Washing machine located in the basement. 2 weeks ago it began backing up and it seems to only happen if you flush the toilet while the washer is draining. I tried to get a snake in there but couldn't get a 1/2 or 1/4 inch past the p-trap. I've since run hot water through a drain cleaning bladder in the drain pipe twice (about 5 minutes each) and it appears the water is draining but still backs up. A plumber came out and suggested upgrading from a 1.5" drain to 2", including putting a PVC fitting on the main sewer line to tie the 2" drain into. Have no problem going to 2" if that will solve the problem but did some reading on my own and from what I can tell, the washer drain needs to be properly vented and there are also certain restrictions when it comes to the lengths of the standpipe, vent pipe, trap arm, etc. There was no mention of the existing setup except going to 2" so makes me wonder if this is the right person for the job or if diagnosis is complete. All existing water fixtures are dry vented except for the 2 toilets and 1 shower which are wet vents. The existing vent stack is 20 feet horizontally on the other side of the house so probably can't tie into that. Except for the washer, all water fixtures are on main floor.
Don't know if it matters but my septic is also due to be pumped out. I usually pump it out every 4 years and four years passed Sep. 2013. I plan to do that once the ground thaws. I don't know what effect if any this might have. Not having any sewer backups as far as I can tell.
Any thoughts on what could be causing the backup would be appreciated. Below is a pic of the washer drain setup with some notations in blue of what I think it should look like if indeed I have to change the drain pipe.
Looking for any comments on that as well. If I could run a 2" pipe and reduce it to 1.5" at the wye fitting to the sewer line then that is something I might do myself. I wouldn't wanna mess with the sewer line myself and I'm a little bit leery about someone else messing with it if they don't seem entirely knowledgeable.
Don't know if it matters but my septic is also due to be pumped out. I usually pump it out every 4 years and four years passed Sep. 2013. I plan to do that once the ground thaws. I don't know what effect if any this might have. Not having any sewer backups as far as I can tell.
Any thoughts on what could be causing the backup would be appreciated. Below is a pic of the washer drain setup with some notations in blue of what I think it should look like if indeed I have to change the drain pipe.
Looking for any comments on that as well. If I could run a 2" pipe and reduce it to 1.5" at the wye fitting to the sewer line then that is something I might do myself. I wouldn't wanna mess with the sewer line myself and I'm a little bit leery about someone else messing with it if they don't seem entirely knowledgeable.
