How to Install a Clothes Washer Drain
The standard setup for draining a clothes washer is to run the washer's rubber discharge tube into a two-inch standpipe, a vertical length of plastic pipe that connects to a two-inch plastic drain line. Between the standpipe and drain line is a P-trap, a curved fitting that blocks the flow of sewer gasses into the home; this is required on most fixture and appliance drains. Home centers and plumbing suppliers sell standpipes with attached P-traps. The typical drain installation involves connecting the standpipe assembly to an existing drain line for a utility sink, using a waste Y-fitting. Does this Spark an idea?
Things You'll Need
- Waste-Y fitting for 2-inch pipe
- Marker
- Reciprocating saw
- Utility knife
- Solvent glue
- 2-inch standpipe with P-trap
- 90-degree elbow for 2-inch pipe
- Metal pipe strapping
- Screws
- Drill/Driver
Instructions
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1
Hold the waste-Y fitting up to the drain line, and mark the drain pipe for making the splice cuts. Cut out the section of drain pipe with a reciprocating saw, keeping the cuts as straight as possible. Clean the cut ends of the pipe with a utility knife.
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2
Check the fit of the waste-Y fitting, and mark the fitting and pipe for the desired position of the fitting. Permanently install the fitting with compatible solvent glue.
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3
Test-fit the standpipe (with P-trap), fitting it to the Y-fitting with a 90-degree elbow. Cut the standpipe to length, if necessary, using the reciprocating saw. Note: The top of the standpipe must be higher than the maximum water level in the washer and at least 34 inches tall.
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4
Glue the standpipe and elbow to the Y-fitting with solvent glue. Secure the top end of the standpipe to a stud or 2 x 4 blocking, using metal pipe strapping and screws.
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Tips & Warnings
All plumbing work must conform to the local building code. Consult your city's building department for recommendations and code requirements.
