Washer Backup Due to Clogged Drain

[Troy]

The drain for our clothes washer is backing up when we run a heavy load. It overflows into the floor a bit. The sink next to it will fill with a little water as well. It is in the basement and both the clothes washer drain and the sink drain into a big pipe. Connected to the pipe is a T-Y joint with a cap on it. The cap has a square on top.

So I guess I need to clean the drain, right? Do I remove the cap and snake it that way? Is there a better way to do it, or do you think I should do something else.

Thanks in advance for any assistance you can provide!



Try

[LazyPup]

That cap is your cleanout,,however, be a bit cautious as you unscrew the cap as the line may be full of standing water and will gush out.

When you snake the line your auger should be equipped with a cutter equal to the line diameter.

[Troy]

I circled the cleanout, is this what you mean? Water might gush out? Thanks for the reply!



Try

[LazyPup]

Yes,,,that is you cleanout..

Are you drains completely stopped up or just very slow to go down?

If they are just very slow to go down, odds are if you allow a few hours before opening the water should be down and no problem, but if they are completely stopped up i would expect water to be standing in that pipe.

Also, that appears to be cast iron pipe, which has been painted. If so, no doubt that cleanout has not been opened in years. In all probability it will not open? Fortunately those caps are very brittle, and you may end up having to break the cap out, then replace it with a new one. A hammer and a narrow (3/8") cold chisel should do the trick, but work carefully and make sure the stress in inward on the cap, not outward against the pipe hub as you do not want to break the hub.


Once the cap is out and the drain has been snaked, clean the threads of the cleanout hub with a wire brush and install a PVC cap which will not corrode and will be easier to get out in future.

That appears to be at the base of the main vent riser. Another option would be to go on the roof and snake down from the main vent opening, but that would be determined by the height of the house, pitch of the roof and how much snow you happen to have now. Normally on a one story house in descent weather the roof vent is the simplest route, but a multi story, i would prefer breaking the cap out.

[bigwill]

I AM HAVING THE SAME PROBLEM! MY WASHER DRAIN IS JUST GUSHING OUT! I have snaked and tried everything that I can think of. Now you did mention something interesting about the "cleanout cap" I do have another pipe sticking out at the bottom that looks as though it can be screwed off. However, this pipe looks as though it is probably as old if not older than I am! It is very rusty! Would this be my "cleanout cap" and would I or should I attempt maybe taking it off. I think I might be able to get it off with a good pair of pliers and maybe some WD40. Please, Please help! Thanks!