The other day the washing machine drain overflowed all of a sudden. Thinking it is clogged for sure I have attempted to snake the drain with no luck. I can't seem to get the snake past the 90 degree (no trap) curve at the bottom of the standpipe. I next attempted a drain cleaning bladder which seemed to work, I heard water moving but when I shut it off the water flooded back out everywhere. My question now is: Is there supposed to be water in the standpipe all the time? I'd like to know before I reconnect the washer and have to clean up a third mess.

Thanks very much.
Chris

You have a clog in the washer drain line. Snake the line from the washer roof vent or rent a power machine and go in through the stand pipe. If there is no trap then you have a direct connection between your home and the open sewer allowing sewer gas to enter your home. I would install a trap ASAP. The reason that you had water coming back is that the water hit the clog and went up the vent. When you quit adding water it all came flooding back. Regards, Tom

Wow Thanks for the quick response. Any thoughts on why the snake won't go past the elbow? The problem with the washer roof vent is a) I'm not sure which one it is and b) it's minus 15 and the roof is steep and covered in snow. I think I'll end up renting the auger like you suggested but I worry about having the same problem as the snake and it not going through properly. I've attached a picture of the drain at the bootom of the standpipe. It's located between the main floor and the basement whisch is finished making installation of a trap very difficult. The drain then heads to the wall and down and I'm not sure where from there.

Thanks again.

I would first cut out the elbo at the base of the stand pipe. You now have a clear shot at the horizontal drain line. I would then replace the elbo with a "P" trap and protect my family from sewer gas. Good luck, Tom

I would imagine this question has been asked previously. However, I need an update. I have an older home (built around 1969) and I am having problems with the washer drain overflowing when the water pumps from the washing machine. I have snaked it and ran a water hose through it, and the water runs through smoothly. However, when I try to have water discharged from washer again it overflows. Would decreasing the flow of water into drain pipe help?