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jonboy99 · Mar 25, 2007, 09:35 AM

Hi,

I would like to install a drain for a washing machine drain pan. I am looking for advice for tying the drain into my existing plumbing. I have attached pictures with the overall layout and a closeup showing where I need to tie in. The washing machine will be on the left. I need to tie into the plumbing on the right.

The problem is that I need to tie into a 3" pipe with only 6-1/4 inches. Part of the 6-1/4 inches is in a floor joist. I just don't have room to put in a traditional drain tee. There is no straight pipe long enough for a transition. See picture 2 (the closeup). Immediately prior to the the elbow, there is a tee to the stack vent and prior to that is where the toilet comes in. If I start replacing fittings, I will end up having to replace all the way back to the toilet.

If you have some general advice on drain pan plumbing, that will also be appreciated.

By the way, thanks again for the help I received on this forum; I successfully installed my washer standpipe drain.

speedball1 · Mar 25, 2007, 09:51 AM

"I would like to install a drain for a washing machine drain pan. I am looking for advice for tying the drain into my existing plumbing."

Bad idea! For several reasons. (1) Most local codes forbid connecting, storm drains or rain water runoff, AC condensate lines, sump pump discharge, water softener discharge, or heater pan drains to a city sewer system.
(2) Unless you trap the line and keep the trap filled with a trap-primer you will have installed a direct connection between your house and the city sewer system allowing sewer gas to enter your home.
A much better solution would be to exhaust the pan drain into a floor drain using a indirect waste. Regards, Tom

jonboy99 · Mar 25, 2007, 11:29 AM

Thanks Tom,

Based on your answer, I'm thinking about installing the drain pan without a drain. I have the "floodsaver" installed that will shut off the water when the washer isn't running, or if a leak is sensed. Since it's a small stackable unit, the probabilty of the washer overflowing a 24" x 26" x 2" drain pan is pretty low.

Since this is a second story installation, it is difficult to route a 2 inch pipe down to the floor drain in the basement and I'm not crazy about the idea of hanging a pipe out the wall.

Thoughts?

jonboy99 · Mar 25, 2007, 11:41 AM

Correction: I have the Watts Intelliflow installed... The drain pain is a Floodsaver brand 2-1/2" deep...

speedball1 · Mar 25, 2007, 12:45 PM

Hey Jon,

Your pictures didn't come through this morning but I see them now. Neat, professional looking installation. A washer/heater pan is good insurance against a overflow or leak. Having said that the chances of a catastrophic failure on either one are quite small. I understand your concerns about a appliance on the second floor but with the pan AND the Inteliflow you have gone the extra mile. BTW. As a rule pan drains are 3/4" or 1". Good luck, Tom

jonboy99 · Mar 25, 2007, 01:06 PM

Tom,

Thanks for the additional advice and the common sense. I want to be thorough and do things right now, rather than regret a missed opportunity later. Thanks for the compliment on the install!

My wife is already anxious for me to be done with this remodeling project. The prospect of tearing into another wall to route a drain pan drain isn't too attractive at this point. It does seem like this may be more trouble than it's worth.

By the way, the drain pan I am using is designed for a 24" washer in a confined location. It is deeper than most. Here is the URL: Slide-N-Fold Specifications

jonboy99 · Mar 28, 2007, 04:50 AM

I have another issue related to this project that I would like some help with. The threaded connection to the wall box is dripping (very slowly). I soldered a threaded connection onto the copper, put thread sealant on the threads (the stuff that comes in a tube) and tightened it down. Since then, I have tried tightening it further, but the drip continues. The leak is coming from the threaded connection. Help!