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Thread: Washing machine drain question

  1. #1
    Join Date
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    Washing machine drain question

    Has anyone ever heard of a back flow preventer for a washing machine drain stand pipe? Can you provide a link to one?

    Added info:
    The drain is in the basement.
    It drains to a septic system.
    The top of the washer stand pipe is more than 18" above where the drain pipe leaves the house.
    The stand pipe has a trap to prevent gas back flow.
    The washer hose does not fit tight in the standpipe so it will not siphon.
    Last edited by Lee Schierer; 03-23-2014 at 10:03 PM.
    Lee Schierer
    USNA '71
    Go Navy!

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  2. #2
    Is the drain line for the washer below the level of the drain line for everything else in the house? That's the only circumstance I could see needing one in. Curious to know as well.

    Erik Loza
    Minimax USA

  3. #3
    Join Date
    Mar 2012
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    Virginia and Kentucky
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    3,364
    You can look at back water valves. They do make back flow preventers for four inch main lines that you could adapt. Here is a link for you someone else posted on the Internet:

    http://www.ndspro.com/images/stories...g-listings.pdf

  4. #4
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    Jan 2009
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    As long as the end of the drain hose is above the outlet of the washer tub and you are draining into an open tub or wall drain I see not need for a back flow preventer. Only if the sewer is blocked will you get a back flow and it would likely drain on the floor before it went down the washer drain hose.

  5. #5
    Join Date
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    I remember one kind of similar item from back in the 1950s. Only reason I know about them is my dad used to sell Maytag and Fridgidaire washing machines. They worked as a vacuum break so the washing machine couldn't suck water back in from the drain.

    Different plumbing could cause problems with a washing machine.

    Sounds like what the OP may be talking about here may also be known as a check valve.

    jtk
    "A pessimist sees the difficulty in every opportunity; an optimist sees the opportunity in every difficulty."
    - Sir Winston Churchill (1874-1965)

  6. #6
    Join Date
    Apr 2007
    Location
    SE Indiana
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    A back-flow preventer is available but I wonder why it is needed. The trap is a possible problem because it is a spot where friction will retard the flow. Traps must be plumbed with, "street elbows" that reduce friction. hope this helps.

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