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Drain overflows with soap suds when the washing machine pumps water

Last Updated on Tuesday, 11 May 2010 20:28 Friday, 07 May 2010 17:00

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Common Plumbing Problems - Toilets

The washing machine’s drain line may be too close to another fixture’s drain line. The high rate of water pumped out by the washing machine forces the soap suds through the path of least resistance (another fixture’s drain line). To prevent this problem, some plumbing codes require washing machines, kitchen sinks, showers, and dishwasher lines should be connected 5’or farther down from any branch of fixture drains.

If you have a septic tank, it may need to be pumped out. Also check the baffle where the main drain line enters the tank to make sure it is not blocked. Other possibilities are that the sewer pipe outside your home could have a break in it, a septic tank drain field could be frozen, or there could be blockage in the main drain. If the lowest fixture in your house overflows, then there are a few possibilities for your problem. Your main drain line water drain may be interrupted by a caved in pipe, or possibly tree roots have blocked it. The best way to check is to have a plumber scope out the drain lines with a video camera. Ask your plumber if they perform this type of service and have them record the video to show you what was found.

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