skip to main content

Laundry washer drain

16 years ago

I am planning a new laundry room. Can I tap the washer drain into the sink drain without a real tall standpipe. This will be a front load washer that doesn't use a lot of water. Seems it would be more similar to a dishwasher than a conventional washer.

Thanks,

Chris

Sort by:Oldest

Comments (5)

jamesk
16 years ago
What type of sink do you have? If it's one of those deep laundry sinks made of fiberglass/plastic or concrete, you can simply hook the drain hose over the side of the sink. Those sinks are large and deep enough to contain the drained water until it can pass through the drain. If your sink is a small lavatory type or one built into a countertop, the sink may not be deep enough to contain the volume of water pumped by a washer. Even a front-loader. Washer drain pumps move a lot of water very fast.

You can't just tap into the sink drain line. Not only would it be in violation of the plumbing code, but you very likely would overwhelm the drain line. Sink drain lines aren't big enough to handle the sudden surges from a washer drain pump, which is much more powerful than a dishwasher drain pump. Washer standpipes are usually required to be a minimum of 2" in diameter, and extend to a certain height above the trap.
cwlo
Original Author
16 years ago
I was looking at the manual for the washer (Bosch Nexxt and they have a picture of one hooked up to a dishwasher tailpiece. I am doing new construction, so I will spec a 2" drain line. I think that any overflow would back up into the sink temporarily. (This will be a built in install with a cabinet and sink similar to a kitchen.

Chris
Related Discussions
2nd floor laundry washer pan question, stacking, drain
Q
Comments (2)
Photographs? Are you adding a gas line so this is the issue with the connection? I would not cut the pan as you asking for a source of failure along the glue line.
...See More
remodeling laundry - will FL washer/dryer work?
Q
Comments (1)
All the Front Loader washers that I have seen have a door that opens from the right, with hinges on the left. So a FL washer will fit in your space and the door will open just fine. My FridGEmore set is stacked. On the matching dryer, you can switch the hinges on the door so that it opens from either the right or the left. Usually, the dryer door opens from the left, hinges on the right so that when you put the pair side-by-side (washer left, dryer right) the doors open out from the middle, as it were. Since mine are stacked, I had the installers switch the door hinges on the dryer so the doors both open the same way. If you consider this option, make sure the dryer you purchase will allow you to switch the hinges to the left side. In your space, stacking the washer and dryer (with the dryer door set up to open the same way as the washer door) means that BOTH doors would be able to swing 180 degrees. You may not see stacked units in model homes, but I assure you that there are lots of homes that have the units stacked. (Besides, who cares what they do in model homes? This is your home - do what works for you.) I don't think there's one best way to install the laundry equipment when it comes to side-by-side vs. stacked. It's more a matter of personal preference and how you want to use the space. My personal experience has been that loading and unloading the washer is not a big issue: I put clothes in, I take them out and move them up to the open dryer. I like having the dryer at eye level. I tend to take clothes out of the dryer and hang them up right away. I may take some items out early, I may take some items out slightly damp, etc. Being able to do all my dryer unloading "fiddling" without bending over is very convenient. CMC
...See More
Washer Pan help for FL washer 2nd floor Laundry
Q
Comments (0)
I have strange issue. Installation guy said I need washer pan 34 X 31( Internal 33X 30). This is for GE FL machine. I cannot find pan of that size in all home depots, lowes. Max I got is 32 X 30 external ( 27X 30 int). I have drain in center of pan. Should I buy LG/samsung or try to get expensive custom pan?
...See More
Water not draining fast enough through drain in laundry room
Q
Comments (8)
Thanks to everyone for the responses. I've looked in several hardware stores and have yet to find a hose small enough that will fit into my existing drain hose. The closest I got was a dishwasher rubber hose that was small enough but being rubber they were all kinked so bad in the package that I didn't think they would have a good flow thus defeating the purpose. I will continue to search for this hose as I do believe this might work. In response to those that suggested I install a sink, I don't have enough space in my laundry room to have one, wish I did. My Fisher & Paykel washer worked very well until it needed a repair. The only local repair man in my area could not figure out what was wrong with it. He said it was my drain pump. I had it replaced but it still didn't work then he said that I must have a bad new pump. So I had the FP co replace that one and still my washer wouldn't work. After that the repair man conveniently disappeared and he wouldn't return my calls. FP people in New Zealand were very polite but NO help whatsoever and they took forever to send both pumps. The fact that there isn't anyone in my area that can fix a FP appliance or get any useful customer service from FP, I will never buy their products again. My washer is only 4 yrs old and it sits in my utility room till I find someone who can fix and take off my hands. Several plumbers that I've spoken to have suggested that I replace my drain pipe to a 2". I just wanted to try and find a more convenient and cheaper solution but I suppose I'll have to replace it eventually. I will post an update in the next couple of days as I figure out best possible solution. Again, thanks to all for the responses. All suggestions are appreciated.
...See More
jamesk
16 years ago
Be sure to check your local plumbing codes. In Europe, drain connections similar to a dishwasher tailpiece are fairly common and legal. While I'm not a plumber, I don't think that type of connection would pass muster in many places over here.

