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

    Mar 11, 2013, 06:40 AM
    Could my washing machine be affecting my upstairs neighbor?
    We have a small washing machine in our condo that we hook up to our sink. We've had it for the past 8 years with no issues. Recently, after about two years of no one living upstairs, some new people moved into the unit above ours, and the new neighbour has mentioned to me that sometimes they get water backing up into their kitchen sink (which is above mine). Could my laundry be causing this? He is very friendly, by the way -- he's just worried there's a problem coming from upstairs, and as his upstairs neighbor is an odd bird, his feeling is that the sink burbling must be being caused by something *she* has done, but I'm worried it could be me. Also sometimes lately the water level of our toilet has been very low.
    ma0641's Avatar
    ma0641 Posts: 15,675, Reputation: 1012
    Uber Member
    		  
    #2

    Mar 11, 2013, 06:58 AM
    Water cannot flow upstairs. It would overflow your toilet, tub and other openings before your neighbors. As far as low water in the toilet bowl,make sure the tank level is proper and the small tube from the fill valve is inside or at least flowing water onto the overflow tube. Since this is an apartment, have maintenance look at it.
    smoothy's Avatar
    smoothy Posts: 25,490, Reputation: 2853
    Uber Member
    		  
    #3

    Mar 11, 2013, 06:58 AM
    No... how can water run uphill? For your washmachine to back up into their unit ABOVE you it would first have to defy the law of physics. What is wrong is they have a drain clog they need to deal with...
    ma0641's Avatar
    ma0641 Posts: 15,675, Reputation: 1012
    Uber Member
    		  
    #4

    Mar 11, 2013, 07:00 AM
    Smoothy. -talk about timing!
    smoothy's Avatar
    smoothy Posts: 25,490, Reputation: 2853
    Uber Member
    		  
    #5

    Mar 11, 2013, 10:14 AM
    Quote Originally Posted by ma0641 View Post
    Smoothy. -talk about timing!
    Actually I am assuming this isn't in Europe. But is in the US or Canada. I know in itally the washing machine drain has a threaded coupling into the wall... not the slip coupling we are more familiar with into a vertical drain pipe that has a P-trap... since that plumbing is hidden in masonary walls... and I haven't seen enough rough-in plumbing in Europe... there is a remote possibilitiy depending on how its actually run... But based on terminoligy used... I'm guessing this isn't the case for the poster.
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!

Can I tie a washing machine drain into a 4" cast iron drain from a upstairs bathroom [ 5 Answers ]

I want to move my laundry room into another room. I know I have a cast iron pipe running down from the upstairs bathroom. Can I tie into that pipe or do I need to do something different?

Moving washing machine upstairs [ 1 Answers ]

I'm wanting to move my washing machine out of the basement to the next level upstairs. It's not far up and not far to the side of the original drain.my only concerns are can I use PVC and join it to the original galvanized drain? (Witch is vented straight up at the trap) and does it really matter...

In-Wall Washing Machine Manual Shut-off Valve Leaks Into Washing Machine [ 9 Answers ]

My hot water automatic shut-off valve on my washing machine started gushing water. So I figured no problem, I would turn off the water at the in-wall manual shut off valve for the washing machine. But even when I turn it all the way off, it leaks. It leaks into the hose going to the washing...

Washing machine drain is affecting toilet [ 1 Answers ]

My son bought a small one story house. When the washer drains the toilet which is about 30 feet away will expel air (gurgle). The air that gurgles out of the toilet smells like sewer. If 2 to 3 loads of laundry are done, the toilet will not flush for several hours. Any ideas on what to do. ...

Toilet closest to washing machine gurgles and backs up when washing machine drains. [ 2 Answers ]

When the washing machine drains, the toilet in the next room gurgles and the bowl partially fills. I have taken these steps: Ran hose down vent pipe on roof. No backup noticed. Had plumber snake from outside wall cleanout by washing machine and 1/2 bath toilet to city sewer line in alley,...

View more questions Search