A drain pan also protects your floor from condensation that can lead to mold and mildew build-up beneath your washing machine. This is an easy do-it-yourself installation process, and you can complete the job in a few hours. Use the utility knife or 120-grit sandpaper to smooth out any rough edges. – Check Floor Drain. How to Install a Washing Standpipe. Drain pans aren’t a requirement for your washer, but they are an inexpensive and simple way of protecting your home by catching small leaks and reducing the amount of water damage from broken hoses. Fortunately, if you follow a few simple tips (see below) it will significantly minimize the likelihood that this will be an issue. i won,t reccomend going to the floor drain because the discharge water will stink after some time. If you have a drain pump filter only, place a towel on the floor and a shallow container like a baking dish against the washing machine, directly below the filter to catch the water. The piping in the photo on the left represents a laundry sink drain, while the photo on the right depicts a washing machine's stand pipe. It’s a good idea to get some help because a washing machine can be heavy. • Find a drainpipe near the location of the washing machine and use the reciprocating saw to cut through the drainpipe. You only have to remember this, the sanitary tee that serves each fixture is the place where the trap arm, drain… If you can’t find a main drain in the basement or the room where you’ll install your washing machine, you may also resort to using a bathtub, shower, toilet or sink drain. The pressurized water goes into the open top tube down into the sewer. But, almost, if not all, codes do call for at least a 2" drain for a washer. 4. You’ll just be required to do some work to make those substitute drains suitable for your washing machine. A washing machine that overflows or washer hose that bursts can cause much more damage to the house when the washer is on the second floor. 2. Vibration of Washer If the washing machine checks okay and no leaks, you will have to determine if the floor drain is blocked or partially blocked. Use the hacksaw to cut the drainpipe to the correct length if there isn’t one in place already. frarobl asks, I have just aquired a property, and the washing machine drains through a PVC pipe into a trench dug outside – about 20 to 25 yards behind the house, in the middle of a large backyard. either go through the trouble to cut the floor and tie in downstream of the FD or ask a plumber if you can cut into another drain.good luck It makes no difference whether a 1 1/2" line can drain the washer, because you are not going to get it approved until you satisfy the inspector. A floor drain should be able to drain a washing machine. But you should keep in mind that the washing machine produces a tremendous amount of water that pumps out at 2 to 3 times faster than an ordinary garden hose. Re: Drain for Washing Machine - can I use the floor drain? The washer drains with positive pressure. Move the washer forward slightly, and you should see the floor drain for the laundry room. Do you not have an existing washing machine drain or a laundry sink in the basement? (but you really shouldn't use one for that purpose) Either the drain is partially blocked, or it's undersized. Author: mrpipe hey finally a canuck like myself. Now, if your floor drain connects to the main sewer system, then you can connect the washer to the floor drain. In each A is the vent, B is the trap arm, and C is the drain.