Washing machine drainage

[neate]

I have a query about how water should drain away. We are told that best practice is to have a stack pipe higher than the drum leading down to a P trap then into the main drainage system.

This arrangement has been in place for over 25 years with only the WM outlet hooked into the stack pipe. The P trap became blocked and the WM continued to pump. Result a flood which wasn't found until later.

Trouble is it's 'out of sight out of mind'. Any other solutions?

 

[terryplumb]

If the wash machine is close to a sink you can connect into the sinks drainage pipework ,before the sinks trap ,but to be blunt if the trap is blocked you could well get the same result . Main difference is the sink will not drain properly if its trap is blocked ,so you would most likely become aware / warned of a problem.
The standpipe method that you have is better in my opinion though.What size is your pipework ?

 

[KenGMac]

crockhamtown, good evening.

Perhaps this may assist??

Other possibly cheaper devices are I believe available?

Ken


https://www.amazon.co.uk/Smart-Wi-Fi-Water-Sensor-Detector/dp/B078TG5NT2

 

[neate]

I should have said that I've unblocked the P trap, I just don't want it to happen again. I'll have to check it every 6 months or so, or get a sensor as suggested by KenGMac. Thanks. Thanks also to terryplumb.

 

[KenGMac]

crockhamtown, good evening again.

If the "flood" caused damage, that could be a trigger for an Insurance claim?? but watch out for your Excess??

There was a series of posts on the site some time ago as regards electronic remote monitoring of leaks, may be worth a look?

Ken

 

[Madrab]

I should have said that I've unblocked the P trap, I just don't want it to happen again

Regular maintenance.

Washing machines and dishwashers are prime candidates for causing blockages. Invariably it's too much soap/detergent that's used and residue e.g. cloth fibres/fats from the machines that are the primary cause.
That being said, all traps around the house should be cleaned out at least once a year but it's a job unfortunately that is never performed until its too late.