I need to move my washing machine out of my kitchen and into the basement. The move will put the washer about 6' below the main drain pipe though. There's got to be a way to do this - and I CANNOT afford to hire a plumber. I'm pretty handy and can install just about anything with some reasonable instruction though. Can anyone help?

Hi Rpthoth...

Although not ideal, a washing machine is usually capable of pumping water from the machine up to 8 feet or so, so you should be OK here.

I would suggest that you hook the washing machine up as you would in a typical setup. Install a PTRAP and a vent and make sure to make the standpipe out of the trap as long as possible. Connect everything and try it out. If you have any backsplash/backflow, pop back and let us know so we can run ideas by you on how to deal with that.

If you don't want to run an individual vent for the washer you can always hook up a mechanical vent, called an AAV (air admittance valve), for now and see how all works out... sold at all home improvement stores.

Back to you...

MARK

You could install a small injector pump system. Just make sure that you install a checkvalve just above the pump basin and hook up the drainline from the pump so that it drops downward into the main trunkline. Run at least an 1-1/2 diam. Drainline from the pump to the main line. Goodluck --zeke---

Both excellent answers! Let me deal with a back up if you find the stand pipe too short to handle rhe washer discharge.
Truck mentioned a washer hose check valve, (see image) This check valve will be installed where the hose exits the washer and will prevent all the dirty water left inn the hose from draining back into the washer.
If you find that you have a backup you can make the system a closed one by installing a compression fitting or other connections,(see image) or by simply duct taping the hose to the standpipe so it's water tight. Good luck, Tom
The check valves are on top and the standpipe/hose connections underneath.

Wow - well, I obviously came to the right place for the answers. Thanks very much to all of you! :D

I will get the parts and get this baby moved. Thanks so much for the explicit instructions. Looks like this will be not as hard as I thought.