Ask Me Help Desk - Washer Drainage Overflow

My washer is located in my garage. I have a tri-level home and the garage is on the bottom level. I had an older washing machine (early 90's vintage). Every time I did a load of laundry, the washing machine would back up in to the drain in the garage floor. It didn't matter what size load. I recently received a newer washing machine and I'm still having the same problem.

We have tried snaking the drain. Everything was fine. We have flushed the drain without any overflow.

I have a shower on the lowest level and when I run the washer I can hear gurgling. Also, when I flush the toilet I have to hold the handle down a bit longer for a proper flush. I'm not sure if all of these items are related, but I thought I'd mention just in case.

My house was built in 1963 and it's on a septic system.

I have been reading other inquiries and have seen where the washing may be to strong for my pipes. I don't know anything about the pipes to the septic system. Is there anything I can do? If I move my washer away from the drain would that help? Currently it's right behind the washer.

Please advise what option I would have.

Does anything else back up? If so you may have a full septic or "close" to full septic tank. You can also have a vent that is clogged and resticting the air it needs to drain correctly. You can snake the vents and if no blockage is found then maybe the issue is your septic tank or your drain pipes have blockage going to the septic tank.

Quote:

Originally Posted by glr

My washer is located in my garage. I have a tri-level home and the garage is on the bottom level. I had an older washing machine (early 90's vintage). Everytime I did a load of laundry, the washing machine would back up in to the drain in the garage floor. It didn't matter what size load. I recently received a newer washing machine and I'm still having the same problem.

We have tried snaking the drain. Everything was fine. We have flushed the drain without any overflow.

I have a shower on the lowest level and when I run the washer I can hear gurgling. Also, when I flush the toilet I have to hold the handle down a bit longer for a proper flush. I'm not sure if all of these items are related, but I thought I'd mention just incase.

My house was built in 1963 and it's on a septic system.

I have been reading other inquiries and have seen where the washing may be to strong for my pipes. I don't know anything about the pipes to the septic system. Is there anything I can do? If I move my washer away from the drain would that help? Currently it's right behind the washer.

Please advise what option I would have.

Given the vintage of the home, it's likely the standpipe is only 1-1/2", which is no match for WM's manufactured after the mid 80's.

The drain, trap-arm, p-trap and standpipe should be upgraded to 2".

Cjcdallas makes some good points. Rod the vent from the roof if it is safe to be up there. Your septic needs periodic pumping. Have someone pump it and evaluate your system. I think the gurgle, the long flush and the washer drain are are related. There is blochage somewhere.

Did you ever get this problem solved? I have a similar problem. Thanks.

Quote:

Originally Posted by glr

My washer is located in my garage. I have a tri-level home and the garage is on the bottom level. I had an older washing machine (early 90's vintage). Everytime I did a load of laundry, the washing machine would back up in to the drain in the garage floor. It didn't matter what size load. I recently received a newer washing machine and I'm still having the same problem.

We have tried snaking the drain. Everything was fine. We have flushed the drain without any overflow.

I have a shower on the lowest level and when I run the washer I can hear gurgling. Also, when I flush the toilet I have to hold the handle down a bit longer for a proper flush. I'm not sure if all of these items are related, but I thought I'd mention just incase.

My house was built in 1963 and it's on a septic system.

I have been reading other inquiries and have seen where the washing may be to strong for my pipes. I don't know anything about the pipes to the septic system. Is there anything I can do? If I move my washer away from the drain would that help? Currently it's right behind the washer.

Please advise what option I would have.

Concerning the washing machine overflow, in some early homes they used an 1 1/2" trap and standpipe. This was legal but the newer machines simply pump too fast for this. In other instances some use too much soap and it creates a foamy lather which restricts the drain speed and causes a backup. Also in some cases the riser pipe is less than 18 inches. I would consider trying a drain machine with a grease clearing head. It would scour the inside of the pipe rather than just punch a hole in the clog. Most washing machine clogs are where the lint from the washer meets the grease from the sink. Use cold water to flush after using drain machine

Everyone, thank you so much for your feedback. I checked the standpipe (which I'm assuming is the pipe where the hose from the washer drains into) and it is 2 inches. I'll check out some of the other suggestions. Thanks!:)