When a washing machine runs, it should be draining properly.
If it does not, you are going to start seeing it drain into the utility sink. This creates serious concerns about water damage and/or clogging, which will lead to significant repair work later.
This is why it’s best to ask, why does my washing machine drain into the utility sink?
The washing machine drains into a utility sink when the sink acts as a middleman for the drainage system. It can often handle up to 30 gallons of water. This is normal but it can be fixed by redirecting the drain.
It is a more traditional design where the washing machine drains into a utility sink. Yes, it might be normal but it can still lead to damage depending on how much water is draining into the utility sink from the washing machine.
You will want to look into this to make sure it is safe and in line with what the washing machine needs as it begins to drain.
Here is a look at what you should consider if a washing machine is draining into a utility sink at home.
Best Cleaner For Washing Machine (EDITOR’S CHOICE)
No products found.
Tips If Washing Machine Drains Into Utility Sink
1. Amount Of Water Matters
When it comes to washing machine drainage options, you have to first understand how much water is draining from the matching into the sink.
It is common for this type of setup to be used in older homes.
The reason is to keep things simple and make sure the washing machine is draining in a straight line without leading to water damage. However, it is this type of design that can also lead to water damage when too much water is pouring through.
This is why the 30-gallon mark is a good measuring point.
You will notice the sink handles 30 gallons of water coming from the washing machine. This is normal and it will work well.
If the water is leaking, this means more than 30 gallons of water is draining from the washing machine and it’s time to fix it.
2. 2″ Piping Is Needed For Redirection
Hooking up a washing machine to a sink drain is common.
You will also want to think about potential redirection to a tub or a separate drainage exit. This is going to depend on the layout of where the washing machine is and how water flows to the main drain.
In general, the average laundry piping is going to be 1 1/2″.
This means you are going to need something bigger, which means it needs to be 2″ for the redirection to take place.
If you are not using the right type of piping for the washing machine, it is not going to drain the right way or it will begin to clog.
3. Look For Water Damage
The first thing to think about before making any type of change to the washing machine’s draining has to do with water damage.
Is there water leaking around the washing machine?
Is there water flowing back into the washing machine as it drains? This is a good sign that you are likely dealing with some type of clogging in the piping.
You will always want to start with water damage to make sure you are on top of what is happening to the machine and how it can be fixed.
If the water is flowing properly, there might not be a need to do this.
4. Do Not Rush The Change
You should never rush a change.
This is a common mistake made by people setting up washing machines at home. If you are looking to change how the washing machine drains, this still does not mean it should be rushed.
You will want to measure everything, look at the existing piping, and make sure the washing machine’s current setup is ineffective.
Sometimes, you will want to keep it the same because it works well for the setup in place.
If you are going to be changing how the washing machine drains then it is best to look at using 2″ piping for the project.
Final Thoughts
Why does my washing machine drain into the utility sink?
A washing machine drains into the utility sink due to the way it is setup. This is a common setup in older homes where the utility sink can handle up to 30 gallons of water. To fix the issue, redirect the pipe using 2″ piping to a separate tub or exit point.
You will want to look into the existing setup to make sure the piping can be installed in this manner without water damage.
Sometimes, it is best to keep the washing machine’s water flowing into the utility sink. It is far more effective and safer.
Here’s More On Washing Machines: