Why is water coming up my sink when my washing machine is draining?

Author: Cayla Berge  |  Last update: Sunday, March 1, 2026

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 water coming up through my sink when the washing machine drains?

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

Either case means that your main drain line is clogged. You need to call a professional to clear the drain for you. Luckily, you can avoid major clogs by not putting food and grease down your kitchen drain. There are also enzymes available that can help keep pipes clear and remove minor blockages.

Why does my sink fill up when the washing machine drains?

Clogged drain: If there's a clog in the drain pipe, the water from your washing machine may back up and cause your sink to fill up (1). The clog could be in the drain hose from your washing machine or in the sink's drain itself.

How do you fix a gurgling sink when the washing machine drains?

How to Fix a Sink That Gurgles
  1. Blocked Drain: A plunger can often dislodge a blockage in your drain. ...
  2. Venting Issues: For venting problems, it's best to call in a professional plumber. ...
  3. Drainage Issues: If your drainage system is inefficient, you may need a plumber to assess the situation.

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

What happens if you don't fix a gurgling sink?

Gurgling sounds in a sink can mean a partially clogged drain, a blocked drain vent, a damaged sewer line, or other plumbing issues. Ignoring a gurgling sink can lead to worse problems like water backups, sewer gas leaks, and expensive plumbing repairs.

How do you unclog a washing machine sink?

Here are ways to unclog a clogged laundry room sink:
  1. Use a plunger. Fill the sink to the point where the plunger's lower edge is submerged. ...
  2. Use a pipe snake. ...
  3. Use Dishwashing Liquid and Boiling Water. ...
  4. Dismantle the drain pipe.

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.

Why is water overflowing when washing machine drains?

Regularly clean your washing machine's drain hose and filter to prevent clogs. Avoid overloading your washing machine, this can lead to excessive water usage and potential overflow. Periodically inspect your home's plumbing system for signs of leaks, clogs, or other issues that could contribute to standpipe overflow.

Can a washing machine and sink share a drain?

Yes, with a Y-fitting, you can successfully connect a utility sink and washing machine to the same 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 my sink keep coming up with water?

This can be caused by debris such as food scraps, grease, and hair getting caught in the pipe and blocking the flow of water. To fix this issue, you'll need to use a plunger or drain snake to clear away any blockages. If that doesn't work, you may need to call in a professional plumber to identify and remove the clog.

Where is the main drain in a house?

Main drains are located in the walls and floors of your home, while sewer line drains are located outside underground. Each drain pipe in your home is connected to a different household fixture on one end, including toilets, sinks and bathtubs, and the other end is connected to the main sewer line.

How do I stop my washing machine 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 does my plumbing back up when I run a washing machine?

The main sewer drainpipe under your house connects all the drains in your home, such as sinks, tubs, showers, and toilets. Because the washing machine uses so much water, it can cause backups in all of your house's drains if you have a large clog.

How do I know if my washing machine drain hose is clogged?

If there is standing water in the washer tub following the final spin cycle, or there is water leaking from the bottom of the washer cabinet, the washer's drain pump or drain hose could be clogged or broken and preventing the water from being emptied from the appliance into a laundry tub or standpipe.

Why is water coming back up from my washing machine drain?

Washing machines overflow for a variety of reasons—the leading culprit, though, is a clog in the drain pipe.

How do you clear a clogged washing machine drain pipe?

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.

Can a washing machine drain pipe go up?

The maximum should be 15cm inserted; otherwise, a vacuum may form, which can cause siphonage. The drain hose should be connected to the standpipe at the correct height for it to work properly. Ensure the highest point of the water drain hose is a minimum of 40cm and a maximum height of 100cm from the floor.

How do you know if your main line is clogged?

4 Signs Your Main Sewer Line Is Clogged
  • Sign #1: Multiple drains are backing-up.
  • Sign #2: Drainage appears in sewer clean out.
  • Sign #3: Sewage in floor drain.
  • Sign #4: Water backs up in shower when toilet flushes.

How much does it cost to unclog a main sewer line?

You will likely pay around $350 to $650 to have a plumber unclog a main sewer line unless you have complications like serious damage to the line.

How do you clear a clogged drain line?

Salt & Hot Water – Pour at least a half cup of salt than hot water down your drain, let it sit for 20-30 minutes, then follow it up with more hot water.

Why is my sink filling up 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.

Will Drano work on washing machine drain?

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

Why does my sink gurgle when the washing machine drains?

One of the most common causes of a gurgling sink is a blockage in this main air vent. When there is a blockage, air can get trapped in the pipes. As the air tries to escape through the water in the pipes, it creates gas bubbles, and this is most often the source of the gurgling sound in your sink.

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