Your washer and dryer poses one of the greatest threats when it comes to flooding in the home. A burst washer hose can spill gallons and gallons of water per hour if it’s not detected right away, and water damage from a washing machine can be very expensive to repair. In just a few moments, a leaking washing machine can cause thousands of dollars of damage.
How can you help prevent an expensive, watery disaster from your washer and dryer? Install a drain pan!
Installing a washer drain pan is an easy, inexpensive way to prevent water damage from a leaking washing machine. A drain pan slides under your washing machine and provides the first line of defense against leaks, accidental spillage or anything that might drip from your washing machine. The washer pan will catch any leaks due to washing machine overflow or hose failure, or any drips from where the hoses connect to the washing machine. The washing machine pan also protects your floor from condensation.
If your washing machine is located upstairs, a drain pan is particularly important and may be required. Check your local building code and insurance requirements.
Want to understand how a washer machine drain pain can really save you in a leaky crisis? Discover our Home Matters home solutions experts tutorial video discussing the washing machine drain pan's importance in protecting your home.
via Young House Love
How do drain pans work?
You can purchase a washer pan at a home improvement store, plumbing supply store or online. You will need a helper and possibly a dolly to gently lift the washing machine onto the drain pan without cracking it. Your drain pan must be connected to a drainpipe to move water away from the area—otherwise you’ll just delay the inevitable leaky mess when the drain pan overflows. Drain pans typically use either bottom or side drains to channel water out of the pan to a floor drain. Your washer pan connects to a drain-waste-vent system via a drain fitting and PVC pipe. Some drain pans have a formed hole that you must punch out to install the 1-inch PVC fitting. Other drain pans may not have a pre-cut hole, so you will need to drill a hole for the drain fitting. You may need to hire a plumber to connect the washer pan to your floor drain.
via This Old House
