How tall should a washer drain be

Not sure if Ohio Plumbing Code is based on the IRC plumbing codes, but under IRC the Minimum height of a washing machine standpipe above the trap weir is 18" and the maximum height is 42".

That said, your current standpipe arrangement is illegal and a code violation under ALL plumbing codes. Hum… perhaps I have it wrong, but I thought with as 30" above the weir , as illistrated at pp 47 here:.

The 30" minimum height requirement is for the standpipe above the trap weir and only applies when a laundry tray drain connects directly to a washing machine standpipe. There likewise is no height requirement of the trap above the floor in the national model code. The trap can be located below the floor. When the drain is below the rim you risk the possibility that the drain hose will suck the water out of the washer tub just as fast as it goes in as the tub fills during the first cycle.

But the trap at the bottom of the standpipe is usually not visible for vertification in a modern house. Also, see our blog posts What are the most common problems with washing machine installation and maintenance? What's wrong? Electrical Receptacle Outlets. Top 5 results given instantly. McGarry and Madsen's home inspection blog for buyers of. Water Heaters.

Water Heater Age. Septic Tank Systems. Structure and Rooms. Plumbing Pipes. When It First Became Code. Park Model Homes. Shingle Roofs. Wind Mitigation Form. Roof and Attic. Pool and Spa. Having the drain arch at least that high keeps a leaky valve from emptying the whole washing machine.

Actually, I'm not sure there's even a valve on the drain of most machines; there may just be a pump that is either on or off. When off, the water is retained by the height of the water column left in the drain which should arch higher than the water level in the tub. I was right about syphon risk, misremembered the direction. Jack has it right. Add a comment.

Active Oldest Votes. Improve this answer. Jack Jack That's right. I imagine that the cycle never completes as it's always trying to fill up to the required level.

I just learnt this today as well while taking apart our washing machine. I expected there be to be some valve at the drainage, but there isn't.. Sign up or log in Sign up using Google. Sign up using Facebook. Sign up using Email and Password.