I'm replumbing my laundry room for a washing maching and have two
questions about the drain pipe.

1) The old drain pipe doesn't appear to have a trap. Is this typical for
washing machine drains? I think I can fit in a running trap (U-trap?) if
needed.

2) An old general home repair book advises installing the drain pipe so
the outlet is no lower than the wash tub water level -- to "ward against
overflow." Since the book was written about 25 years ago, I'm wondeirng if
this still applies. It's possible I could get the drain pipe up to the
level of the tub, approx 35" but there's a vent pipe in the same wall
where I'm working that is in the way.

Kevin

1. My reference "Plumbing a House" by Peter Hemp calls for a "P" trap
mounted 6" to 18" above the floor.
2. Same reference calls for the stand pipe to end 36" above the floor.

TB

"pakdog" wrote in message
news
I'm replumbing my laundry room for a washing maching and have two
questions about the drain pipe.

1) The old drain pipe doesn't appear to have a trap. Is this typical for
washing machine drains? I think I can fit in a running trap (U-trap?) if
needed.

A trap is necessary. Not all traps are installed in view, though. I'd think
you'd smell sewer gas if there was no trap.



2) An old general home repair book advises installing the drain pipe so
the outlet is no lower than the wash tub water level -- to "ward against
overflow." Since the book was written about 25 years ago, I'm wondeirng if
this still applies. It's possible I could get the drain pipe up to the
level of the tub, approx 35" but there's a vent pipe in the same wall
where I'm working that is in the way.

Kevin

It still applies. There is no device that shuts off the water between the
wash tub and the drain hose. The hose has to be installed with the u-bend
above the highest water level in the tub or the water will siphon out. When
you install the hose high enough the machine just has to turn on the pump to
drain and only has to turn the pump off to stop draining.

I have an issue in the other direction. My washer is in the basement and has
to pump up about 5' from the top of the washer. So far so good (for about 2
years). But I've heard it's better to drain into a laundry sink (or what
ever they're called). I suppose that may be an option for you if there's
room for a laundry tub next to your washer. Then you'd have an extra sink
large enough to fill buckets and such. Plus I've heard it is wise over the
long haul to run the washer drain water through a nylon sock to catch the
lint that can clog drains eventually. The socks are cheap to replace and can
be attached to the end of the drain hose. I don't think there's a way to
filter the water unless you drain to a sink though.

Thanks for all the helpful input.

Kevin

"pakdog" wrote in message
news
Thanks for all the helpful input.

Kevin


Hey, I answered 3 days ago but it never showed up. :-/

I think it's in my sent items folder........ Here it is if it helps any.
(And if you find it under all of pjm's wonderful posts. )




"pakdog" wrote in message
news
I'm replumbing my laundry room for a washing maching and have two
questions about the drain pipe.

1) The old drain pipe doesn't appear to have a trap. Is this typical for
washing machine drains? I think I can fit in a running trap (U-trap?) if
needed.

A trap is necessary. Not all traps are installed in view, though. I'd think
you'd smell sewer gas if there was no trap.



2) An old general home repair book advises installing the drain pipe so
the outlet is no lower than the wash tub water level -- to "ward against
overflow." Since the book was written about 25 years ago, I'm wondeirng if
this still applies. It's possible I could get the drain pipe up to the
level of the tub, approx 35" but there's a vent pipe in the same wall
where I'm working that is in the way.

Kevin

It still applies. There is no device that shuts off the water between the
wash tub and the drain hose. The hose has to be installed with the u-bend
above the highest water level in the tub or the water will siphon out. When
you install the hose high enough the machine just has to turn on the pump to
drain and only has to turn the pump off to stop draining.

I have an issue in the other direction. My washer is in the basement and has
to pump up about 5' from the top of the washer. So far so good (for about 2
years). But I've heard it's better to drain into a laundry sink (or what
ever they're called). I suppose that may be an option for you if there's
room for a laundry tub next to your washer. Then you'd have an extra sink
large enough to fill buckets and such. Plus I've heard it is wise over the
long haul to run the washer drain water through a nylon sock to catch the
lint that can clog drains eventually. The socks are cheap to replace and can
be attached to the end of the drain hose. I don't think there's a way to
filter the water unless you drain to a sink though.