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    rhbell's Avatar
    rhbell Posts: 47, Reputation: -1
    Junior Member
    		  
    #1

    Mar 30, 2008, 07:45 AM
    Washing machine drain overflows
    Hello, I have been have intermittant drain problem, it seems colder weather causes it to be worse but warmer days can be just as bad.
    Washer drains and will pretty much drain completely on medium loads but anything larger it will fill the drain and start to overflow.
    Judging from the size of the pipe and the leanght from the laundry room to the connection at the kitchen sink drain, I assume that there is a build-up of deposits at this area.
    I have had it snaked previously but to get to this area they had to go through the vent on the wall outside the kitchen, and while it cleaned this drain problem it caused the toilet further down the line to overflow, and then had to snake the rest of the line from the roof vent.
    What I would like to find out is if there is any kind of solvent I might put down my washer drain that might break up these deposits, I have tried some things but given the leanght of pipe it has to travel to reach this area I have had lemited sucsses.
    I would appreciate any advice to clear this problem.
    Thank rh
    speedball1's Avatar
    speedball1 Posts: 29,301, Reputation: 1939
    Eternal Plumber
    		  
    #2

    Mar 30, 2008, 12:39 PM
    I am no fan of putting harsh chemicals in your drainage system. Besides, they only seem to work in TV commercials. The only to be sure a drain's cleared is to snake it. Since you have drainage until you overload it you might make the discharge hyose and standpipe a closed system. That way you will have no overflows. Take the hose and jam wet rags arount it like you are caulking it. Now duct tape it closed. I have done this to my own washer and we have never got the first backup. Good luck, Tom
    rhbell's Avatar
    rhbell Posts: 47, Reputation: -1
    Junior Member
    		  
    #3

    Mar 30, 2008, 12:56 PM
    Comment on speedball1's post
    Thanks I will give this a try
    rhbell's Avatar
    rhbell Posts: 47, Reputation: -1
    Junior Member
    		  
    #4

    Sep 14, 2008, 01:24 PM
    Speedball finally put my tile in utility room and tried your suggestion of creating closed system, everything has been working great. No more overflows, can use any size load now.
    Thanks a million, sorry it took so long.
    Roger
    speedball1's Avatar
    speedball1 Posts: 29,301, Reputation: 1939
    Eternal Plumber
    		  
    #5

    Sep 14, 2008, 01:44 PM
    Just glad you're up and working Roger,
    Making the washer stand pipe a closed connection has prevented many a back up. Thanks for letting us know. Tom
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