The wall standpipe for my 10 year old washer machine overflows as the washer discharges water during the cycle. This problem only happened very recently. I tried to run the snake down the pipe but it only went about 2 feet and couldn't go any further. I also noticed the pipe is very rusty as I pulled the snake out. I wonder if there is a clog somewhere in the line or is it time to get a new washer machine. Please help.:confused:

There is a clog in your line after it leaves the washing machine I doubt that there is any problem with the machine.
In trying to run a snake down the drain behind the washing machine is not the best place to do it. There is a P-trap about 3 feet down and it is sometimes hard to get the snake throuh it. There is a vent pipe that extends out the roof of you house and that is where you should try to run the snake down. A word of Warning. The little cables that you might be trying to run down the drain can break down inside the pipe and it this happens it could cause major problems.

Hey Square,

Letmetellu was right on target when he advised you to snake from the washer roof vent. Let the cable down all the way to the base and then put out about 20 feet more. I have a problem with, " A word of Warning. the little cables that you might be trying to run down the drain can break down inside the pipe and it this happens it could cause major problems."
Letmetellu was figuring on you using those little 1/4" inch hand held snakes you can buy at the hardware store. That's just not gonna git it! You need to rent a Ridgid K-50 sewer machine with a 3/8ths inch cable. While a small hand held snake is just dandy for clearing a drain or trap problem, your problem's in the sewer line you don't have enough cable with the hand held to do the job. If a cable should break it's a simple job to get in back using a "cable retriver" tip on the end of the snake. Good luck, Tom

Thank you for your replies "Letmetellu" and "Speedball1"! You guys are very helpful!