Water Backing Up When You Run the Washing Machine? Here’s Why

Water Backs Up When Running My Washing Machine

Question:

“Whenever I do more than two loads of laundry quickly, water appears around the toilet on the other side of my house. But if I wait about four hours between loads, there’s no issue. Why does this happen?”

Short Answer:

After several loads of laundry, a backup typically points to a main line clog. This clog is usually beyond your toilet, impacting the overall sewer line. A professional plumbing service is best suited to clearing a main sewer line.

Why Is the Water Backing Up?

  1. Clog in the Main Line
    • Debris, buildup, or tree roots can cause partial or complete blockages in your main sewer line.
    • Multiple, consecutive washing machine cycles create a surge of water, overwhelming the restricted line and causing backflow elsewhere—often at the toilet.
  2. Slow Draining
    • When you space out your loads (waiting four hours), it allows the backed-up water to drain off slowly.
    • Running multiple loads back-to-back floods the line too quickly.
  3. Plumbing System Overload
    • Because the blockage is further down the line, the water can’t drain properly, so it resurfaces through the nearest fixture.

What You Should Do

  • Pause Water Usage
    • Avoid running more laundry or flushing toilets unnecessarily until the issue is addressed.
  • Consider a Professional Inspection
    • Removing main line clogs requires specialized tools (like motorized augers or hydro-jet equipment).
    • A camera inspection can also identify if there’s any structural damage or tree root intrusion.
  • Call PlumberHelp
    • At PlumberHelp, we specialize in mainline cleanouts and sewer line services.
    • Phone: 888-886-3881

How PlumberHelp Can Help

  1. Professional Sewer Cleaning
    • Our technicians use industry-grade equipment to break through tough clogs, ensuring your lines flow smoothly again.
  2. Timely Service
    • We understand that a backed-up sewer line can disrupt your home life, and we’re committed to providing prompt, efficient solutions.
  3. Preventive Advice
    • After clearing your line, we’ll offer tips on how to prevent future blockages, such as spreading out laundry loads and avoiding flushing non-dissolvable items.

Need Immediate Assistance?

Call PlumberHelp at 888-886-3881

Preventing Future Backups

  • Spread Out Laundry Loads
    • Running multiple loads back-to-back sends a large volume of water simultaneously.
  • Watch What You Flush
    • Items like wipes, paper towels, and hygiene products can quickly create clogs.
  • Regular Maintenance
    • Periodic professional drain cleaning and inspections help catch issues before they escalate.

When water backs up around your toilet during laundry cycles, it’s a likely sign of a main sewer line clog. Resolve the problem promptly to avoid bigger (and costlier) plumbing emergencies down the road. If you suspect a clog or have recurring drainage problems, contact PlumberHelp at 888-886-3881 for trusted, professional service.