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    apolk330's Avatar
    apolk330 Posts: 1, Reputation: 1
    New Member
     
    #1

    Aug 5, 2009, 02:47 PM
    Proper way to snake a drain for washing machine
    I put a load of laundry in this morning only to come back to find the drain had overflown and all of the waste water from the washing machine was on the floor. I took the hose out of the standpipe and started to snake the drain to see if I could find a blockage. The snake stopped about 10 feet down the drain.

    So, my question is, because I don't understand the plumbing back there and how it all works, did I hit a clog or a trap of some kind? And, is this the best way to snake? If not, should I snake from the roof?

    Thanks!
    mygirlsdad77's Avatar
    mygirlsdad77 Posts: 5,713, Reputation: 339
    Plumbing Expert
     
    #2

    Aug 5, 2009, 03:23 PM

    IF you got in ten feet before hitting a snag, then you are doing just fine going in were you did. Just have to tough it out till you get through the clog.

    Is there a floor drain near the washer? If so, are you sure water didn't come up the floor drain. Please let me know if you are possative the water overflowed from the washer standpipe. What kind of auger are you using,, a hand powered one, or an electric one? How easy was it to snake the first ten feet? If it was easy, you may be able to use a small electric auger to help you get past the ten foot mark. Good luck and please let me know how things work out. Lee
    speedball1's Avatar
    speedball1 Posts: 29,301, Reputation: 1939
    Eternal Plumber
     
    #3

    Aug 5, 2009, 03:51 PM
    Answer Lees questions and try to work your snake past the block. If that doesn't work you may have to rent a sewer machine and snake from the washer roof vent. But try it his way first. Good luck, tom

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