I would appreciate it if anyone could tell me how low the trap needs to be for a washing machine? Does it need to be below grade or only just as low as possible. I need to replumb w/d in a new location and it is on a slab. If i could locate it in the wall it would be very helpful. This will be common interior wall with a bathroom and will contain an access panel for the shower and the water run for the toilet. I already have a trench cut through the slab for the toilet, but it is about 12″ away and I already returned the jackhammer. Also, would there be any reason not to set the shower on a platform and run a solid vent under it for the dryer? otherwise I don’t see a good way to get it to the outside wall to vent. I would prefer to run it under the shower as opposed to in a soffit above the shower for asthetic reasons. Thanks in advance!
Discussion Forum
Discussion Forum
Up Next
Video Shorts
Featured Story
Join some of the most experienced and recognized building professionals for two days of presentations, panel discussions, networking, and more.
Featured Video
Highlights
"I have learned so much thanks to the searchable articles on the FHB website. I can confidently say that I expect to be a life-long subscriber." - M.K.
Fine Homebuilding Magazine
Fine Home Building
Follow
-
Fine Homebuilding
Dig into cutting-edge approaches and decades of proven solutions with total access to our experts and tradespeople.
Start Free Trial Now -
GBA Prime
Get instant access to the latest developments in green building, research, and reports from the field.
Start Free Trial Now
Replies
Washer Trap in the wall, low.
I think the annoyance of stepping up into the shower would trump the asthetics issue. But it would be no different than having a second story shower.
With the proximity of the laundry room and the bath so close it brings to mind some sudsing issues. Is Sudsing a venting issue or is it the laundy drain backing up into the tub upun discharge? It's been too many years since I dealt with the issue to remember correctly.
Since there is already a threshold on this unit (48x36, i hate small showers!), and the platform would be 2X4 base, the step is a bit of an issue, but I think the best route for now. The drains for the shower, toilet, and washer all run independently to a nearby 4" sched 40 main run with good venting, so suds should not be an issue.
The trap can be anywhere convenient, but it must be 2" pipe.
Why do you need to run a vent line under the shower? Does the washer share a drain line with the shower? How is the shower vented?
With 2" drain, you can run 5' to the vent (critical distance).
If the vent is taking off horizontally from the washer drain, it has to take off at a 45° upward angle (no flat venting allowed).
View Image
Solar & Super-Insulated Healthy Homes
sorry i wasn't clear on the vent issue, the vent is for the dryer. The plumbing vent is already in place.
Any chance you could build a seat in the shower with the vent pipe under it?
Joe H
The shower is a preformed unit with a seat already in place. It's not exactly "period", but a nice fit with what else we have in the room. In time we may bring the clawfoot from upstairs and use it, but we have graduation in less than 2 months and ma's got a long list of honey do's!
I misssed that.
Running the drier vent under the shower would make it near impossible to clean out lint that collects in the low spot.
Riversong HouseWright
Design * * Build * * Renovate * * ConsultSolar & Super-Insulated Healthy Homes
I get what you are saying, but the vent would run straight out, and I intend to use smooth, solid (not the accordian type) pipe. Also, there is enough room to allow a slight drop to the vent exit. I am doing this because the house is a 100+ yr old victorian with 10' ceilings and I do not want to obscure the volume of the room.