LarryLeveen
Member
Moved into a new house several weeks ago -- have been using the plumbing and appliances (dishwasher & washing machine) as one usually might. Yesterday, I saw there was water on the floor of the basement. I did also see some shreds of paper-like material on the floor -- perhaps it was in the pipe and came out with the water.
The previous night, the bath had been used, and also the dishwasher. The clothes washer was NOT. What I think might have happened was that while the tub was being drained, the dishwasher tried to drain as well. Since the tub is on the second floor and has a lot of head compared to the dishwasher's pump, the water backed out and came out the LAUNDRY machine's drain.
I have a vague recollection of faintly hearing an odd noise, like a pump running. Since it is a very new house, I thought maybe it was a new/weird fridge or dishwasher noise. Perhaps, though, it was the sump pump running. I can't exactly tell how the sump pump drain connects to the larger sewage outflow pipe, so I don't know if it just sent water around in a circle -- out the laundry drain and back onto the floor -- until the tub had finished draining and there was capacity for it to successfully pump out the water on the floor.
QUESTIONS:
1. Why did this happen? Was there a check valve missing or malfunctioning? How can I tell?
2. Any other thoughts on diagnosing what happened and what to do about it?
Thanks.
The previous night, the bath had been used, and also the dishwasher. The clothes washer was NOT. What I think might have happened was that while the tub was being drained, the dishwasher tried to drain as well. Since the tub is on the second floor and has a lot of head compared to the dishwasher's pump, the water backed out and came out the LAUNDRY machine's drain.
I have a vague recollection of faintly hearing an odd noise, like a pump running. Since it is a very new house, I thought maybe it was a new/weird fridge or dishwasher noise. Perhaps, though, it was the sump pump running. I can't exactly tell how the sump pump drain connects to the larger sewage outflow pipe, so I don't know if it just sent water around in a circle -- out the laundry drain and back onto the floor -- until the tub had finished draining and there was capacity for it to successfully pump out the water on the floor.
QUESTIONS:
1. Why did this happen? Was there a check valve missing or malfunctioning? How can I tell?
2. Any other thoughts on diagnosing what happened and what to do about it?
Thanks.