Venting A Washing Machine Drain Pipe? (Do This Way)

How to Vent a Washing Machine Drain Pipe( Step by Step)?

To vent a washing machine drain pipe, there are specific steps you need to follow. Note that skipping any of these steps could only lead to further damage.

Therefore, pay attention to each step outlined below:

#1. Disconnect the Washing Machine from the Power Source

If you have not disconnected your washing machine from the power source, you risk getting electrocuted while working on the machine.

This is because electricity is still flowing through the various parts of the machine, and attempting to vent it at that point would be reckless. Therefore, always disconnect your washing machine from the power source first.

#2. Gather the Necessary Materials

To vent your washing machine, some materials are exceedingly crucial. These materials include the elbow joints, screwdrivers, metal ducts, foil tapes, and pipe straps.

#3. Take Measurements of the Washer

Before you can attempt venting your machine or making any repairs, you need to obtain the proper measurements of your washer.

The things that will need measurement include:

• The gap between the vent hole and the surface of the washer

• The gap between the Washer vent pipe

• The gap between the drain pipe and the outside vent hole

With these measurements, you can make other intelligent decisions. For instance, you can determine the number of bends you would like to create with your rigid metal ducts.

#4. Cut the Straight Metal Ducts

Begin to cut your straight metal ducts, ensuring that they are trimmed to the appropriate dimensions.

You figure out these dimensions by noting at what measurement would these straight metal ducts fit in with the elbow joints.

Note that you need tin snips and gloves for this particular task. You can purchase the INGCO Aviation Pack tin snips and the Purism Gloves for this task.

#5. Carry out the Drilling Process

The most crucial hole you need to drill is the vent hole. Nevertheless, you can begin by drilling a test hole in the rim joist.

This test hole aims to help you determine the best area to install the vent cap.

In a matter of time, you will discover the ideal location for the installation. Drill the vent hole with immediate effect, taking measurements of the vent cap’s duct. Ensure that the dimensions of the hole are 4 ¼ inches.

#6. Install the Vent Cap

To install the vent cap, you must drill a few holes into the designated areas and attach the vent cap to the area, drilling it to fit immediately. After that, you can fill deep gaps with acrylic caulk.

#7. The Elbow Fittings

To work with your elbow fittings, you need to place one on the vent and the other on the machine drain hose pipe output. 

#8. Align the Edges and Connect Your Ducts

To align your seam edges, you need to pull the long edges of the vent, ensuring you force them together.

Once you do this, you can install your ducts to the vent pipe. Complete this process by screwing the vent to the wall.

#9. Power On your Washer

Remember that you had previously removed your washer from its power source.

Now that you have successfully vented the washer, all you need to do is connect the machine back to the power source, allowing electricity to flow through the machine. 

Does Washing Machine Need to be Vented?

You need to vent your washing machine, as not doing so will have some drastic consequences. The vent allows air to enter the drain pipe, thus preventing the drain pipe from creating a vacuum. 

The vent is responsible for reducing the room’s moisture after laundry. Without it, there is a high tendency for your laundry area to experience massive flooding.

Without vents, wastewater will consistently flow down the drain pipe, which will cause the pipes to begin to emit a foul odor. Moreover, your washer may begin to malfunction and eventually crash.

This odor is rather unpleasant, and you will not be able to work in such circumstances.

To avoid this, ensure that you vent your washing machine with immediate effect. Contact a licensed technician immediately if you cannot do it independently. 

How Often to Vent a Washing Machine Drain Pipe?

Due to the nature of the vent, the ideal time you should be venting your washing machine drain pipe is every 12 years. This is because vent pipes are known to have a 12-year life span.

Note that this lifespan is only guaranteed when the vent is properly maintained. If you have any issues with your vent, you must ensure that you carry out the entire venting process all over again.

Nevertheless, if you take proper care of the vent, you will only need to vent the drain pipe after a decade. 

Tips to Properly Vent a Washing Machine Drain Pipe

Several tips must be taken to vent your washing machine drain pipe successfully. Consider the table below to analyze them:

#1. Ensure that Power Remains Off

This step remains very crucial when you are venting your washing machine. Never attempt to vent your washing machine with your washer still connected to the power source.

If you do this, you will encounter major or minor accidents, which is the last thing you want. 

#2. Ensure You Seal the Drain Hose Properly 

While venting your washing machine, ensure you seal the machine’s drain hose properly. To do this, use adhesive tape to seal the open parts. You can repeat this process for every other opening you do not need.

#3. Use Proper Materials

First off, you need to wear protective wear, just like gloves. If you do not use these materials, you will encounter several accidents, or you may end up damaging the washer.

For instance, you cannot seal duct tapes without tin snips. Consider the table below:

#4. Have a Licensed Technician on Standby 

I would advise you to leave the venting of the washing machine to a licensed technician. I advise that you contact the manufacturers for your product or someone you trust is good with homeware repair.

If you cannot have a licensed technician, repair your washer with him on standby. You can maintain communication through a cell phone.

#5. Consider the Distance of your Vent Route

The distance of your vent from your washer is significant. Therefore, I advise that you place your vent in the shortest convenient location to your washer.

In all this, you must ensure that your vent is 12 inches above the ground outside your house. 

Note that you should not install your vent through your roof. However, you can handle this installation if you need to do it as a last resort. Nevertheless, contact professionals to give you alternatives.

#6. Take your Measurements Serious

Before making any alterations to your washer, you need to measure several parts of the washer.

However, it is unfortunate that some people do not attempt their measurements seriously, which would complicate issues for your vent. Therefore, take every measurement seriously and follow it strictly.

Conclusion 

After venting your washer, you must ensure to maintain the washer properly. However, you cannot maintain your washer if you do not consistently check it.

Therefore, develop the habit of having a routine maintenance check. If not, you risk losing your vent to severe damage.

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