Relocating washing machine plumbing
#1
11-24-20, 08:34 AM
Relocating washing machine plumbing
My washer is currently hooked up below my hot water tank in my kitchen. This part of my house has crawl space. My dryer is across my dining room in another room but this part of my house is on slab. I want to move my washing machine to the room with my dryer. There is no plumbing on that side of the house. The washing machine would be on an exterior wall. Could the washer drain lead outside and back under the house to tie into the sewer line in the kitchen? I'm trying to avoid cutting slab. I can run the supply lines in the attic across my dining room as the current plumbing for the suspended water heater is in the attic. Any suggestions?
#2
11-24-20, 09:30 AM
Group Moderator
Where are you located? In climates with freezing weather I avoid plumbing on exterior walls or attic spaces. Drain lines can be run outside but it's nothing I would recommend as it's just not professional to do so these days. It was done long ago when indoor plumbing was first introduced and I think code might even permit it though you might have to protect the piping against sunlight depending on what you use.
#3
11-24-20, 09:35 AM
Could the washer drain lead outside and back under the house to tie into the sewer line in the kitchen?
Another option is to use a pump and above-floor sump to pump the laundry water up into the attic and back down to the kitchen drain.
I can run the supply lines in the attic across my dining room
#4
11-30-20, 01:15 AM
Where are you located? In climates with freezing weather I avoid plumbing on exterior walls or attic spaces. Drain lines can be run outside but it's nothing I would recommend as it's just not professional to do so these days. It was done long ago when indoor plumbing was first introduced and I think code might even permit it though you might have to protect the piping against sunlight depending on what you use.
#5
11-30-20, 10:53 AM
The water heater probably keeps the temperature in the attic above freezing. Also running the pipes between the ceiling and insulation can help keep them from freezing.
Pipe insulation only really helps keep warm pipes warm, overnight - if the water is going to freeze it will.
Also PEX is much more freeze-tolerant than copper.
So long story short, you're probably find running pipes in the attic since you already have some running up there. I would stay away from the eves as it's likely colder there.
Pipe insulation only really helps keep warm pipes warm, overnight - if the water is going to freeze it will.
Also PEX is much more freeze-tolerant than copper.
So long story short, you're probably find running pipes in the attic since you already have some running up there. I would stay away from the eves as it's likely colder there.
