My Washing Machine Is Leaking Water in the Drain Line

Check if your clothes are sopping wet at the end of the cycle.

A washing machine that is leaking water can be a headache for any homeowner. Washing machines do not immediately dump water into the drain upon being turned on, so you will often not be in the laundry room when the drain begins to overflow. If you are facing a washing machine with a leaking drain line, there are a few things you can do.

Drain Hose

Examine the drain hose where it connects to the washing machine and where it ties in to the standpipe. Ensure the connection is tight at the back of the machine, and the hose is fed in to the standpipe properly. Check also that the drain hose does not kink or bend when the washing machine is pressed against the wall, as this can block off the drain and cause pressure to make a leak at the hose connection.

Standpipe

If the washing machine is leaking water at the drain line, where the the drain hose ties in to the standpipe, you may simply need to increase the height of your standpipe. The standpipe acts as a sort of queue for water draining from the washing machine, allowing water or soap suds to fill up inside the standpipe and drain slower into the drain line itself. Increasing the size of the standpipe accommodates more water before leaking.

Clog at the Drain Line

Over time, washing machines can create a clog in the drain line. Lint, dirt and other debris from clothes builds up and slowly closes over the drain. You should never use chemicals in a drain that is tied to a washing machine, as it can back up and damage internal components of the machine and, at the very least, wreck your clothes. Use a plumber's snake to ream out the drain or call a professional to open the line if necessary.

Sewer Issues

Washing machines are often the last drain in a house sewer system line, owing to their placement in basements and corner laundry rooms. If there is an issue with the sewer line, symptoms may first be found at the washing machine drain. Tree roots, construction and virtually any other disturbances in the area around your house can crack, crush, collapse or damage sewer lines. If all attempts fail, and your drain line keeps leaking, it is time to call in a plumber to examine your sewer system in its entirety.

References

• Plumbing Supply House: How to Hook Up a Washing Machine
• Repair Clinic: Washing Machine Troubleshooting
• Black and Decker: Standpipe Drains