Washing machines are a tremendously helpful modern appliance that reduce time spent washing clothes and are quick and efficient household appliances. However, as with any appliance or component in a home, they can fail or need repairs. Since they are directly connected to the distribution water supply, leakage at a washer can cause a significant amount of damage in a short amount of time if the surrounding building materials are not protected. One way to help protect your home from a washer leak is to install a washing machine drain pan.
Drain pans are often used for many different types of appliances that produce or use a significant amount of water. They are typically seen under washing machines, water heaters, high efficiency furnaces, and heat pumps. These pans are an essential barrier between the source of the water and interior building materials, which can be quickly damaged by even a small amount of leaking water. Since washing machines are one of the most common sources of household flooding, drain pans are a critical installation, especially in second floor laundry rooms.
Installing a drain pan requires several steps depending on the set up and location of your laundry room. If you washing machine is installed in an unfinished garage or concrete floor basement with a floor drain, a drain pan is typically not necessary as water in these areas will flow over the concrete and not cause damage to flooring materials. However, if your washing machine is installed in a laundry room or finished area of your home, installed a drain pan is recommended. Washing machines are very heavy so several people will be required to move and lift the machine onto the drain pan, usually with the help of straps or a ramp.
While installing a drain pan is relatively straightforward, a pan has little use if water collected in it has nowhere to go. Drain pans should also be fitted with a discharge pipe, which then directs water to an unfinished area, floor drain, or outside. Some homes have pre-drilled holes through the wall in the laundry room for the installation of a discharge pipe, however many homes do not. If you laundry room does not have a floor drain or hole in the wall to the exterior, having a contractor drill a hole to the exterior for the discharge pipe may be necessary.