Hello,

I see several questions regarding washing machine drains but did not see one similar to my issue so I apologize if this has been answered repeatedly.

We recently bought a new home. We choose this home partly because it is an earth contact home (I can hear the plumbing gurus groaning now in expectation of what is coming *L) and is more energy efficient.

The home was built in the 50s.

Ok, so our washing machine drain pipe is not actually the correct size. However, it also drains into the floor, which of course is the concrete slab.

I would guess this pipe to be 1 inch. It drains into the same pipe as a sink.

Now, of COURSE this doesn't work with our washing machine and it floods dramatically. We are currently using paint buckets to drain the washing machine because we need the washer, however this is a pain in the rear and must be fixed.

Now, what would y'all do to try and solve this problem?

A. I see this pump thing being spoken of..would this help our problem? There is already a sink present that could be used.

B. Just replace the stupid plumbing already! (which would involve tearing up a concrete slab and $$$$)

C. I understand that a front loading washing machine wouldn't solve the entire issue. But with the lessened water requirements would a front loader + a pump work??

I appreciate your assistance.

 

Does your sink have a drain?
How well does your sink drain?
How far away from this sink is your washing machine?
Is this sink capable of handling water from your wash machine?
Are your paint buckets one quart or one gal ?
Is your house as energy efficient as you thaught it was?

 

Washer draining into laundry sink (I mean the big plastic "tub" type) is common and should be no trouble if you filter the discharge so drain does not clog. Filter with old nylon stocking tied around the hose end.

 

The sink is right by the washing machine. It shares the same drain pipe as the washer.

The sink cannot handle one draining of the washing machine, it drains too slowly for that much water. It isn't a utility sink though it is a normal size sink.

The buckets are 5 gallon buckets we are letting fill up and then dumping into the bathtub. *L

 

Did you check this thread?

 

Yes, in my question I asked if the pump would work for our problem.

If the pump will work it could help us avoid ripping up the floor/slab

 

Your sink drain pipe into floor is only 1" ?

 

Yes, it is.

There is probably a bigger pipe underneath, that pipe leads into the pipe for a full bathroom so there is probably a bigger pipe under there somewhere. We just haven't broke things to get to it.

 

Buy a larger sink or a 2 compartment sink-plug one of the drains & cut away the center partition of sink.
Rube Goldberg at his best...............

 

Many people like to have a big utility sink in the laundry area anyhow. The plastic ones are inexpensive and freestanding. Not an option?

 

It is an option, we'll just have to tear out the counter that is there. Frankly though tearing out the counter would be a lot easier than tearing out the floor.

 

The deep sink is the simplest and easiest solution. Pumped sewer installations have several strict requirements.