We have a top-loading washer in our mudroom (typical Houston slab foundation). About two weeks ago, the water started rising in the drum during the spin cycle. It would eventually drain, but you could hear gurgling from the standpipe. Then came the smell – that rotten, sulfur-like Houston sewage scent.
Don’t ignore the signs – my Houston washing machine clog turned into a disaster washing machine clogged houston tx
If your washing machine drain is on an exterior wall, check the cleanout outside. Ours was buried under monkey grass. Keeping that accessible saved us from having to cut drywall. We have a top-loading washer in our mudroom
I’m writing this from the “been there, flooded that” corner of Houston. If your washing machine is draining slowly or backing up into the utility tub, keep running cycles hoping it will fix itself. I learned the hard way. Then came the smell – that rotten, sulfur-like
⭐⭐ (2/5 – for the situation, not the fix)
I tried Drano (mistake #1). Then ran an empty hot cycle (mistake #2). On the third load of towels, the machine drained so slowly that soapy water backed up out of the standpipe and onto the floor . We’re talking 5+ gallons of greywater in a laundry room with no floor drain. My wife was less than thrilled.
Would I recommend ignoring a slow-draining washer? Absolutely not. Call a plumber the second you hear that gurgle. Your floors will thank you.