Is your washing machine draining properly?
No San Diego homeowner is immune from drain problems. In particular, older homes run into issues of age, as drains and pipes become more vulnerable. But even new developments aren’t perfect. The most common problem area tends to be sinks and showers, but washing machines aren’t without their troubles either.
If you’re experiencing an overflow of water from your washer, it’s most likely the result of a clogged drain. The quickest and cleanest way to repair the problem is by calling the best plumber San Marcos has to offer. Boyd Rogers specializes in drain repair. From CSU San Marcos to the neighborhoods near Restaurant Row, we’ve brought relief to local residents who’ve had to suffer the flood of a washing machine.
However, if you want to tackle the problem yourself (or enlist the help of a handy friend), here are a few ideas that might help.
Utility sink
The main cause of an overflow is a clogged drain. Many contemporary washer models are extra large, which is great for big families and large loads, but not so great for your home’s plumbing. As mentioned, older homes need to be renovated over time. Their plumbing wasn’t built to handle the large, fast volume of water output that’s common among laundry machines today. As a result, the smaller drains get clogged easily, resulting in a flood on your floor.
But just because you have an older home doesn’t mean you can’t ever do laundry again! One solution to the small drain is to provide a place for all that fast-moving water to go. By adding a utility sink next to your washer, the excess water now has somewhere to go.
Lint catcher
While overflows are caused by clogs, clogs have their own cause. Lint is a big problem in laundry machines, and unfortunately there’s no way to avoid it. The good news is that you can keep it from flowing into your drain. Mesh lint catchers are sold by many major retailers and – even better – you won’t need anyone’s help to use them. Simply attach them around the drain with a plastic strip.
The only drawback is they don’t last forever. Over time, the lint will accumulate in the catcher, just as it does in your dryer. If the water draining into your sink slows down, or if you are washing a lot of towels, these might be signs that the catcher needs to be replaced.
Snake
You may have used a snake to unclog a sink; the same concept applies here. Whether you’re using a simple store-bought plastic snake, or opt for the more industrial, professional model, the process is the same. You run it into the drain for your washing machine, twisting, turning, and pulling it out.
By doing this, you’ll catch all of the debris and hair caught in the drain. It’s not an every day procedure. Rather, it’s recommended on a monthly basis, depending on how much laundry you do.
