Washing Machine Drain Overflow: What’s Causing Your Back Up?

Do you experience washing machine drain overflow? It’s a story we at Roto-Rooter hear frequently. When some of our customers do laundry, they have their laundry drains backing up. Some might even experience water coming up from their toilet on the other side of the house. If you’re in the same boat where your washer drain keeps backing up, there are steps you can take. Learn more about the reasons the drain for your washing machine is backing up, as well as preventative measures to stop it from happening.

Why the Drain From Your Washing Machine Backs Up

Several common issues can cause your washer to overflow or back up:

• Clogged drain pipe – Lint, soap scum, and debris can collect inside the standpipe and block water flow. This is especially true if you have a pet, as pet hair is one of the things that can break a washing machine.
• Drain hose problems – A kinked or improperly placed hose can prevent water from draining correctly.
• Too much detergent – Excess suds can slow drainage and push water back up the pipe.
• Slow main sewer line – If other drains in the house are sluggish too, the main line may be clogged.
• Drain pipe size – Older homes sometimes have pipes that are too narrow to handle modern washer output.
  
  

How to Prevent Washing Machine Drain Overflow

Preventing an overflow is easier than cleaning up after one. Here are simple steps to keep your washer running smoothly:

• Use the right amount of detergent – High-efficiency washers need less soap. In fact, non-high-efficiency detergents can create buildup and clogs, harming your washing machine’s drain.
• Clean the drain hose – Inspect the hose for kinks, buildup, or blockages every few months. Don’t forget to clean inside your washing machine as well.
• Install a lint trap – A mesh lint catcher on the washer hose prevents lint and fabric debris from entering the drain.
• Flush the drain line – Periodically pour hot water down the standpipe to wash away soap scum and residue.
• Schedule sewer line maintenance – If you’ve had repeated backups, a Roto-Rooter plumber can check, perform any necessary repairs, and clear your main line.

What to Do If You Experience a Washing Machine Drain Pipe Overflow

Even if you follow all of the maintenance steps above, you might still experience the floor drain backing up when your washing machine drains. If this happens, stay calm and take the following steps:

• Shut off the washer. It might sound like common sense to stop water from flowing, but you might not always be thinking clearly if water is spilling onto your floor.

• Turn off the water supply. You might still have some water spilling out, so turn the shutoff valve behind the machine to cut the supply.

• Unplug the washer. It’s never a good idea to have a plugged-in electronic near standing water. Make sure to unplug any other nearby appliances as well.

• Clean up the water. The longer you let the water sit, the more damage it can cause. Use towels, a mop, or a wet/dry vacuum, and set up some fans to help.

• Investigate the cause. If the problem is simple, like you used too much detergent, you’ll likely see suds in the water. You can also look for kinks or clogs in the drain hose, which you should be able to fix yourself.

• Call a plumber. If there’s no obvious reason that your washer drain keeps backing up, then the problem is likely in your home’s drain line or sewer line. This is definitely a problem for the pros. It may also be a sign that it’s time for a new washing machine.
  
  

Stop Your Washing Machine Drain From Backing Up for Good

If water is backing up after a couple of loads, it probably means the backup is past the washer and may be a clog in the main line. Your lines need to be cleared from a main line cleanout, which is a professional job for plumbing companies. Roto-Rooter can assist in this sewer cleaning. Call us at 1-866-960-7686 or schedule a service time online.

FAQs on Washing Machine Drain Back Ups

What causes a washing machine drain to overflow?

The most common reasons are clogs in the standpipe, too much detergent creating excess suds, a kinked hose, or a main sewer line that’s partially blocked. If you’re in an older home, you might also have pipes that are too small.

Why is my washer's drain pipe backing up?

A backed-up pipe usually means a clog. Lint, soap, and debris can collect in the standpipe or hose. If multiple drains are slow, the problem may be deeper in your plumbing system.

How do I unclog the washing machine drain pipe?

Start by checking the drain hose for clogs or kinks. You can also run hot water down the standpipe to break up soap scum. If that doesn’t help, you’ll need to call a plumber.

Why does the rest of my home’s plumbing back up when I run the washing machine?

This usually points to a clog in the main sewer line. The washer pushes a lot of water quickly, which exposes underlying drain issues.

How do I fix a backed-up washing machine drain?

Try straightening the hose, using less detergent, or clearing visible buildup from the standpipe. If the backup keeps happening, have a plumber inspect the line.

Where does the washer drain hose go?

Many laundry rooms are set up so that the washer drain hose goes into the laundry sink. But if the shared line clogs or isn’t sized correctly, you may see water backing up into the sink when the washer drains.