how do i fix a drain pipe behind my washing machine that has backed up?

Answer 1

Access the pipe. If it has a clean out, a removable cap, unscrew it and remove the debris. Have a bucket ready to catch the excess water trapped in the pipe.

Also, see if the pipe is leaking. If not, try to unclog it with hot water. If that doesn't work, try plunging it. Next, if that doesn't work, try a diluted (1/2) strength cup of bleach.

If that doesn't work, resort to a stronger drain opener, like pro strength Draino.

Yeah, you could use a metal snake to unclog it, if you know how to use one. Use eye protection for all of these techniques, including the use of a metal snake.

Finally, if that doesn't work, call a plumber.

Answer 2

First try your standard over the counter drain uncloggers. . . as previously suggested. Remember, you may have to give it time for the drain solutions to work on the clog. Then if a few hours later, the drain is still not clear. Go to Home Depot or Lowes and buy or rent a drain auger. You could buy one for under $25. Stick the end of the drain auger into the drain and then turn the handle, and keep turning, this will clear out the drain. The auger is basically a "snake" that will "catch" any backed up material and clear the drain.

Answer 3

If it's the flexible pipe attached to the back of your washer, remove and flush it out with a garden hose, or replace it. Sometimes those flexible pipes get terminally kinked. If it's the rigid drain pipe into which the flexible pipe drains, use a plumber's "snake" a light duty model of which which may be purchased at a home improvement store for $15-30, or a heavier duty model rented for a relatively modest fee.

Answer 4

If the hot water doesn't work, you need to "snake" out the line. You can rent a plumber's snake. It's a long wire that wiggles through the clog. If that doesn't help, Roto-Rooter. You'll need someone to come clean the drains. This is especially true if you have an older house, ceramic tile drains and trees.

Answer 5

You could have roots in the sewer pipe-call a pro
You could have a grease build up in the pipes-pour enzymes in the drain. You can get that at the hardware store.