[Alaskan]

I just installed a used Kenmore series 80 washer and am having problems with the standpipe overflowing during rinse cycle. The old washer would suds up around the drain, but never overflowed. The current standpipe is 2" PVC that is 33" high from the floor. The stand pipe goes through the floor into the joists. It 45's and drops about 12 inches then takes another 45 before traveling horizontally for about 48 inches. There is a slight slope in the horizontal run. I have used a "clog buster", bladder type drain cleaner, and have not noticed any difference. I have opened the clean out at the drive way and it appears that I am getting sufficient flow through the plumbing system. I am guessing that standpipe may be too short for this particular washer. I would appreciate any comments or suggestions.

[CaptainRich]

Hey, Alaskan
Welcome to AMHD.
Labman suggested to another post that you should try connecting the outlet hose to the standpipe so it's sealed. You may show good flow but there may be turbulance somewhere in the drain plumbing causing this back-up with the new machine.
Good luck!

[speedball1]

What Alaskan is referring to is a compression fitting, (see image). This fitting installs on top of the standpipe and seals the pipe from overflowing. This works just great. I have one on my own washer. Good luck, Tom

[Alaskan]

Hey, Alaskan
Welcome to AMHD.
labman suggested to another post that you should try connecting the outlet hose to the standpipe so it's sealed. You may show good flow but there may be turbulance somewhere in the drain plumbing causing this back-up with the new machine.
Good luck!

Thanks for the quick response. Won't this cause a siphon problem if the connection is sealed tight?

[speedball1]

Won't this cause a siphon problem if the connection is sealed tight?

It never has and even if it did you're draining the tub anyhow. Regards. Tom

[Alaskan]

Would extending the standpipe another 12 inches help?

[Turbopro25]

How long is the stand pipe currently? Typically they should be 36" long before going into the wall. When I installed washer standpipes I would make a 36" long piece to a p-trap, then into the wall.

[Alaskan]

The standpipe is only 24-26" above the trap.

[Turbopro25]

Like I mentioned in my last message... I would suggest extending it to 36" or so. That may help.....Also....is it possible you have a slow drain? Maybe it needs to be cabled to open it up a little. Just a thought. Let me know whats up.

This is speedball. #6 should read 36". Sorry for the mistake.

[ballengerb1]

You may also improve your drainage if you reduce the amount of detergent you use. Some detergents produce more suds than other and that really slows things down. Getting taller stand pipe is a great idea too.

[iamgrowler]

How long is the stand pipe currently? Typically they should be 36" long before going into the wall. When I installed washer standpipes I would make a 36" long piece to a p-trap, then into the wall.

Both the UPC and IPC allow Clotheswasher Standpipes to be a minimum of 18" above the trap.

The UPC allows a maximum height of 30" above the trap, and the IPC allows a maximum of 42" above the trap.

Section 802.4 of the IPC reads:

"Standpipes shall be individually trapped. Standpipes shall extend a minimum of 18 inches (457mm) and a maximum of 42 inches (1066mm) above the trap. Access shall be provided to all standpipe traps and drains for rodding. No P-trap for a washing machine standpipe shall be installed below the floor."

Section 804.1 of the UPC reads:

"No standpipe receptor for any clotheswasher shall extend more than thirty (30) inches (762 mm), nor less than eighteen (18) inches (457 mm) above it's trap."

I have no idea what the NSPC (National Standard Plumbing Code), which is the prevailing code in New Jersey has to say about minimum or maximum standpipe heights, but if Alaskan is in fact posting from Alaska, then he needs to follow the dictum of the 2003 UPC, which doesn't allow a standpipe to exceed 30".

Y'know, because of requirements in the UPC (the bottom of the trap must be six inches above the floor and a clean-out is required) and the homeowners desire that the washer box not protrude above the top of the washer, I've been installing 18" standpipes for over twenty years w/out one single complaint about overflowing.

Reading the original OP's description of his standpipe, the number of offsets in it and no mention of a trap or vent, I have to wonder if it was roughed-in correctly.

[Turbopro25]

We do everything backwards in New Jersey. Didn't you know.