Ask Experts Questions for FREE Help !
Ask
    pethaven's Avatar
    pethaven Posts: 3, Reputation: 2
    New Member
    		  
    #1

    Mar 15, 2010, 02:28 PM
    Washer drain backed up, I shut the machine off.
    I was able to finish the wash by guarding how much went down the drainpipe. I am on a septic system. This is the first time anything like this has happened. I haven't done a wash since (it happened just yesterday) It has been raining for days-don't know if that has affected anything. I'm not sure what to do next. Everything else is working fine-toilet, sinks, tub. I've learned a lot reading but still am not sure how to proceed or what might have happened to back up the drainpipe from the washer/any input will be appreciated
    parttime's Avatar
    parttime Posts: 1,440, Reputation: 113
    Ultra Member
    		  
    #2

    Mar 15, 2010, 02:41 PM

    Raining for days can saturate the leach field, or your tank may need pumped, or your waste line from the washer may be partially blocked. How long has it been since your septic tank was serviced?
    mygirlsdad77's Avatar
    mygirlsdad77 Posts: 5,713, Reputation: 339
    Plumbing Expert
    		  
    #3

    Mar 15, 2010, 03:10 PM

    If all other fixtures drain well, I would guess that the washer drain itself is paritially clogged. Is there a cleanout downstream of the p-trap? Most likely, the washer drain needs to be augered(snaked). Good luck and please let us know how things work out.
    pethaven's Avatar
    pethaven Posts: 3, Reputation: 2
    New Member
    		  
    #4

    Mar 15, 2010, 04:04 PM

    Thank you both, my knowledge is limited but I guessed drain clog simply because everything else is working as always. To answer the question of when septic was last serviced-less than a year ago--I use the same person/company and it's usually every two years unless he tells me differently. I don't have an auger and probably wouldn't use it correctly so I guess I should call roto rooter.
    mygirlsdad77's Avatar
    mygirlsdad77 Posts: 5,713, Reputation: 339
    Plumbing Expert
    		  
    #5

    Mar 15, 2010, 04:15 PM

    You can rent augers from many hardware stores, and they are fairly easy to use, but if you don't feel comfortable taking it on yourself, you are making the right call by having a pro in to do it for you. They should be able to solve your problem quickly. Good luck and let us know how it goes.
    parttime's Avatar
    parttime Posts: 1,440, Reputation: 113
    Ultra Member
    		  
    #6

    Mar 15, 2010, 04:15 PM

    Pet, that's not that big a job, usually can rent the tool, just need to find a clean-out, and run the snake in. People here with guide you if you like.
    pethaven's Avatar
    pethaven Posts: 3, Reputation: 2
    New Member
    		  
    #7

    Mar 15, 2010, 06:04 PM

    Thanks but I don't even know what a clean out is. I think it's best if I bite the bullet and let a pro handle it even though it's fairly simple
Not your question? Ask your question View similar questions
 

Question Tools Search this Question
Search this Question:

Advanced Search

Add your answer here.


Check out some similar questions!

Clogged washer machine drain surg pipe [ 0 Answers ]

When washing clothes some water back flows, this problem just started last night. I wash all clothing in cold water , never use the hot water . What is the best method to fix the problem .

Water backing up from the drain on the washer machine,drain slow then overflows. [ 1 Answers ]

When water drain from the washer machine it backups and over flows on the floor. I have run a garden hose through the clean out and the water flows through the main pipe OK. Have gone up on the roof and try to run garden hose down through but hose only goes down about 4 feet. Should I try running...

Backed up washing machine drain [ 3 Answers ]

The washing machine at the house I am moving into is overflowing when it drains. I tried to snake the pipe but it did not do the job. So I went to Home Depot and bought one of those black rubber bladders that goes on the end of a house and you insert into the drain pipe. Figured it would force the...

New washer, drain backed up (fixed) but now washer keeps running [ 3 Answers ]

Our new washer was backing up in our older (1920) house's drain, I checked online and found this site and figured out how to create a water tight seal that works great, but now I guess it's not draining fast enough and I just realized the machine has been cycling for 2 hours. So not good. This is a...

Washer drain backed up [ 5 Answers ]

When my washer drains, it backs up into my nearby heating duct. My home is a slab home. Without tearing up the floor, how can I tell if I have a leak in my drain or if it is just clogged?

View more questions Search