washing machine pipes

[Dee Sa]

my kitchen was flooded this morning, from the w/machine, cleared the filter not much in there but a label from clothes which I removed and hoped it would solve the problem, alas no, have put another wash on to try and detect, the water leaves the machine with a type of hose pipe that goes into a plastic pipe behind the sink and out to the drain outside, the plastic pipe must be clogged because the water is coming back up from the plastic pipe .Is there anything I can put down this plastic pipe to clear whatever is causing the blockage ?plumber will cost megabucks and am over 70 and not well off and hubby is blind so cant help me.I tried a wire coat hanger but it didnt work for me.
any helpful suggestions please ?
Dee

[ChuckFickens]

Drain cleaner?

Or use something longer than a coat hanger.... or get a friendly neighbour to take the pipework apart and clean it out that way.

[Old_Geezer]

Yeah, check outside first to ensure nothing obvious where it enters the drainage system; leaves or whatever. If nothing obvious, pour down one of those chemical concoctions you can get at the supermarket into the entry pipe in the kitchen, first. See if it clears it.

[gingejbee]

I think that physical (rather than chemical) means is the best option - since you don't know what it is causing the blockage.

[tamborine]

I use stretch wire from net curtains to poke out blockages........

Men avoid me - hehehehehe

[gingejbee]

tamborine - that's exactly the thing I would try. Worth having even if you don't have net curtains!

[ChuckFickens]

I'd agree that physically clearing any drain is always a better option than trying chemicals, but if the OP isn't confident to try and clear it using physical means then chucking a little drain cleaner down may work and might save a call out charge for somebody to come and clean it.

[Dee Sa]

many thanx folks
Dee

[Old_Geezer]

So, you often suffer from constipation, tamborine ?

[scotman]

Does the plastic pipe that the washing machine(WM) drains into go directly to the outside drain or does it join into the drain from a sink or something? I think it is unusual for a WM drain to block more likely something else downstream.

[tamborine]

me gets lot-o-blox OG

[tamborine]

as scotman says - could be gravity. Try lowering outflow pipe into recepticle to empty reservoir in machine.

[Dee Sa]

I have really tried but have flooded the kitchen again, rang our handyman in desperation but he is on a golfing holiday inTurkey ! will wait till he gets back on Monday or if we have any male visitors before that will ask them.Thanks to all who replied.

[AlBags]

Really ... everyone! ...

The trap is probably blocked .. It should be removeable for cleaning.
Behind the sink, the pipe connections should have large knurled nuts on them. You need to remove them so you can take off the U section for cleaning. Alternatively, if it is a Bottle trap (you should look for a trap like a milk bottle) the lower part should unscrew for cleaning.
Identify trap first and then have a go .. or ask a neighbour or passing guy!
Takes 10 minutes.