QUESTION FROM Kate

Hi, I have water on the floor coming from the exhaust pipe!!! Help me!!! What can be? The pipe seems blocked and the water doesn't come out.

Thanks

ANSWER FROM HOME-WIZARD

Dear Kate:

Which "exhaust pipe" in your home are you referring to? Are you in a region of the country where it is below freezing?

Just let us know and we will try to help you.
Home-Wizard.com

FOLLOW-UP FROM Kate

We have snow outside. We are in Massachusetts.

The pipe is that one that bring the water outside from the washer machine.

Thanks

ANSWER FROM HOME-WIZARD

Kate:

So it's the drain pipe that comes up through your floor, where the hose from your washing machine (your washing machine's drain hose) is placed into, right?

And is your washing machine on the first floor of your house?

Regards,
Home-Wizard.com

FOLLOW-UP FROM Kate

Yes right. The washing machine is in the basement.

Thanks

ANSWER FROM HOME-WIZARD

Dear Kate:

It sounds like you may have a clog in the drain pipe for your washing machine.

Washing machine drain water contains lots of lint, which is created from the agitation of the clothes in your washing machine as it is washing your clothes. This lint in the water is the major cause of clogs forming in washing machine drain lines.

You can try running a plumber's snake (which you can get at a hardware store, tool rental place, or hire a plumber or handy-person to do), to dislodge the clog. However, the problem with snaking the line is that a lint clog is often soft material and the snake can go through the clog and then it re-seals when you withdraw the snake. So you might want to try an enzyme drain cleaner such as Zep Drain Care. Enzyme cleaners cling to and eat organic clogs. Be sure to follow the label directions, including using hot water.

Also, if you have a newer washing machine, these actually need a larger diameter drain lines than older model washers, because newer washers pump out discharge water at a higher rate. The newer model washing machines typically require a 2" drain rather than the older 1-1/2". If your drain pipe is too small, this can tend to cause it to backflow out of the discharge pipe more often.

Hope this is helpful.
Home-Wizard.com

FOLLOW-UP FROM Kate

Thanks so much for your help!!!

Bye