I know that in my laundry room, I had to have a separate standpipe for the washer, even though there's a sink just like you're planning, right next to it. My Miele laundry pair is under a countertop, so the standpipe doesn't show, because it's behind the washer, under the counter. The shutoff valves for the washer water supply bibbs (which are also below the counter) are built into the wall above the counter (they look like shower valves).
cwlo
Original Author
16 years ago
Thanks for the info James. Your approach seems like the best solution.

Chris
coolvt
16 years ago
There might also be the issue of the height of the standpipe. The appliance installation instructions should tell you, but sometimes if the stand pipe is too low the water will drain out of the washer tub when the tub is full. Normally if the rubber drain pipe forms a loop about 6" higher than the washer water level, it will be okay.

Related Stories

REMODELING GUIDES Contractor Tips: Advice for Laundry Room Design

By Buckminster Green LLC

Thinking ahead when installing or moving a washer and dryer can prevent frustration and damage down the road

KITCHEN DESIGN Renovation Detail: The Kitchen Laundry Room

By Rachel Grace

Do your whites while dishing up dinner — a washer and dryer in the kitchen or pantry make quick work of laundry

LAUNDRY ROOMS Laundry Makes a Clean Break With Its Own Room

Laundry rooms are often a luxury nowadays, but a washer-dryer nook in a kitchen, office or hallway will help you sort things out

LAUNDRY ROOMS A Kitchen Laundry Cabinet Full of Surprises

By Mitchell Parker

A little DIY spirit allowed this homeowner to add a washer, dryer, kitchen countertop and dining table all in one

LAUNDRY ROOMS Get More From a Multipurpose Laundry Room

By Lisa Frederick

Laundry plus bill paying? Sign us up. Plus a potting area? We dig it. See how multiuse laundry rooms work harder and smarter for you

LAUNDRY ROOMS The Cure for Houzz Envy: Laundry Room Touches Anyone Can Do

By Becky Harris

Make fluffing and folding more enjoyable by borrowing these ideas from beautifully designed laundry rooms

LAUNDRY ROOMS Luxury of Space: Designing a Dream Laundry Room

By Elements of Style

Plan with these zones and amenities in mind to get a laundry room that takes function and comfort to the max

LAUNDRY ROOMS 7-Day Plan: Get a Spotless, Beautifully Organized Laundry Room

By Laura Gaskill

Get your laundry area in shape to make washday more pleasant and convenient

THE HARDWORKING HOME Where to Put the Laundry Room

By Mitchell Parker

The Hardworking Home: We weigh the pros and cons of washing your clothes in the basement, kitchen, bathroom and more

GREAT HOME PROJECTS Hate Hauling Laundry? Give Dirty Clothes the Chute

By Nicole White Designs Interiors LLC

New project for a new year: Install a quick route to the laundry room

Sponsored

NME Builders LLC

2 Reviews

Industry Leading Kitchen & Bath Remodelers in Franklin County, OH

More Discussions

Upgrading tub from a shallow surround to a soaking tub. Recs please

12

Fotile In-Sink Dishwasher

0

Sizing a softener when current occupancy is well below capacity

1

Check valve required for hot water recirculation pump & water softener

0

Sharkbite check valve on main water line?

0