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    jimi the C's Avatar
    jimi the C Posts: 1, Reputation: 1
    New Member
    		  
    #1

    Apr 24, 2012, 04:01 PM
    Washing machine drain
    Need to upgrade my drain for the clothes washer basin. It runs about 26 feet and is poorly designed. I think it should drop more and the first turn is too sharp. I have plenty of room to work under the house. Why this wasn't taken advantage in the design back in the 1950's doesn't make sense to me.
    This looks like an easy fix to me. How much do you estimate this should cost?
    mygirlsdad77's Avatar
    mygirlsdad77 Posts: 5,713, Reputation: 339
    Plumbing Expert
    		  
    #2

    Apr 24, 2012, 05:06 PM
    Can you post some pics of the drain as it is? Let us know what size it is and what the slope is also please. Should be a 1/4 in per foot min. And unless they used some sort of strange fitting, the bend should be all right as long as its just one fitting. Most likely it isn't any sharper than the p-trap, right? Drain size should be 2" for best results. Let us know a little more and we will see what we come up with. Do know, it is nearly impossible to give estimates without seeing a job first hand (even pics don't help) due to labor differences and material price differences from area to area. But we would be more than glad to give our thoughts on the existing setup and help you with the new install to meet code.
    ballengerb1's Avatar
    ballengerb1 Posts: 27,378, Reputation: 2280
    Home Repair & Remodeling Expert
    		  
    #3

    Apr 24, 2012, 08:31 PM
    So if your drain line is 2" or smaller it will need to drop almost 7', do you have 7' to play with? BTW, If you move up to 4" PVC you can cut the drop in half.
    massplumber2008's Avatar
    massplumber2008 Posts: 12,832, Reputation: 1212
    Senior Plumbing Expert
    		  
    #4

    Apr 25, 2012, 05:24 AM
    I'm sure Bob meant that in 26 feet of piping you will need about 7 INCHES of pitch. In this case, running 2" pipe is definitely your best option!

    Mark
    speedball1's Avatar
    speedball1 Posts: 29,301, Reputation: 1939
    Eternal Plumber
    		  
    #5

    Apr 25, 2012, 07:00 AM
    Quote Originally Posted by jimi the C View Post
    Need to upgrade my drain for the clothes washer basin. It runs about 26 feet and is poorly designed. I think it should drop more and the first turn is too sharp. I have plenty of room to work under the house. why this wasn't taken advantage in the design back in the 1950's doesn't make sense to me.
    This looks like an easy fix to me. How much do you estimate this should cost?
    I would redo the drain giving it 1/4" per foot slope. ( 7" total fall). I Would also install a cleanout near the washer and trade that elbo for a long sweep ell or two 45's. Good luck, Toim
    ballengerb1's Avatar
    ballengerb1 Posts: 27,378, Reputation: 2280
    Home Repair & Remodeling Expert
    		  
    #6

    Apr 25, 2012, 07:02 AM
    Yep Mark, forgot to hit the caps key and got ' instead of ", thanks for the catch
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