Hello, I have a washer utility drain that seems to be clogged. Usually when the washer drains, it drains into the standpipe which leads to a 2 way split between going through the drain line and a second path leading up a utility sink.Today, I tried doing a load and the water would not drain from the utility tub (normally it drains rather slowly already). There was also instances where water was backing out of the standpipe and I had to plunge it a while to get some black slime looking stuff out. It started flowing into the tub again but the tub would not drain. Would this be a problem with a clogged p-trap? Plunging repeatedly does not seem to cause the water to drain, only the gurgling sounds of water in the rest of the drain (and water coming up with black or nasty looking particles). I tried using a manual auger but could not pull anything out (perhaps i'm using it wrong.)

 

"doing a load and the water would not drain from the utility tub"
Not sure what the above means.
Does it mean that you were doing a load of wash in the washer and the water was backing up into the utility tub?
If yes then the clog is probably past the TY fitting.

On most sinks the P-trap is removable so I would remove it and then you should be able to snake down the run to the stack.
Also what are your pipes made of?

 

Yeah a load of wash. Typically the water always backs up the utility sink because its a slightly older house so the pipes might be too small for the drain to handle. It normally comes up the sink and drains slowly away over time. It didn't do that this time. If I was to snake the line, how would I do it properly. Just reach the auger all the way through the line until it cannot go any further and spin it? I can reach the line via the standpipe on the back.
The pipe feels plastic, definitely not metal. Not too sure if thats what you meant.Could be PVC? not too sure

 

Yes that is how you would snake it.

Does the trap under the sink come off?
If yes then you could snake through there. Always better to snake as straight a line as possible.
If you do undo it just make sure that you have a pail to catch all the water that will drain out.

If it does not come apart then the stand pipe is the next best thing but if it has a sharp 90 degree elbow you will probably have problems.

If it is black plastic then it will be PVC.

 

 

Does the trap under the sink come off?

 

I’m about to try to take it off via use of a wrench. Should I be worried that while plunging I can hear water gurgling through the pipe. Will everything just splash out the moment the trap is off?

 

You will definitely have some water coming from the trap. Since it sounds like the clog is downstream..... there shouldn't be too much water in the drain pipe.

If someone is using water while you are snaking you will hear running water.

 

Thank you everyone for all the help. Ended up hiring someone to fix it as it was a very hectic procedure (the downward drain connecting the laundry line with the upstairs kitchen was clogged heavily and needed snaking).

*Is there any way to collect the lint coming out of the laundry drain as shown in the image? The laundry drain pump leads into a standpipe connected to the wall and the drain goes into the wall, making a left turn onto the utility sink. I understand that using a lint catcher would be possible if the drain pump instead drained into the utility sink, but is there any way to stop lint going into the standpipe?

 

In the U.S., black plastic drains are generally ABS and not PVC.

 

You are totally right. It does seem like I have the ABS pipes. Thanks for the clarification.

 

OOPS!!!
I also agree with ABS
Must have had my head up my you know what!!!!!

 

You can still use a lint trap for the pipe turning into the standpipe, but you'll have to remind yourself somehow to change/clean it occasionally. When it's in the sink, you'll at least see it gunking up.

If the piping is clear, a bit of lint going down the pipes shouldn't be an issue. But if you already have a slowdown or clog, the lint certainly won't help it.

 

Hi, They make a lint catcher for washing machines. It looks like a metal sock. It fits on the end of the hose attached with nylon ties. I strongly suggest you don't use the ties but rather use an adjustable hose clamp so the filter doesn't come loose and go down the drain.
Good Luck Woodbutcher

 

Thank you for the suggestion.