Why is my washing machine backing up into my sink?

Author: Clovis Ward  |  Last update: Saturday, March 22, 2025

Sometimes, water might back up in the kitchen sink while you're doing a load of laundry, or your bathtub will fill with water. Either case means that your main drain line is clogged. You need to call a professional to clear the drain for you.

How do I stop my washing machine from backing up into my sink?

If your kitchen sink is backing up when washing laundry you may have a clogged drain or a venting issue, but it could be other issues. Start to identify the problem and contact your local plumbing company for help. To start with, know that your sink and washing machine drain lines tend to run congruent to each other.

Why is the water from my washing machine coming up through my sink?

If you are seeing water burble up from a utility sink next to your washing machine while you are washing clothes, then it's very likely that you have a lint/hair clog in the drain line just down from the washing machine that needs to be snaked out.

How to fix a backed up washing machine drain?

Here are some steps you can take to clear a clogged washer drain:
  1. Turn off the power. Turn off the power to your washing machine by unplugging it or turning off the circuit breaker. ...
  2. Find the drain pipe. ...
  3. Check for blockages. ...
  4. Plumber's snake. ...
  5. Hot water and vinegar. ...
  6. Power on. ...
  7. Call a top rated plumber. ...
  8. Clean lint trap.

How do you unblock a washing machine drain pipe?

Use a funnel to pour about a quarter of a cup of baking soda into the pipe. Next, empty a baster full of vinegar into the drain hose. Top tip: If the blockage is not completely gone, you can repeat the above process. Once you have cleared any debris from the hose, pour hot water in to flush everything out.

How to fix water coming up through your sink from the washing/laundry machine/dishwasher.

Will Drano unclog a washing machine drain pipe?

Drano® Snake Plus Tool + Gel System was designed to unclog a kitchen sink, bathroom sink, shower, bathtub and even a laundry drain.

How do I know if my washing machine waste pipe is blocked?

A common reason for a washing machine not draining is a blockage in the drain hose. This could be due to lint, debris, or even small items of clothing becoming lodged within the hose. To check for blockages, remove the drain hose from the drain outlet and visually inspect it.

Why does my washing machine drain pipe keep backing up?

Washing machines overflow for a variety of reasons—the leading culprit, though, is a clog in the drain pipe. Lint and other debris come off of clothing during the wash cycle and are drained from the unit alongside the dirty water, potentially leading to clogs that can wreak havoc on your drain pipe.

How can I force my washing machine to drain?

How to drain a washer filled with water
  1. Try the spin cycle. ...
  2. Turn off the power and water supply. ...
  3. Remove and check the drain hose. ...
  4. Check to see if it will drain with the help of gravity. ...
  5. Check your machine's inner workings. ...
  6. Check the drain pipe. ...
  7. Drain manually if needed. ...
  8. Call a service professional.

How to unclog main drain line?

Your step-by-step guide: How to clear a main sewer line clog
  1. Step 1: Loosen the cap on the drain pipe. ...
  2. Step 2: Open the cap and let the buildup drain out. ...
  3. Step 3: Feed the auger cable into the drain pipe. ...
  4. Step 4: Run the auger until the clog is clear—and beyond. ...
  5. Step 5: Hose down the pipe and auger cable.

How do I stop water from backing up in my sink?

Try the following:
  1. Remove as much water from the sink as possible.
  2. Pour one cup of baking soda down the drain.
  3. Follow up with one cup of white vinegar.
  4. Place the stopper over the drain hole to seal it.
  5. Allow the mixture to work for about 15 minutes.
  6. Remove the stopper and run hot water.

Can a washing machine drain into a sink?

The typical setup involves individual drain pipes leading to the main sewer line, ensuring each fixture has an independent pathway for wastewater. However, under the right conditions and with proper installation, it is possible for these two appliances to share a common drain.

Why is my washing machine filling up with water from the sink?

Possible installation problem

If you have connected the washing machine drain hose to your kitchen sink, there may be the possibility that when the sink is emptied, some of the dirty water from the sink goes into the washing machine through the drain hose connection.

Why does water back up into my kitchen sink when the washing machine drains?

If your sink is backing up only when the washing machine is draining, for example, the likelihood is that the blockage is in the washing machine pipe. A clogged plumbing vent pipe may also be the culprit. Without proper air pressure, your sinks, shower and tub water might drain slowly.

Why is water coming back up my washing machine drain?

In many homes, kitchen appliances and the washer drain through the same pipe. Grease and food often build up in that pipe, slowing the water flow. If it gets bad enough, it might stop altogether. This not only backs up kitchen appliances but can also back up your washing machine as well.

How do I unblock my washing machine pipe?

A plunger can be an effective tool to unblock a washing machine drain.
  1. Fill the washing machine with enough water to cover the plunger.
  2. Place the plunger over the drain and push down firmly.
  3. Pull up quickly to create suction and dislodge the blockage.
  4. Repeat this process a few times until the water starts to drain.

How to check if a washer drain is clogged?

Once the water has fully drained out of the tub, check the drain hose for any debris, clothing, or soap blockages, all of which can make the washing machine drain clogged. To check for clogs, loosen the clamp connecting the hose to the bottom of the tub, then inspect the inside.

How do you fix a drain backing up?

In most situations, a drain snake is a great tool to unclog plumbing fixtures. However if you don't have one, you could use a hose or plunger to clear a clogged drain. If your basement floor drain is backing up with water, try using some baking soda mixed with warm water.

How often should you clean a washing machine drain pipe?

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.

How do you fix a washing machine drain pipe overflow?

The easiest way to fix this is to seal up the washing machine waste hose against the open PVC pipe. Some gaffer tape should do the trick. Otherwise you could fit a holding tank above the drain which is allowed to fill and provides time enough for it to drain out without overflowing.

How do you check if a drain pipe is clogged?

9 Silent Signs of a Drain Clog
  1. Standing Water. One clear sign that you've got a clogged pipe is when there's standing water in your sink or tub. ...
  2. Suspicious Smells. ...
  3. Slow Draining. ...
  4. Poorly Flushing Toilet. ...
  5. Water Flows Up. ...
  6. Stains Around Drains. ...
  7. Debris In Water. ...
  8. Insect Attraction.

Why is my washing machine not draining but no blockage?

In the case of a washing machine not draining completely, a kinked drain hose could be one of the causes. Drain hoses are tubes that remove water from washing machine drums and transfer it to drainage systems. If water can't flow freely through the drain hose, the washing machine may not drain.

How do I know if my washing machine drain pump is bad?

Common drain pump failure symptoms include: Incomplete cycles: Have you recently checked a wash load only to discover a full reservoir or soaked clothes? These issues indicate incomplete cycles, a hallmark of a failing drain pump. Stinky smells: You might detect rotten or decay odors wafting from your washing machine.

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