Seeking some advice regarding drain pipe problem and washing machine

4 years ago

We recently developed a problem with water coming out of the drain pipe that our washer releases into. We got a new LG washer months ago and everything had been going fine until about a month ago when water started coming out of the drain pipe when the machine was run. I'd estimate the amount of water that comes out during a cycle is about 2-3 cups. Obviously, it appears we have some kind of partial block in the drain pipe or on down the line. I tried snaking the drain with a handheld drain auger, but I'm only able to put the auger wire into the pipe about 5 feet when it pushes up against something hard. I'm guessing that this is not the actual block, rather that maybe this is where the pipe has a bend or turn.

One big problem with my diagnosis of the situation is that I cannot access the pipe from below in the crawl space. When I go down into the crawl space, I can see the hot and cold lines going to the washer area, but no drain pipe. The pipe is located in a laundry closet that was part of a garage, converted by a former owner into a room. I'm guessing that the pipe was put in when the house was first built and maybe covered with concrete. It is probably connected underground to pipes going to the main sewer. The downspouts on each side of the former garage room also drain into the ground, so maybe the two downspouts and the laundry drain were connected to all drain together into the sewer. Does this sound probable to someone who is familiar with plumbing and how the pipes are put in? If this is the case, is this going to a costly nightmare to fix? I'm very concerned that they might have to tear up the piping to repair it. Anyone have any thoughts on this? Thank you in advance for taking the time to read and consider this.

Featured Answer

cat_ky

4 years ago

I would find a plumber with a snake that will go around the bends and into the actual drain pipes. Some even have a camera, so they can view what they are seeing.

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Comments (9)

littlegreeny
4 years ago
Are you sure it's not suds? Did the overflow start after switching detergents?
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mainenell
4 years ago
Call Roto Rooter or the equivalent and it will be solved quickly. When you call the plumber be sure to ask if they do drain cleaning. Not all have the equipment that can go past the trap.
Christopher McHenry thanked mainenell
Lyndee Lee
4 years ago
Do you have a lint sock on the discharge pipe? Do you use fabric softener?

You can try using a blow bag aka drain bladder that attaches to a garden hose. If you are wanting to get more info before calling a plumber, buy a camera on a cable for about $20 from Amazon. The one I have is about 3/8 diameter and has a bright LED light as well as the camera.
Christopher McHenry thanked Lyndee Lee
Christopher McHenry
Original Author
4 years ago
Just wanted to post an update. I ended up calling a local plumbing company. They came out and snaked it with a heavy-duty auger and this did the trick. I was hoping to do it myself, but I'm grateful they were able to do it. Definitely cost more than I would like, but at least we can use the washer again and finally get to the mountain of dirty clothes that were building up. :)
Sandra Guistwhite
4 years ago
For future reference- if you have a wet/dry vac, you can often use it to suck a clog out of a discharge pipe.
rwiegand
4 years ago
"For future reference- if you have a wet/dry vac, you can often use it to suck a clog out of a discharge pipe."

And you may not want to know what else you'll suck out of a sanitary sewer! I'm not very squeamish, but i'd prefer it flow away from me. If you want to save money get the pro quality snake from a rental place. It's not too hard to do. Most folks, understandably, are happy to pay the roto rooter guy.
Sandra Guistwhite
4 years ago
LOL! You're either more persistent or have a better vac. I've only gotten some clumps of lint and soap scum. Not pleasant, but it's better than sewage.
mainenell
4 years ago
Great decision! We do use a wet vac to clear our tub drains of hair clogs about once a year. Stuff a cloth into the overflow and place nozzle over the drain. Very effective. I learned that from the plumber.