Do you know what to do if your washing machine drain pipe overflows in Central Maryland?

Cleaning dirty clothes is not all you will have to clean if your washing machine drain pipe overflows.

When a washing machine goes through its cycles, it pumps out dirty water to allow room for the clean water to rinse your clothes. There is an outlet tube located behind the washer and is made of flexible tubing and runs directly to your main sewer line or into a washtub and then goes down the drain.

A washing machine drain pipe overflow can be cause for several reasons. The moist common problem is a clog in the drain pipe. Tiny pieces of fabric from your clothing (lint) comes off during washing and settles in the pipe. A kinked discharge hose, deteriorating pipes, main sewer line clogs or drain pipes that are too small that can cause washing machine overflows, to name a few.

What do I do if my washer is overflowing?

• If your washer is overflowing, turn the machine off. Clean up the water immediately to prevent water damage to your flooring, baseboards or walls. Dry the area well and using a dehumidifier or fans to quicken the process to stop the area from growing mold. Make sure the discharge hose is still in the drainpipe before calling in help.

What can I do to minimize the risk of washing machine drain pipe overflow?

• Clean out the washing machine lint filter once a month if your washer has one.

• Make sure there is enough clearance between the drain pipe and discharge hose for proper ventilation during drainage. At least 1/2 inch is needed.

• You can use a garment or lint bag during washing if possible. This will minimize the chances of a clogged drain pipe.

If you can’t get the drain pipe issue resolved, call in professional help to determine the cause and repair the problem.