To clear the main drain,Can I use a long snake in the drain pipe that the hose from the washer goes in?

Question

The washing machine is only a couple of feet away from the main drain.In the past a plumber went through the hole under the toilet which is even further.

Answer 1

You can go to the same drain pipe that the washer uses.

Answer 2

definetly attach a back flow preventor!

Answer 3

That is one option, but as a previous poster mentioned, the toilet will have a bigger pipe.  Another option is to look for a clean out on the main stack.  Look for a cover with a square recess or nub sticking out of it.  Unscrew the cap and you will have access to the inside of the pipe.  You can run a much larger snake this way.  Be careful, though.  If the clog is upstream form the clean out, it will make a mess when you get it clear.  Hope this helps.

Answer 4

You can go in the washer drain, however it is only an 11/2 or 2" drain. the reason the plumber went through the toilet drain is it is 3-4". you can get a heavier snake Through the larger pipe. And subsequently a larger snake head

Answer 5

I agree with WoodTick, messy or not.

   The cleanout plug is usually the first thing I remove, than if need be, I snake in both directions.

   I suspect there are other issues that exist however, in your plumbing, if this happens on any regular basis.

Just my two "sense"