Why does water from my washing machine come into the bathtub?

Question

Whenever the washer is between cycles,(wash water drains from washer and fills up for rinse cycle) the water comes into the bathtub for a couple of minutes and then drains out. Is this a serious problem??

Thanks

Answer 1

Common issue, its just the plumbing is getting overloaded with the sudden load of washing water, happens to us also in the nearest sink...


I'd check you have a good filter in your washing machine, and you could try putting Dranox (or other pipe decongestant brand) down the bath plug. It could be filled with hair/washing lint and redirecting at a certain level.


Otherwise, it could just simply be a 'bottleneck' by small pipes at that junction. In which case, just put a strong plug in the bath tub.

But you may just have to live with it, but not a problem.

Answer 2

It sounds like the washer drain is not draining properly. Have you tried any over the counter drain uncloggers? Liquid Plumber is a good brand to try. You could unhook the drain hose on your washer and stick it down there. Then I would reattach the washer hose, fill up the washer with really hot water and let it spin and drain down that pipe to clear out the clog. The next thing I would try is to get the drain rootered out which you could do yourself if you have or could rent a snake. Then you will know that line is clear. Hope some of this helps!

Answer 3

I had the same problem a few years back, and he res how I fixed the problem. I got my wife's 3rd grade picture, and put it next to the sewer pipes ,and bam, problem solved!!! That picture could peel paint! Ha! Just mess'in around! The problem is one of two things, (1) your vent pipe's ( pipes that stick out of your roof) are probably plug ed up or your sewer pipes are old and just plugged up! purchase a water weenie at Home Depot - Lowe's,etc...hook it to the end of your garden hose, climb up on your roof and shove down the vent pipes. you should be able to put the hose down about 8-10 feet . if so, your pipe is clear and move on to the next one!

Answer 4

Your drain is probably set up that way to drain into your tub. Or you could have a plugged line somewhere.

Answer 5

most likely there is a clog that is making it drain slow, the water is taking the path of the least resistence, so the clog would be beyong where these two pipes would meet.

Answer 6

you would possibly want to lease an electric powered 'snake.' try chemical drain cleaners, yet extremely, it feels like a job. that is a tree root grew into the drain line or something undesirable. i'd get out the phonebook.

Answer 7

If it is a new problem the system is plugged with the usual greasy stuff. Use liquid Drano. Your problem will not clear itself without your help. It will get worse.

Answer 8

sounds like you may need a plumber.