Water coming into washing machine

Ms. Captain M

Hoping some of you good folk can help me. I know I will probably need to get a plumber but I'd like an idea of what the problem is first, or if it's something maybe my father could fix. I'm thinking it has to be some sort of valve, but anyway....

I got rid of my old washing machine a couple of months ago, it was old, it started tripping the switch, and there was water coming into it when it wasn't on.

I know the water coming into it is something to do with the kitchen tap, because the kitchen tap broke and wouldn't turn off fully (fixed now) but when it was constantly running the washing machine was filling up faster with water.

Anyway got a new washing machine and there is water coming into this one as well. Not a huge amount but if it's not used for a day or two there's a fair bit of water sitting in the bottom. Also when I turn it on there's a smell comes up from the kitchen sink for a minute or two.

Anyone know what the problem is please?

AdrianLM

There is a constant supply into a washing machine, the washing machine has a valve in the machine inlet somewhere which controls the water, this was probably faulty on you old machine. It's very strange that the same thing is happening with 2 different machines.

The broken kitchen tap wouldn't have anything to do with the problem, the supply to the machine would be at joint before the cold tap supply.

pekitivey

Ms. Captain M wrote: »

Hoping some of you good folk can help me. I know I will probably need to get a plumber but I'd like an idea of what the problem is first, or if it's something maybe my father could fix. I'm thinking it has to be some sort of valve, but anyway....

I got rid of my old washing machine a couple of months ago, it was old, it started tripping the switch, and there was water coming into it when it wasn't on.

I know the water coming into it is something to do with the kitchen tap, because the kitchen tap broke and wouldn't turn off fully (fixed now) but when it was constantly running the washing machine was filling up faster with water.

Anyway got a new washing machine and there is water coming into this one as well. Not a huge amount but if it's not used for a day or two there's a fair bit of water sitting in the bottom. Also when I turn it on there's a smell comes up from the kitchen sink for a minute or two.

Anyone know what the problem is please?

I'm not plumber but your washing machine and kitchen sink are both plumbed in off the mains it seems. you more than likely need a plumber to check that out but it should not be a big job for a plumber. but possibly to big or complicated for a DIY

pekitivey

AdrianLM wrote: »

There is a constant supply into a washing machine, the washing machine has a valve in the machine inlet somewhere which controls the water, this was probably faulty on you old machine. It's very strange that the same thing is happening with 2 different machines.

Good point, the new machine might have been plumbed in with the old hoses which might be faulty?

KildareP

Could the sink be backfilling into the washing machine through the drain, if they are both plumbed into the same waste outlet?

pekitivey

KildareP wrote: »

Could the sink be backfilling into the washing machine through the drain, if they are both plumbed into the same waste outlet?

That would explain the bad smell. as the trap on the sink would be empty. Should be an easy fix for a plumber

AdrianLM

Could the sink be backfilling into the washing machine through the drain, if they are both plumbed into the same waste outlet?

That's actually a very good point. The WM outlet should be at a higher point above the sink outlet. See if you can take a photo. Grey pipe coming out of the washing machine, check to see where it's going, It should be connected into you sink waste outlet, there are 2 ways this might be done.

Ms. Captain M

AdrianLM wrote: »

That's actually a very good point. The WM outlet should be at a higher point above the sink outlet. See if you can take a photo. Grey pipe coming out of the washing machine.

Take a photo at the back of the house, the outside like? I'll be home for lunch will take one then

AdrianLM

No inside, under the sink cupboard, check to see how the grey pipe coming from the WM is connected to the sink waste outlet.

Wearb

Those valves have a maximum allowable pressure. I have seen this happen once before, when the pressure switch on a domestic pump gave trouble and pressure rose very high.

Ms. Captain M

20181107_131245.jpg

EdgeCase

Your sink drain is likely clogged. Dirty water from the sink or drain is entering the washing machine.

Generally washing machines are better off connected via a stand pipe and trap rather than directly to a sink like that. There's no valve in a washing machine drain pipe. If the sink drain is clogged or slow running, water will just flow straight into the sump passing through the drain pump.

Also your washing machine pipe should go up in a loop to avoid back flow from the sink. It shouldn't be coming out and down like that. If you can clip it up, that might help but, you need a plumber to sort that out properly. Having dirty water flowing into a washing machine isn’t a good idea.

The bad smell from the sink could indicate something like a blocked pipe or a missing trap, particularly if it’s a rotten egg like smell.

AdrianLM

OK, When you fill up your sink and let the water go does the sink empty fairly quickly or is it slow to empty?

Ms. Captain M

So I should I just start with one of those strong drain unclogging gels, that might solve it?

Mena Mitty

Ms. Captain M wrote: »

20181107_131245.jpg

Sticking my oar in here. The water coming into the machine is not from the inlet hose, looks like it's entering the machine via the machine waste. The waste exits the machine from the bottom, this grey waste should be looped about machine height and then run into the sink waste or better still give it it's own upright waste joined into the existing one.

If you still have the instruction book that came with the machine, there should be a diagram of how the waste should be installed. Ask your father first if he can sort it, if not time for the plumber or good handyman or woman.

Ms. Captain M

Would be slow enough, not hugely slow but probably not as fast as it should be

Mena Mitty

Edgecase post has hit the nail on the head.

AdrianLM

Didn't see EdgeCase comment before last post and I'm reckoning the same as him. My dish washer is connected like your pic but the washing machine is via a stand pipe, like this:

Ms. Captain M

Ah great, at least I know it's not a big job. Appreciate everyone's time, thanks so much!