How To Drain a Washer in the Basement

Draining a washer in your basement might seem like a daunting task, especially if you’re not familiar with the process. However, with the right knowledge, tools, and a little patience, you can successfully drain your washer in the basement. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll walk you through everything you need to know about draining a washer in the basement.

Preliminary Steps

Before you start draining your washer, there are a few preliminary steps you should take:

1. Turn off the power: Unplug your washing machine from the electrical outlet or switch off the circuit breaker to avoid the risk of electric shock.
2. Turn off the water supply: Locate the valves behind your washer and shut them off to stop the water supply to the machine.
3. Disconnect the water supply hoses: Remove the cold and hot water hoses coming from the wall into the back of the washer. Be sure to place a bucket underneath to catch any water that may spill.
4. Disconnect the drain hose: Carefully detach the drain hose from the pipe and hold it above the washing machine to prevent water from spilling out.

Tools and Materials Needed

To drain a washer in your basement, you’ll need the following tools and materials:

1. Washing machine with a built-in pump: This pump should be able to pump water up to the required height.
2. Standpipe with a trap: This is typically a 2-inch pipe.
3. Hose guide: This is needed if you are feeding the drain hose into a sink.
4. Drain pan: This will prevent leaks and water damage.
5. Laundry sink with a pump underneath: This is needed if the washing machine pump is not sufficient to handle the water surge.
6. PVC pipes, fittings, and necessary tools: These are for connecting the standpipe to the drain-waste-vent system.

Step-by-Step Guide to Draining a Washer in the Basement

Here’s a step-by-step guide to successfully draining a washer in the basement:

1. Locate the drain: Find the nearest floor drain or a suitable drainpipe where you can connect the washer’s drain hose.
2. Check the washing machine’s pumping capacity: Ensure your machine can pump water to the required height.
3. Use a standpipe: Connect the drain hose to the standpipe or utility sink.
4. Secure the drain hose: Make sure the drain hose is securely connected to prevent it from getting dislodged during operation.
5. Consider raising the washing machine: If necessary, raise your washing machine on a platform to alleviate stress on the pump.
6. Regular maintenance: Clean the drain filters and lint traps regularly to prevent clogs and ensure smooth drainage.

Safety Precautions

While draining a washer in the basement, it’s important to take certain safety precautions:

1. Proper drainage: Ensure that the washing machine is connected to a proper drainage system to prevent environmental contamination and health hazards.
2. Air break: All washer drains require an air break where the drain hose enters the standpipe to prevent water from overflowing into the washer if the drain backs up.
3. Venting: Vent the trap by tying into the existing drain-waste-vent (DWV) system or by adding an air-admittance valve.
4. Follow building codes: Many building codes require a washing machine to drain into the wastewater system. Ensure your setup complies with local health and safety regulations.

Troubleshooting Tips

If your washer won’t drain, try these troubleshooting tips:

1. Perform a master reset: Unplug the washer for a minute, then plug it back in and try running a cycle again.
2. Check the drain hose for clogs or kinks: Ensure that the drain hose is not kinked, crushed, or obstructed at the outlet or inlet ends.
3. Inspect the drain pump and filter: Check for any obstructions in the drain pump and filter.
4. Look for a clogged drain: Run a plumber’s snake through the drain opening to see if you can clear any blockages.

By following these steps, you can successfully drain a washer in your basement. Always remember to follow local building codes and consult a professional plumber if you’re unsure about any aspect of the installation process.