Do Washers Need a Standpipe Drain?
Your washing machine does not have to be connected to a standpipe drain, but it does require some type of drainage to carry the water from the machine out of your home. Washing machines typically are connected to one of three systems: a standpipe, a laundry tub or a floor drain. Although a standpipe system is often considered ideal, a tub or floor drainage system can also be used. Does this Spark an idea?
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Standpipe Drain System
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A standpipe drain is an open-ended pipe that is inserted into a floor drain so the water from your washing machine is fed outside into a wastewater drain system and not on your floor. Typically a standpipe is a minimum 2 inches in diameter because it must carry no less than 17 gallons of water per minute away from your home. The top of the standpipe should be at least 30 inches from the bottom of the washing machine.
Laundry Tub Drainage
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When draining into a laundry tub, the washer hose is typically looped over and secured to the side of the sink or tub and the water is allowed to drain directly into the tub. To ensure proper drainage, laundry tubs should have a minimum capacity of 20 gallons and the bottom of the tub should be at least 30 inches from the floor.
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Floor Drainage
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Some washing machines are installed to drain directly into the floor drain, but your drain requires a few modifications before this is possible. A siphon break that is a minimum of 28 inches from the floor is required, and you may have to purchase additional hoses for your washing machine to have enough hose to run from the machine into the drain. Siphon breaks are inverted U-shaped pipes that carry water above the surface of a reservoir, which in this case refers to the floor drain. This prevents water in the drain from being siphoned back into the machine should the water level in the drain rise above the hose.
Washing Machine Drain Tips
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The washing machine drain hose should not be looped higher than 40 inches above the base of your washing machine. Any higher prevents proper drainage and increases the chances that the discharge water may siphon back into your machine. This is why a standpipe is typically the best option for drainage, providing the ideal height for prevention of back-siphoning and draining directly into the wastewater system.
Often laundry tub drainage is not recommended because the water may fill above the level of the hose and result in back-siphoning. To prevent this, make sure the hose is not inserted more than 4 inches into the laundry tub. In any drain system, secure the washing machine drain hose so it cannot slip out and leak water on your floor.
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References
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