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  • Washer standpipe size question

    LazyPup,

    In an earlier thread, "Washer Drain Overflow", you explained that the plumbing code was changed in the 1980's when the washer manufacturers created machines with higher volume pumps. This is why the code was changed to require a 2" standpipe.

    My house was built in 1979, and had the washing machine standpipe tied into the laundry tub drain, just above the p-trap below the tub. All the DVW pipe is 1 1/2" ABS. This setup has worked well. I have noticed that some water usually comes into the laundry tub during the drain cycle, I suppose because the P-trap of the tub can't handle the volume of the top-loading washing machine we had.

    I just bought a new front loading washer and was hoping to hide the water and drain connections in the wall instead of having the visible standpipe. I opened up the drywall and found that the drain/vent stack for the washer is also 1 1/2". I'm somewhat nervous about continuing using a 1 1/2" standpipe with a separate trap (not tied into the laundry tub drain), because of potential overflow problems. Is this a concern? Do I have other options than the original setup?

    If the best solution is to keep the standpipe tied into the tub drain, do you have any suggestions for making this nicer looking? It's a main floor laundry room.

    Thanks for your help,

    Coco

  • #2
    Working on the assumption that your present washer standpipe met code standards at the time it was installed you may continue to use it, however if you make any modifications whatsoever to the design and layout it would then be classified as "New Work" and you would be required to bring it up to the current code standards.

    Both the International Residential Code and the Uniform Plumbing Code now require that all washing machine standpipes, traps and drains must be 2".

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