First post on this site, long time Stack Exchange consumer for tech stuff, didn't realize there was a Home Improvement section!
I've got a GE washing machine that periodically will spray water out of the drain standpipe. The drain situation is pretty bad, the house came like this. It's way too high, the connection point (the 4 way fitting) is 6 feet off the ground and the open standpipe itself is not even 12" long. Not sure why it's been working OK at all, but it only seems to overflow occasionally. A couple more data points:
- I know that the standpipe is supposed to be 18" at least, but I'm not sure how much taller I could make it given the clearance to the (low) basement ceiling
- The manual for the washing machine actually says that it can pump up to 8 feet high
I just am sitting here scratching my head, trying to figure out what my options are. I suppose I could get a drain pump, and feed the washer into that, and then pump that out. I'd prefer to not have to do that (more complexity, electricity usage, etc). But do I have any other options?
Thanks so much.
Best Answer
Yes, as @TomG says, take the standpipe up - but I'll modify 18" to "as far as the ceiling or the 8 foot limit allows", that's the least expensive first approach, and if it solves it, you are done. Get it right up inbetween the floor joists.
If a plumber was involved in the black Tee on the white PVC pipe at the top of the picture, the licensing board should hear about it. That thing is dead wrong - it's installed sideways (it's the wrong fitting for the location). I'd expect there might be venting issues with that connection, too.
If merely extending the standpipe does not do it, you need to clean up the lower mess to gain some height (and ensure adequate flow.) That might well involve a plumber (or some advanced DIY plumbing) and some expense, but it would not involve extra complexity and electricity use.