors, Fernco Fitting, Shielded Couplings, Fernco Donut, Pro-Flex Coupling, Large Diameter Couplings, Sewer, Drain, Waste, Plumbing Flexible Couplings, Plumbing Pipe Leak Repair | Fernco (http://www.Fernco.com) or ask in plumbing store for proper size fitting.

I was draining cloth in the wosh mashine and the toilet leeked dowun the saller I have sept tank.

Anthony, you piggy-back on old thread with unrelated problem. Start your new thread.