A little while ago we began to notice some leakage around the washer. No biggie I thought. I watched the washer as it drained and saw water was leaking from the drainage pipe. I looked at the drainage tube going into the pipe and saw that some of the putty around it was cracked. I cleaned the putty off and sealed it up with some silicon. I ran the washer and watch it closely again when it drained. Turns out there is a small hole in the drainage pipe about the size of a screw. I thought, well, maybe that needs to be there for air pressure release because I could feel air coming out of it during the draining. Then I saw some bubbles and a tiny bit of water come out too.

My question is: Can that system be completely sealed, or do I need an air release? Can I plug up that hole? I've attached a picture.

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My question is: Can that system be completely sealed, or do I need an air release? Can I plug up that hole? I've attached a picture.

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Yes! THe reason to seal it completely is for the pump to force the washer discharge out into the house main without leaks or backups. Do this, make very sure the hole is dry and take sand paper and rough up the area the size of a quarter around the hole.
Purchase a small can of PVC cement and fill in the hole. Let the cement set up for a hour and do it again with the cement. Fill the hole completely and Let it cure over night and you should be able to run your washer. OR you could purchase a saddle clamp,(see image) and cover the hole that way.
Good luck, Tom

Hello Quantum,

I am sure Tom would not agree with me but I have done it and worked great for me, since it is not a pressure pipe, drill out the small hole that is nice and round inspect there shouldn't be any cracks, get a packing screw to the size, if you can find a plastic one is better apply some silicon on the screw install and tighten it apply some more silicon on the screw's head let it dry and you will have no more leak, it is easy cheap and works, Good luck.

John

Hello Quantum 62: I am sure Tom and John didn't want to comment about your present set up... but... It is installed incorrectly. In fact, it is completely wrong.

First, you are missing P-Trap ( in wall?? ). Without P-Trap, you are getting sewer gases into your room and possibly into your washer, too. It is a health hazard and against the Code across the country.

Second, that short piece of "stand pipe" should be at least 30" tall, preferably 36". If it is 30" tall than you won't need any silicone caulk around the hose. Water is splashing out because it accumulates inside this drain pipe too quickly unable to absorb all the discharging water.

Third, that electrical outlet on the wall is about 6" away from that drain. Therefore, the outlet should be GFCI rated so it won't kill you.

Four: that small, black, tubing attached to the 2" PVC drain has to be connected to trapped plumbing fixture - and before the trap. Otherwise, sewer gases will enter the fixture it is servicing. Btw: what is that tubing draining, anyway ?

And lastly, I cannot imagine how this small hole got there. Please, make sure it is not overflow from the short PVC " PVC drain has to be connected to trapped plumbing fixture - and before the trap. Otherwise, sewer gases will enter the fixture it is servicing. Btw: what is that tubing draining, anyway ?

And lastly, I cannot imagine how this small hole got there. Please, make sure it is not overflow from the short PVC " that causes the leak during draining...

It would be great if you come back and let us know how you dealt with it. Thanks. Milo

I don't agree with having a screw sticking out in a drain line. That screw can catch lint and build up to a clog. Milo brings up some good points. Since you haven't complained about a sewer smell I assumed the horizontal line went inro a trap and Milo assumes it isn't trapped. ( it is trapped isn't it?) The short pipe that the washer hose connects to can be any length you wish as long as it's a closed system.
That black hose? Would that be a discharge hose ftrom the dishwasher? Quantum,
How about clearing up all these points so Milo, John and I can relax and enjoy our Sunday. Cheers, Tom

Tom, I new that you would not agree with me, but it can be done if you cut the screw that it would not be sticking out in the drain pipe it works, Milo I gave you good credits for catching all the discrepancies, if Quantum take care of the stand pipe then no need for fixing the leak, Thanks.

John