Most of us are always in a dilemma about selecting the perfect drainage option for our washing machines. The drainage system in the washing machine is essential as it assists in removing the dirty laundry water after every wash cycle.
Getting fresh laundry will never be a success if the dirty water is not drained well from the washing machine. Moreover, you would never want to go through the horror of witnessing a dirty pool of water in your utility room!
Mentioned below are some of the efficient drainage options, should you have trouble draining the water from your machine.
Best Washing Machine Drainage Options
Many people assume that drainage is a process that is automatically performed by their washing machines. A water pump, water inlet valve, and a drain pipe are some of the vital components in a washing machine to drain out the dirty laundry water.
It is frustrating and annoying to see the presence of dirty water in the washer tub despite the completion of your wash cycle. Hence, choosing the best washing machine drainage option as per your requirements is always the wisest decision.
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Using a Laundry Tub
The dirty water is being replaced with clean water during the wash cycle of your load. The laundry tub has always been considered to be the best and economical drainage option for washing machines.
The position of the hose in the washing machine drain is approximately 25 to 30 inches above the ground. As such, the tub ought to be positioned nearly 12 to 18 inches next to your washing machine.
The aforementioned specifications are the recommended requirements for water drainage. Should you experience any sort of drainage failure in this option, always check for a clog. A clog can be found in the U-trap or further down the piping.
Clear the clog at the earliest. If you plan to use a simple plunger to clean, then it is recommended to pour in little water into the laundry tub, in case you do not see any water in it.
Another alternative is using a handheld drain to assist you with something solid to break up the clog. You may either pour in some extremely hot water or possibly some dish soap liquid into the drain to loosen the clog.
If you have budget constraints, then a laundry tub drainage system is your go-to option. If you have a spacious laundry room in your house, you can proceed with this option, as the placement of a laundry tub is quite space-consuming.
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Standpipe
A standpipe is a part of an underground pipe connection. It is a pipe that helps you to connect the drainpipe of your washing machine to the waste outlet of your home. Considered to be an economical option for your home’s washing machine drainage system, it is termed as the space saver alternative.
Installing a standpipe can help you to escape the risk of water overflow as well as unwanted odors from the sewer into your laundry room. You may note that it is the fiber from your clothing that always leads to clogging in your drainage system.
If your water is not draining out properly from the washing machine pump, then check for a clog in the rubber drain hose. This hose runs from the backside of the washing machine to the standpipe.
Additionally, you should remove the rubber drain hose and further try to blow air through the passage, provided you experience a clog. Always check the airflow to see any kind of blockage in the passage. This sort of practice should be regularly followed.
Remember that the standpipe drainage option is the most cost-effective and space-saving method for your home.
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Underground Pipe Connection
Fitting an underground pipe connection is the perfect option for those who intend to utilize the same washing machine for a longer duration. Though this is the most effective option for the drainage of your washing machine, it is, unfortunately, the most expensive method.
If you have a concrete wall behind your washing machine, you will be required to make some room for the pipes in it. The pipe will further connect with the washing machine and have an outlet through the floor. The water will be pushed out of the house into the wastewater pipe.
The only negative side to this drainage option is that a clog or breakage in an underground pipe connection can lead to an enormous amount of repair work, costing you a lot of money.
Installing an underground pipe connection involves extensive labor. However, the good news is that the laundry water of your washing machine will directly drain into your waste storage.
You may be required to teardown and invest in heavy repair works if the underground pipe connections are installed behind your concrete walls. Be mindful of the fact that an underground pipe connection is not suitable for you if you’re planning to relocate soon.
How To Run The Drain Outside
You have the option to extend the pipeline of your washing machine to the backyard of your house. This could be a useful feature in irrigating plants or trees which are present in your backyard, using greywater.
Furthermore, you can drain your laundry water inside a tank or a drum for future recycling purposes.
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Design A Plan
Locate the exact spot to place the outlet from your washing machine. The perfect passage for drainage has to be found. You can seek the advice of professional experts to figure out the place as well as passage for the purpose of drainage. Connect the hose of your washing machine to your available irrigation system.
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Assemble The Tools And Equipment
List the things you may require while designing the drainage system. Necessary equipment, tools, pipes, drain supplies are prerequisites.
Calculate the average water load in your washing machine and accordingly purchase a barrel or a drum to collect the drained water. You may collect the drained water in a barrel if your house is located at a distance from your yard.
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Prepare and Appraise
You should prepare a routine to perform your laundry chores, as this will have a direct impact on the growth of the plants. Untimely watering of plants could distort a set routine of your yard.
The pipes which are attached to your drainage system should be watertight to prevent any kind of leakages. You might not be aware that laundry water contains toxic elements which will impede plant nourishment.
Be mindful that not all detergents and washing products are safe for the healthy growth of plants. Plants are sensitive to certain additives. You may encounter health issues if you consume edible plants which are not tolerant towards harmful detergents, as they interfere with the nutrition of the plant.
Yard Safety
Recycling your drainage water is something that shouldn’t be taken lightly. The discharged water of your laundry is termed greywater. Avoid the use of detergents that contain sodium if you wish to drain the greywater into your yard.
Sodium is highly toxic for plant growth and causes obstructed plant cell development. Detergents containing phosphorus as an element are a good ingredient for plant growth.
Usage of borax and bleach immediately kills the plants in your yard. Gather a thorough knowledge of your plants to understand if your plants, as well as trees, are tolerant towards detergents. It is highly recommended to place your flower beds, lawns, and vegetable beds away from such drainage water.
Points To Remember
- You should understand the importance of the proper placement and length of the hose, while initially installing your washing machine. The required elevation will always help to reduce the possibility of an overflow of water in your room.
- Immediately replace the damaged or broken belts of your washing machine.
- Clogging will eventually result in overflowing drainage water on your laundry floor. This will, unfortunately, damage your furniture and house.
- If you notice that your washing machine is not draining the water smoothly, then quickly check the pump of the machine. You may require to replace or service the hose of your machine on a regular basis.
- Regularly inspect the pump, to check if there is any sort of clog, block, broken impeller, or leak.
- Maintain a practice of referring to and studying your manufacturer’s diagram to understand the working of the drainage system of the washing machine.
- Have the water control system checked, while draining your washing machine
Conclusion
Always be prepared for plumbing and drainage system breakdowns. Regular maintenance will always help you maintain the quality of your washing machine with a seamless drainage system.
You have to analyze and select an appropriate drainage system for the washing machine as per your requirements. Hiring a qualified, professional plumber will help you to gain some knowledge about the plumbing and the drainage system of your washing machine.
Consider your valuable time, efforts, and budget before selecting and investing in any of the washing machine drainage options.