How do you drain a laundry tub when the only drain is halfway up the wall?

Question

I want to install a laundry tub (sink) next to the washing machine in the garage. The only drain is halfway up the wall. The washing machine exit hose is currently attached to that drain. I figured I would let the washing machine drain into the tub but the tub will not be able to drain because the tub drain is lower than the drain in the wall. I could get a pump but I really don’t want to. Can I cut into the drain in the wall? Do I need to install a vent to let air out if I do that? Can I just cut the drain shorter? Why is the wall drain so high in the first place? What do you think?

Answer 1

logically the drain runs down the inside or outside of the wall to under the floor and connected to the main drain
rough in measurements for a laundry tub (standard white plastic ones ) is 12" from the floor
get one drain tee Wye ' TY'(that's a tee with a sweep 90)
pick up two fernco couplings and cut into the pipe approx 6 inches from the floor then cut the pipe about 18 above the floor .measure the Ty from the center of the inlet to the slip of the fitting( where the pipe goes inside) then measure the pipe up 6" and remove this amount from the piece of 12" pipe you cut out so you should have a small piece about 3 1/2" long fasten that inside the Ty slide over a fernco coupling do the same for the top and slide over the coupling then install into place and tighten gear clamps usually 5/16" nut driver

ferncos are great because they will fit cast iron or ABS plastic or PVC plastic. if the line is copper use Zip couplings
normal drain size for a washer is 1 1/2" but some codes require 2"
after that its a case of connecting your P trap and your water lines
if you cut a nice hole in the drywall you can back it and put the piece back in with a hole in the right location for the drain
hence drain connected

all you need now is water lines :-)

Answer 2

A washing machine drain is high to accomodate any issues of drainage backing up. The machine pumps water to the drain, but gravity is something to avoid in that case. You could tap into that drain with a pvc T joint, and not attempt draining both things at the same time.

You really can take a deep breath ande relax a bit though. So much stress in your Q's...no offense. It's really as simple as I just suggested.

Ah but here is the possible glitch. Is the drain plumbing for the dryer, inside the wall covered then by drywall? If so you can still accomplish the t drain fitting, b ut will have to cut and patch drywall. You don't need air vents or holes to the exterior, it's plumbing not rocket science,,,, and I suspect needs no permits, or code inspections.


Rev. Steven

Answer 3

Rough set the sink and install the p trap under it. Project the drain line with a slight fall to the standpipe for the washer and mark the location. Get a sanitary y and fit it on the standpipe to match the location for the drain you marked. Mark where you need to cut the standpipe and install the new y (don't forget to trim the extra length of the y out of the standpipe. Now your ready to set the sink and plumb it up.

Answer 4

as long as the drain hose from the washing machine is higher than the level of water in the washing machine, it will drain. therefore, you can take the drain hose from the washing machine and place it in your tub, as long as it is higher, at some point, than the water level in the washing machine. then, you could cut the drain pipe at a lower level to accomodate the tub.

Answer 5

Keith has the right idea.the drain being high means that is where the sanitary sewer runs.a pump is the only way to fix it.the reason your washer drains that way is because of the pressure that comes from the washer pumping out the water

Answer 6

You need to purchase a laundry tub pump that should be available at a plumbing supply shop.