How to seal off old washing machine outlet pipe?

[threemonkeys]

I'd like to get rid of this old pipe, it's on the wrong side of the room for the machine and I'd like to put a cabinet in this area instead. How do I seal it off, is it just a screw on plumbing fitting? Is there a way to remove it completely patching up the wall or at least get it flush? 

I also need to install a substitute on the other side of the room, maybe draining into the shower pipe?

[redracer01]

Hello @threemonkeys 

Thanks for sharing your question about your outlet pipe. Because there is a sink trap attached to the pipe work, it's safe to say that it's linked to the sewer drain system. 

Covering it up is straightforward and that means capping it off. But if you are planning on using it for another purpose, you'll need to engage the services of a plumber as it involves plumbing work which needs to be done to code.

If you have any other questions we can help with, please let us know.

Red

[JacobZ]

Hi @threemonkeys,

Thank you for your question.

Unfortunately, like @redracer01 has said, as this trap will likely be connected to the sewer system, it is important that a licensed plumber carries out this work for you to ensure it is up to code.

You might like to have a look at a service such as HiPages or True Local to find someone in your area to assist.

Let me know if you have any further questions.

Jacob

[threemonkeys]

Thanks I've got a plumber coming out next week. The pipe goes through the wall, outside the building and attaches to the drain pipe for the showers which runs down the side of the unit block. Effectively the water from the washer would have been draining into the shower pipe had it been in a usable spot. At the moment I'm just putting the hose in the shower pan and letting the washing water drain there because an extension hose isn't practical in that space, it was a really awkwardly placed pipe and everybody else in the block is ripping theirs out. 

I was wondering since there are those plastic screw fittings if I was able to unscrew it at the wall one and replace the pipe part with a top piece to cap it off until I get around to having a builder patch the wall. I want to put in some cabinetry and the pipe part of the setup is in the way.

I will have to see a plumber about setting up another pipe into the shower drain so I can fix it permanently, but in the meantime the pipe is holding up the rest of the renovation.

[MitchellMc]

That sounds like something the plumber can do for you, @threemonkeys. Removing, changing, adding to, or capping off this pipework is considered plumbing work, which requires a licensed plumber. We are unable to advise on what you can do with the pipe.

Mitchell

[threemonkeys]

The components just screwed off but the part sticking out had to be cut. It's been capped and recessed now, the other units tiled over the top of theirs but I went the painting + cabinet route to get a bit more storage.

I went with a flat pack free standing cabinet, everything else I looked at wouldn't fit properly. I wish I'd found it a couple of years ago because it would have been a good renter-friendly option before I bought, I used to have boxes piled up under the sink. The delivery on it was good, everything gets stolen off my front landing so the delivery driver checking I was home rather than just dumping it at front of the building was an important consideration for me.

I still had to cut out and paint where the lines are for the taps but other than that it was a pretty good fit and I didn't have to modify anything in the bathroom. I used some vinyl tiles on the top and contact on the shelves to avoid problems where water or products could pool/stain, and fitted some rubber feet underneath to level it and prevent it from coming into contact with water on the floor. I was surprised by how much stuff it actually holds.

Probably not a long-term solution for me but it should hold me over until I do a bit more work to the bathroom down the track. Not a bad result for the cost.

 

I still have to sort out somewhere to put the drain for my washing machine. At the moment I put the hose into the shower pan, I'm guessing needing to move the hose around was how the bathroom got flooded previously so it's something I will need to address before it comes time to rent it out. The way I figure it I've got two options. If I'm ripping out the shower pan I can get them to put a pipe going directly into the shower drain, if I'm just going to put a membrane over the top of the shower pan I might replace one of the shower panels, the re-enamel company damaged the one next to the machine where I'd like to pipe to go. I can have it made slightly shorter or with a cutout to run a drain pipe through into the shower recess. I should be able to attach a pipe to the shower frame to avoid potentially compromising the waterproofing. I don't really like the idea of training into the shower pan I'd prefer to be out of sight, I'm not keen on having laundry water running over the shower pan, I don't know if anyone has a better idea.

 

[EricL]

Hello @threemonkeys 

If the shower is getting removed then it would be the perfect opportunity to install a drain point for your washing machine. If you are renting the property in the future this would be the best course of action as the new tenants will have a spot for their own washing machine. There will be no need to redirect pipes, and it will not interfere with your shower drain or shower base.

Let me call on our experienced members @Nailbag and @Dave-1 for their recommendations.

If you need further assistance, please let us know.

Eric

[Dave-1]

Evening @threemonkeys 

Going through your project and (its looking good btw) I still prefer putting a pipe through the wall and outside to match up with the plumbing. I dont know if this is possible for you? I really like dislike the idea of changing a waterproofed area (had a leaky shower years ago) so always head towards a seperate solution. The other reason is long term use. A stand alone seperate outlet for a washing machine limits issues but for me adds value in knowing a job has been sorted.

Dave

[threemonkeys]

The pipe I just removed went to the shower downpipe outside the building, it was unusable because it was on the wrong side of the room, everyone just throws the hose into the shower pan. The shower plumbing appears to have been designed to accommodate the washer water though so I'd say that's where it will end up being drained if I put a pipe in.

At the moment the waterproofing and tile appears to be good so I'm reluctant to rip up the pan, it's more the cosmetic and knowing what to do with the washer water.

Everyone I spoke to about it said if I replace the pan the waterproofing will fail at some point unless I also retile making it a much bigger job. Budget aside if I'm going to go so far as to retile I'd probably want to change the layout, I've seen the other units that replaced the pan and if you squint it just looks the same as what I have now, it doesn't look like several thousand dollars worth of work. I think I can get as nice a finish just by using an acrylic membrane over the current one and refurbishing the screen, I was roughly quoted about $1500. It just leaves the issue of what do I do with the drain for the washer.

I have noticed some hollows around the bottom of the pan on the outside, I don't know if they go all the way through to the drain but it would be handy if they do. The pan is quite elevated so it's possible there might already be access to the shower drain beneath the pan. I'll have to ask the plumber about it when he's out next.

[threemonkeys]

I think I will be renting it with white goods in place, if not fully furnished, it's less wear and tear on a property that attracts short leases and the furniture I have will be too small for a bigger property anyway. When I rented before it wasn't uncommon for vacant units to come with a fridge and dryer.

Both the laundry and kitchen are a tight fit and will only accommodate a handful of appliance sizes, previous tenants who've tried to put a machine in there weren't able to fully open the door because it opens against the machine, the one I've got in there at the moment just fits and I had to shop around because not many places had that size in stock. I've just repaired the wall from where they've taken big chunks out of it moving fridges and the door frame is in pretty bad condition as well from trying to maneuver a trolley in such a small space. I'd like to also install a dryer and it looks like I can only put a vented one in there so I'll need an outlet for that too. The electrician will be coming back at some point to install a better fan. After having done so much work to the walls and the amount of water damage I want to avoid any potential flooding or condensation issues in future. I think the best way for me to do that is to have the appliances as part of the property. I'll be putting them in anyway for my own convenience for now and they're on the budget end so they may as well stay.