AugerPros Plumbing Blog

4 Warning Signs Your Washing Machine May Have A Plumbing Problem

Washing Machine
Washing Machine

The average American family does 8–10 loads of laundry each week. That amounts to Families in the U.S. wash about 468 loads of laundry every year. No wonder it seems like I’m always folding or hanging things up! 🙂 Because this appliance is used so often, you can have a real issue if it stops working and you need fresh clothes for school or work. It is helpful to call out a professional plumber if you need repairs done, but you can keep a vigilant eye out for signs to look for so that you can catch plumbing issues before they escalate. Take a look below at the 4 signs your washing machine may have a plumbing problem and need help from the Pros.


1. Water Is Draining Out Of Washer But Spilling Onto The Floor

The washing machine drain box is where the lines and hoses from your washing machine connect to your home’s plumbing. If the water is backing up there, it’s a crucial sign that the problem is in the plumbing.

The Kitchen and Washing Machine Share The Same Drain

It is common for kitchen appliances and the washer to drain through the same pipe. Food particles and Grease often build up in that pipe, slowing the water flow. If it gets bad enough, it could stop up altogether. This not only backs up your kitchen sink but can also back up your washing machine as well.

Sometimes, water might back up in the kitchen sink while you’re doing a load of laundry, or your bathtub will fill with water. Either case means that your main drain line is clogged. You need to call a professional to clear the drain for you.

Luckily, you can avoid major clogs by not putting food and grease down your kitchen drain.


2. The Washer Doesn’t Fill Up or Has the Wrong Temperature

This symptom can often indicate issues in your washer’s water inlet valves. The inlet valves connect two water hoses to your machine, which control the flow of hot and cold water.

Occasionally, mineral deposits can build up in these valves, causing restrictions that impede water flow. Hot/cold water hoses connect with solenoid inlet valves that are electro-mechanically operated. If mineral deposits have built upon these components, then the electric signals to open or close the flow of hot/cold water can be impeded.

One way to reduce this problem in the future is by installing a water softener in your home. Hard water contains minerals that can damage appliances, so softening the water can save you on repairs. Call us if you’d like for us to inspect your inlet valves as working on them yourself can be dangerous.


3. The Washer Makes Loud Noises and Appears to Want To Leave The Laundry Room

Have you ever heard crazy banging noises coming from your washing machine, only to check on it and see it moving across the floor? Thought you had a poltergeist? It is normal to hear some gear noises from your washer during spin cycles or when water valves turn on and off. However, if you hear loud, vibrating sounds, then the pump could have a problem.

The pump connects to the drain hose and helps to push water in and out of the machine. Sometimes smaller items of clothing, like socks — catch between the drum and block the pump. Check all clothing pockets for toys, keys, coins, and other small objects, before putting articles in the wash. Small items can get through the pump and can damage the fins of your drain pump if they go past the filter. In worst-case scenarios, small objects can also shatter the glass on front-loading washers or get all the way through the drainpipe and cause a clog. Put small articles of clothing or clothing with strings in mesh wash bags so that they stay inside the drum and don’t obstruct the pump.

Or it could be something as minor as – try simply adjusting the load within the washer so that the clothes are more evenly distributed. If this doesn’t help, your motor mount or drum may need to be tightened.

Making sure the machine is level can also help with your noise problem, leading us to the issue of the moving washer. If your appliance isn’t level, it could be the reason why it’s moving. However, a walking washer could lead to other issues down the road like leaking water outside the unit or pulling out its connections. Call in a plumbing expert to determine the best solution in this instance and whether it can be fixed.

Some homeowners know to clean the lint traps in their dryer, but they may not realize that they need to clean the filter screen on their washing machine pumps. If you know that no clothes or small items impede the pump, then check the pump filter screen since grease or lint may be the problem.

4. Drains Overflowing In Your House After Doing a Load of Laundry

Sewer drain clogs are urgent plumbing issues since wastewater exposure can leave people vulnerable to foul odors and pathogens. One sign that you have a major clog in your washing machine drains is when you use your washing machine and other drains in your home overflow.

Don’t let sewage backup cause damage to your home or your family.

The main sewer drainpipe under your house connects all the drains in your home, such as sinks, tubs, showers, and toilets. Because the washing machine uses so much water, it can cause backups in all of your house’s drains if you have a large clog. If you notice this problem, halt all of your water usage until a licensed plumber can assess the issue.

The good news is that all of these problems can be fixed. Proper drain maintenance and being careful with what you put down the drain can help to keep these problems from happening. If you’re already having problems with a backed-up washer, Call Auger Pros Plumbing & Drain at 214-206-6580. We will get you back to washing those 10 loads a week( Alas!!) lickety-split!