Typically the drain pan catches water overflow from your machine or possibly leakage from a faulty water hose, and it even provides a measure of protection for your floor against condensation.
The pipe at the floor level is for a safe pan that the wash machine is supposed to be set in. It's for any leaks that may come from the machine. It's pretty common in condos, apartments and on houses where the machine is on the second floor or over a finished basement.
The sump is a hole at the bottom of the washing machine. It's where the wash water exits the drum, and sometimes a block could be right there.
Plumbing codes generally don't require a floor drain in the laundry room of a single family residence, but it comes in handy in case of overflows. If you choose to install one, the drain pipe must have a minimum diameter of two inches. The drain opening, which must have a removable strainer, can't be under a fixture.
Most machines have the drain hose connected to the bottom of the machine so simply letting the hose go to the floor will drain the machine ...... unless there is a blockage such as lint or a sock etc.
Gurgling and bubbling noises coming from the hose and drain pipe. Bad odors emanating from the drain. Cycle ends with the tub filled with water and clothes are still wet. Water is leaking onto the floor near the washing machine.
A floor drain is located at the lowest point in the laundry room where the floor is constructed to slope down toward the drain, reducing the risk of flooding. A laundry room floor drain may be connected to a sewer line or septic tank.
Your laundry area will stink like sewage if your p-trap dries out because it cannot stop the sewer gasses from entering. The same holds true for your drain hose that connects the washer; if it does not get installed correctly, your laundry room might smell like wastewater.
In most cases, you have two options for draining water from your washer. Option one is to connect the drain hose to a standpipe, and option two is to place the drain hose in a nearby sink.
The best way to prevent issues with your washing machine's drain pipes is to conduct a maintenance wash on your appliance at least once a month. This includes washing the detergent drawer and washing machine filter, which can help prevent a blockage in the drain pipe.
Yardstick and Sock
One option is to grab a yardstick, place a sock over one end, and secure it using a rubber band. Then, get down on the ground, push the yardstick under the refrigerator or other appliance, and move it back and forth to dislodge debris.
The best material to protect floors from heavy appliances like washing machines and fridges is rubber.
Average washing machine lifespan
Well, this figure obviously varies depending on lots of different factors - including brand, model, how you use it, and how well you maintain it. But generally, if you look after your washing machine properly you should it expect it to last anywhere between 7 and 12 years.
If the Water is Staying in the Washing Machine
The issue probably lies with the washer. This problem could be traced to the drain tube (which comes out of the machine), the lid switch or the drain pump (an internal issue).
Identifying the source of the odor is the first step to resolving the problem. DIY solutions like refilling p-traps, cleaning the washing machine, and unclogging drains can often address sewer smells.
Run the Drainpipe Into an Existing Vent Stack
The easiest and most effective way to vent a washing machine is to run the drainpipe into your home's vent stack.
After some investigating, you've discovered that the source of the smell is your drain, and it's most likely coming from the sewer. There are a few things that could be causing the smell. For example, your drain trap could be dry, the drain line could be clogged, or you could have improper venting in your home.
If the issue is with water coming up through the basement floor drain, the issue is not with a clog in the basement floor drain itself. Instead, it's most likely an issue with your home's main drain line that is causing the floor drain to back up. Like many of us, liquids like to take the path of least resistance.
Baking soda, vinegar and boiling water can help clean drains naturally, but you may need something stronger, like Liquid-Plumr ®, to fully unclog those really tough drain clogs.
Clear things out by mixing equal parts of hot water and vinegar and pouring the mixture through the drain pipe. Wait half an hour, then reconnect the drain pipe, plug in your machine and run a wash cycle.
The most effective solution in this case is a power auger or an electric rooter, which is inserted into the pipe and cuts away roots from the pipe walls as it moves along. You can rent a power auger at a home improvement or tool rental store. Feed the auger cable into the cleanout opening closest to the blockage.
If you smell a funny stench or odor coming from your floor drain, it's very likely your P-trap is dry. Simply pour a few gallons of water to re-establish the proper water barrier. You can add a small amount of vinegar to help remove any persistent odors.
Washing machine drain pans are containers that fit under your washing machine to catch water leaks and prevent water damage to your floors. They're typically made of plastic or metal and have a drain outlet that allows any collected water to be discharged safely away from your home's flooring.