Laundry Drain Cleaning | Washing Machine Standpipe Repair

Why Laundry Drains Fail

It's not just water going down that pipe. It's a mixture that creates a "concrete-like" blockage over time.

Synthetic Lint

Cotton breaks down. Polyester and nylon do not. Tiny fibers from your clothes accumulate in the trap, creating a dense plug that water cannot pass through.

Soap Scum

Detergent binds the lint together. Over years, the diameter of your 2-inch pipe shrinks to the size of a straw due to sludge buildup on the walls.

Distance & Grade

Laundry lines are often far from the main stack. If the pipe doesn't have enough slope, debris settles at the bottom instead of washing away.

Utility sink and washing machine plumbing

Fast Pump Speed

Modern washers pump 15-20 gallons per minute.

Diagnosis

Signs of a Clogged Standpipe

The "Standpipe" is the vertical pipe behind your machine where the drain hose inserts. If it's clogged, you'll see these signs instantly:

The "Shoot Back"

Water erupts out of the standpipe or utility sink the moment the machine switches to the drain cycle.
The Toilet Gurgle

When the washer drains, does your toilet bubble or does the water level drop? This indicates a vent issue or a partial main line blockage.
Slow Utility Sink

If your washer drains into a sink and that sink fills up to the brim, the line is restricted and close to failure.

The Floor Drain Defense

Most laundry rooms have a circular drain in the floor. This is your "emergency exit" for water. If your washer leaks and this drain is clogged with dust and lint, your home will flood.

We inspect and test your floor drain with every laundry service call to ensure it's ready for an emergency.

Test My Floor Drain

How We Fix It Safely

Laundry pipes are often 2 inches wide. Using a blade that is too big can crack the pipe. We use precision tools.

1. Access Point

We access the line directly through the standpipe or by removing the P-trap under the utility sink.

2. Power Snaking

We use a 3/8" or 1/2" cable with a retrieval head to hook the lint mass and pull it out, rather than pushing it deeper.

3. Volume Test

We run the washer through a full drain cycle while observing the pipe to ensure it can handle the full volume of water.

Laundry Line FAQ

Can I use a lint trap?

**Yes!** If your washer drains into a utility sink, buy a mesh lint sock (costs about $2) and attach it to the end of the drain hose. You will be amazed at how much gunk it catches. Change it every month.

Why does it smell like rotten eggs?

This could be a dried-out P-trap (if you haven't used the washer in a while), or bacteria growing on the soap scum inside the pipe. We can scour the line to remove the odor-causing bacteria.

Does "HE" detergent matter?

Absolutely. High Efficiency (HE) washers require very little soap. If you use too much, or use non-HE soap, the excess does not wash away. It turns into sludge that clogs your pipes. Use less soap!