Washer Drain Clog

Running water and properly flowing drains are necessary for daily hygiene, cleaning the kitchen, and laundry. Washer drain clogs never come at a convenient time and usually happen in one of two ways.

In the first scenario, you're starting to relax a bit after getting a load of laundry into the washing machine and 20 minutes later you hear a strange sound of splashing water while the washing machine is in its discharge cycle. Panic sets in and the run for the laundry room commences only to find water everywhere. Not only is there a mess to clean up, but also the clean laundry production just got shut down. Now, you have to call a plumber.

The second scenario is a bit more gentle but no less problematic. You're in the laundry room getting those chores done while running the wash and the first washing machine discharge cycle comes and it sounds like the water is getting close to the top of the pipe so you take notice. However, the second discharge cycle comes and you're hearing the water get closer and closer and then splash. Of course, you instantly stop the washer cycle and call the plumber.

Most washer drain clogs are either old galvanized piping that's corroded on the inside and has been catching the lint and loose fabric to eventually clog the washer drain, or it's a larger problem further down the drain causing the washer drain to back up.