Sink filling up from washing machine

[doglady]

I've just missed a lovely dinner with Mr Dog because I've been bailing out my sink. The washing machine is draining water like it always does, but instead of going where it should go, all the dirty water is coming up the plughole into my sink. It almost went onto the floor. Ugh. Why is it doing this to me?

Thanks,

xxx

[demo]

your waste from the washing machine obviously connects to the waste trap under your sink.
over time food from washing up collects in the trap partially blocking the pipe because the washing machine empties a large amount of water also containing soap and dirt it restricts the flow rate so it backs up via the plughole.
dismantle the trap. it only screws together in parts or push fit in other sections clean throughly and replace. tip put a bowl underneath the trap before taking apart. clean on a regular basis.

[buildersmate]

As above - relatively easy but messy job. You shouldn't have a problem making a dogs dinner over it.

[doglady]

Ha ha ha! Thanks everyone. I will have a go over the weekend when I've got a bit of spare time. It sounds like a messy job.

Ta

xx

[nightmare]

it is not too messy a job, but be prepared for some "interesting" smells - hope you've got a strong stomach

[doglady]

Just thought I'd let you all know that I took the plumbing apart and washed a load of gunk out the pipes. Then chucked two bottles of bleach down the sink (after I'd put it all back together, obviously) and one or the other seems to have solved the problem.

Still don't quite trust enough to wash stuff while I'm out, but a lot better anyway.

Thanks for all your help everyone.

And it did smell interesting!