Laundry drains, standpipes and washer valves

At a glance

Standpipe size

Usually 2" diameter

Common problem

Lint and soap sludge in the trap

Supply hoses

Braided stainless hoses preferred

Shut-off

Single-lever washer valve is quickest to close

Overflowing standpipes

In older Etobicoke basements, laundry often drains into a tub that then drains to the floor or into a short standpipe. Lint and soap build up in these lines quickly. When the washer pumps out, the water backs up and spills over the top.

• We clear the trap and line, check the standpipe height against the washer manufacturer’s requirement, and add a lint trap on the discharge if the laundry tub is involved.

Supply valves and hoses

Old rubber washing machine hoses bulge and crack with age. A burst hose delivers water at full pressure until someone notices. We replace them with braided hoses and, where the valves are seized, fit a single-lever shut-off so you can turn both off with one movement.

• A leak sensor or automatic shut-off valve near the washer is worth considering for upstairs laundry rooms.

Laundry tubs

Laundry tubs need a trap and proper venting like any fixture. We replace corroded traps, fix leaking tub faucets and make sure the tub drain is not blocked by sand from rinsing tools or paint brushes.

• Paint and grout rinse water are hard on drains; let solids settle and dispose of them properly.

Signs to watch for

• Water spilling from the standpipe mid-cycle
• Bulging or cracked washer hoses
• Valve handles that will not turn
• Gurgling floor drain during laundry
• Damp patch behind the washer

How the job runs

1. Inspect the setup

   Hoses, valves, standpipe and tub.

2. Clear the drain

   Trap and line cleared of lint.

3. Replace parts

   Hoses, valves, trap as needed.

4. Run a cycle

   Full drain cycle to test.