Wrong Piping with washing machine?

Question

Hi all,
I just moved and the washing machine that the seller left me is not working right (there is very little water flow). It's not the washer, we tried with our old washer. So I had a plumber look at it and he says my pipes are not connected right and that it is not up to code. The pipes are also connected to a small unpermitted bathroom and he says that is one of the reasons why it isn't working (supposed to go thru the wall). Question is: can I fix this myself? And how? The plumber is asking for at least $600 and I don't have any money; the insurance won't cover it either because it is something that was done by the seller.
Also, do you know how much it would cost to re-pipe a small house? The plumber also said that my pipes are galvanized and we would need copper plumbing so there are no calcium deposits. I don't know if he just wants to take advantage of my ignorance. He quoted me about $4300 (that would include the piping problem with the washer). The house is about 900 sqft

The plumber said the problem has also to do with the drain for the washer. Also the pipe under my sink in the small bathroom is supposed to go up, but it is going down. I don't know what that means??

Answer 1

He is taking advantage of your ignorance. Look in the back of the washer that doesn't work where the hoses connect. You should see a screen/filter inside the hose connection. I bet you that it is plugged with sand/rust/etc.

Pull out the screen, clean it, hook your washer up, and use it.

Galvanized pipe is not the best thing in your house, and probably should be upgraded when you can. Being he jerked you around with the washer, I would'nt hire him.

Good luck!

Answer 2

Of course you need to get two more quotes before you have anything done by a plumber, but there may be a temporary fix until you can afford the needed repairs. If the plumbing in the rest of the house is bearable then try this. There is a drain valve on the side of your water heater get a hose long enough to reach the washing machine and connect it to the drain valve and the hot water input on the washing machine. Often times there is a drain valve near your water meter where you could hook-up the cold water supply. If not, you may need to go to the garage or even outside to find a cold water source. The point is to get as close to the water meter as possible... this is where you will have the best pressure. Hook your hoses up to the supply hoses attached to the machine. These have a female connector on each end. You still should check the screens as suggested by the earlier answer, but I noticed that you mentioned that the old washer had the same problem so the screen is most likely not the problem.

This is a temporary fix. You said that you didn't have the money to make the repair. It should work fine for a long time but it may look a little embarasing.

Answer 3

Get another quote--estimate. Copper pipes are great.but cost more to buy, and labor to install. This would add value to your home(copper pipes),but at what cost?
One could use cvcc (plastic)pipes instead, or perhaps "tubing"and strap ---much like used in a trailer home---if permitted in your area.
You are only "talking" about the bathroom ---kitchen ---laundry--and perhaps a outside bib or 2.
$4300 is a very good sum for this work
Your home is a little on the small size too
You decide ---- if it is worth it to you ?
I would get another plumber out for another estimate ------
Better yet --- I would do the work myself for the cost of the materials.
For a place your size --- $400 would "kill it dead"---and that would be using copper pipes too. Labor can be high --- and in some cases --- "Too High".
Have a nice day.

Answer 4

If you have galvanized pipes that is most of your problem. They actually grow "hairs" inside until the flow of water is almost totally cut off. It don't sound like hes taking advantage and you can always get other estimates. Unless you have some skill in the area doing your own plumbing can opena real can of worms.
maybe get a plumber to do the main line then work on the rest yourself a piece at a time.
Good luck.

Answer 5

How many quotes did you get and, were they from reliable companies?

Get at least three and don't tell them about the last ones, see what they say. My house is the same and I went all 3/4 inch copper with 1/2 inch take off lines. No more problems with water flow or calcium.

Answer 6

Get estimates from at least 2 other plumbers with good
reputations. Then figure out how to pay for it, becuase it is something you need to do. Too bad the home inspection did not uncover thisproblem, you might have recourse in that direction. Call your real estate agent or ask a lawyer.

Answer 7

$4300.00 sounds reasonable but slightly high depending on the difficulty of the job. If it is really difficult and a lot of tear out work is involved than the 4300.00 is right in line. If it a retty straight forward and easy job 3000.00 is more like it. Contractor bids will vary so get about 3 of them and ask them about the livel of difficulty involved. If the entire house is plummed in galvanized than it will all need to be replaced to be brought up to code and the 4300.00 isnt a bad price.

Answer 8

You need to get more estimates and what I would do first is call the housing/building inspector for some verification of what the plumber said your problems are. good luck.
bettyk

Answer 9

get an other est. the price is too hard to tell because each job is different. he is right about the galv piping ( it sucks and it is old ) most likely the inside of the pipes are full of rust.