Washing Machine Drain Overflows By Wall Where Discharge Hose Goes In – Quick Fix

Washing machine overflow is a serious problem. If the washing machine overflows inside the house it can cause damage to your kitchen and bathroom floors and walls. It can also cause damage to mechanical systems such as the washing machine and the water tank.

Clogged drains are one of the most common problems in the laundry room, but you can prevent them! While debris is typically the culprit when the washing machine drain is clogged, you may not know that your detergent container can also be to blame. If you use powder detergent, fill it up to no more than 75 percent capacity. This will allow proper water drainage and prevent clogs.

Don’t be alarmed, we’ve got you covered. Read on and we’ll guide you through the process of fixing your washing machine overflow — saving you time, money and perhaps most important of all, your sanity.

Washing Machine Drain Overflows By Wall Where Discharge Hose Goes In – Troubleshoot and Diagnosis

When your washing machine overflows, it usually means you have a clog in the drain pipe behind the washing machine. Water backs up, flooding your laundry room.

To fix the problem, move the washing machine away from the wall. Remove the pipe under the sink and use one of several methods to remove the clog depending on what’s causing it.

STEP 1: Move Washer Away From Wall

The first thing you’ll want to do if your washing machine isn’t draining properly is move it away from the wall. Washing machines have a hose that leads out of the back into a pipe that leads down to a drainage pit in your basement or backyard, and they’re often located close to a wall. If the hose was clogged with something earlier in its run, then it can build up pressure against the wall that keeps it from draining properly.

The final step is to create some space behind your washing machine to access the drain pipe. If you have a top loading machine, then the easiest way of doing this is to pull out your washing machine from behind the wall. In some cases, however, it might be easier to remove any cupboards above the washer and move them to one side of the room.

No one enjoys clogged drains, but chances are you’ve experienced the headache before. If you suspect your washing machine has a clog, or if you’ve noticed water backing up or taking longer to disappear down the drain, it’s time to take action. The causes of a clogging can be many, including debris caught in the discharge hose, improper installation, foreign objects in the drain line, and defects with your washing machine.

STEP 2: Get Ready to clean the Overflow Water

One of the hallmarks of a good plumber is attention to detail, so always lay down a drop cloth to catch any overflow or small pieces that come loose while you are working. Often, small, insignificant pieces have blocked the drain, so be sure to remove any screws, ratticles, or other bits you can see before starting your work. As most washing machines have a circuit for draining the water out of the machine, you should always prepare your workspace for this process. Using a drop cloth on the floor beneath your machine will help keep any excess water on the floor at bay. The circuit also works with debris like clothing fibers, which can make cleaning up more difficult.

To prevent water spills, it’s best to use a water pump. However, if you choose to go this route you’ll need an outlet drain set up in the event that the water pressure is too high and overflows.

STEP 3: Unclog the Drain Pipe

There are a few different ways to unclog your washing machine drain line. If you haven’t tried them out yet, here are some effective methods you can use to clear the drain easily.

Use an Auger

Using technology to clean up blocked drains? That’s great! Auger technology can be quite effective for clearing out blockages in drains. First, the auger is inserted into the drain, then it spins at high speed, breaking up debris that has accumulated there. The broken-up clogs are then removed by the device.

Although sometimes a drain can be cleared by using a simple plunger, for most household clogs there are several other augur options, including hand-operated augurs, augurs powered by a drill or screwdriver bit, and wire augurs.

• Hand-Operated Augers: Hand-Augers make it relatively easy to clear out a drain. Requiring only some manual labor and some elbow grease, these augurs can quickly remove clogs for those who might not want to spend money on an electric model. For those looking for a cheaper alternative to the electrical models, hand-operated augurs provide a convenient method of clearing out drains. On the other hand, operating a manual augur can sometimes prove challenging and laborious for some people due to its limited movement range.
• Machine Operated Augers: A machine-operated auger is the most efficient way to dislodge clogs in pipes or drains. These powerful machines, which come in handheld and full-sized versions, employ spinning metal wires instead of long, delicate snakes to clear blockages. They’re simple to operate, don’t require any training, are built to last, and are far more effective than consumer-grade snake products you can buy online or at your local hardware store. To unclog your pipe using this handy tool, you’ll simply need to insert the end of it into the pipe, attach a drill or hand motor, and slowly feed it through the pipe until the clogging is released.

Use Chemicals

Using chemicals to unblock drains has its limitations, but for some types of clogs, chemical treatment can work wonders. Liquids are generally better at removing organic matter, such as food scraps and leaves. However, they have a tendency to be weaker against grease build-up, which can cause clogs to occur more frequently. If you have a grease buildup in your pipes, mechanical removal is the best way to break it down for good.

When it comes to unfastening a drain, you can do it all by yourself with chemicals. However, there are many concerns about using the wrong product, so always use instructions on the label. Detergents or soap can be used, too, but most recommend that you choose chemicals with greater strength.

Use Hot Water

Over time, your washing machine’s drain can begin to clog — leading to a big problem with slow or no drainage. A number of home remedies can help unclog your machine and get it draining like new again. One of the most common solutions is using boiling hot water and soap. Pour the boiling water down the drain, attach a nozzle to it and mix with soap. Using the same procedure with vinegar and hydrogen peroxide is also effective but should only be used if boiling water and soap alone won’t unclog your machine. Washing machines must be cleaned regularly to avoid clogs and other issues.

Using natural methods to clear washing machine drains is cheaper than some of the other options, but it isn’t always as effective. Repeated use can get you results, but you might have to reuse the methods several times. Another thing to remember is that results are not permanent, so you might have to repeat the process often.

If you’re experiencing a clogged drain, hot water isn’t always the solution. If the blockage is caused by hard and tough materials like hair and soap residues, very hot water won’t do much in terms of a long-term solution. However, if the blockage is caused by lint and other small particles, very hot water can help flush them out of your drain line.

STEP 4: Reattach Washing Machine Drain

One of the best ways to ensure that your drain is working properly is to perform a simple “drain test.” This can help you catch issues before they lead to major problems. All you need to do is put a cup of water down your drain and check for any leaks. If you notice any, these are early signs that your drain may be blocked, in which case it’s vital to contact an expert in plumbing at the earliest opportunity.

To ensure proper drainage after the repair, run several cycles without laundry in the machine. During the spin cycle, check to see that the water is draining out of the tub opening. If water is not draining properly, additional adjustments or repair may be needed.

Check to see if there are any obstructions around the drainpipe under the washing machine. If the drainpipe has undergone changes or has been moved, it can sometimes cause a backup in the water flow. If the drainpipe has been moved recently, try returning it to its original position.