Clothes washer discharge / drain hookup to sewer line?

Question

The drain pipe leading to the sewer drain is about 3-4 feet above the washer. Can I hook up to it though it is this far above the washer?

Answer 1

The higher you try to pump water into the air, the greater the load on the pump. These pumps they put into washing machines are just not that efficient, and probably only made of plastic. You could contact the manufacturer, but I am sure he will only say it should be drained within the length of the drane hose.

Answer 2

You already have some good solid answers Darth.......careful playing with the light:) have a nice day.

Answer 3

if it pumps the water out of your washer, go for it.  If it doesn't figure out a different way.

Answer 4

The manufacturer's specs vary, and you may be able to check the owners manual [or the manufacturers web site], but generally speaking, 3-4 feet is no problem. There are  two things you MUST do: 1)...You must have a trap to keep out odors and pests...and...2) you MUST be sure to provide a drain pipe large enough to handle the large volume which the washer pumps puts out. The most common way to do this      [and the easiest] is to use 1 1/2 " [or even 2"] PVC pipe. You need a trap [a factory made fitting shaped like as "S" or a "P"], and a length of pipe of the same diameter at least 2' long [3' to 4' is better] coming up vertically from the trap. Hook the upside down "J" shaped end of the washer outlet into to the top of this piece of pipe, so that the waste water comes out of the drain, into this 2-4 foot "standpipe" , and then runs through the trap and into your drain. You may secure the washer outlet's hooked end into this pipe with duct tape, wire, etc. if you wish, but you must not seal up the connection...the system depends on air entering the system at this point. All that being said, if your local code does not allow PVC, you should do the same with copper or steel or whatever is required. It's just more trouble and cost with other materials...the principles are the same.

   One more thing...if your washers' outlet tube is not long enought to reach up to the drain pipe, purchase a short length of rubber tubing the same diameter as the washer drain which is long enough to make up the needed height. Also get two coupling fitings [usually plastic with "barb" fittings and s***w clamps], cut the hose outlet and insert this 'extension' piece into the drain pipe so that it reaches you new standpipe/trap setup.

Answer 5

If the entrance to the sewer line has a trap there then you can hook up your drain line from your washer. But.... the washers pump may not be capable of pumping water to that elevation. You may have to build a stand or raised platform to hold your washer a couple of feet higher and add a step up to get to it.

Good luck