Side-Load Washer: Drip Pan Essential?

A leaking washer can cause costly water damage to your home, and a side-load washer is no exception. To prevent this, you can install a drip pan, also known as a drain pan, beneath your washer. This shallow tray slides under the washer and is designed to catch leaks or drips from the hose connection. While plumbing codes do not require the use of a drip pan, it is highly recommended, especially if your washer is situated on the upper storey of your home.

What is a washing machine drip pan?

A washing machine drip pan is a shallow tray that sits under your washing machine to catch leaks before they spread. They are typically made of plastic, composite material, or stainless steel, and placed under the washer to collect water and drain it away. Drain pans come with a pre-cut hole in the side or bottom for the PVC pipe that connects the pan to the drainpipe. If the water in the pan reaches a certain level, it drains through the pipe and out of your home.

Washing machine drip pans are not a requirement, but they are an inexpensive and simple way of protecting your home by catching small leaks and reducing water damage from broken hoses. They are especially useful if your laundry room is upstairs, as leaks can seep into the rooms below.

Drip pans come in different materials, sizes, and features. You can choose between plastic or metal pans, with metal being more robust but more expensive. Plastic is more lightweight and affordable but has a chance of warping or cracking over time. Metal pans eliminate the risk of cracks but can still warp. Drip pans also vary in size, so it's important to measure your machine's footprint and clearance space to find the right fit.

Most washing machine drain pans have four sides, but there are also three-sided pans available for washers with pedestals. The wall height of the pans ranges from one to four inches, with higher walls allowing for more water containment. You can also choose between pans with or without a built-in drain. Pans with a drain connect to a drain tube for automatic water disposal, while those without a drain require manual draining.

Overall, a washing machine drip pan is a valuable investment to protect your home from water damage and reduce the risk of mould and mildew buildup.

Why do you need a washing machine drip pan?

A leaking washer can cause a lot of damage, and a washing machine drip pan is a simple yet effective way to contain water leaks and prevent damage to your home. It is also easy to install and maintain, so it is worth doing for the peace of mind alone.

Washing machine drip pans are trays that sit under your washing machine to catch leaks before they spread. They are usually made of metal or high-density plastic and are slightly larger than the base dimensions of most washers. They can be purchased at most plumbing or hardware stores.

The benefits of a drip pan include:

• Catching any minor spills from the washer
• Preventing damage in case of a major leak
• Protecting your home from water damage, especially if your laundry room is upstairs
• Preventing the buildup of mould and mildew due to condensation beneath the machine

Some potential drawbacks of a drip pan include:

• Taking away from the aesthetic of the laundry room
• Scratching the floor tiles over time due to particles under the pan
• Taking up space in a small laundry room

Overall, a washing machine drip pan is a worthwhile investment to protect your home from water damage and prevent the hassle and expense of dealing with a leaking washer.

Pros and cons of a drip pan

A drip pan is a simple yet effective way to contain water leaks and prevent damage to your home. It is a shallow tray that slides under the washer and is designed to catch any leaks or drips from the hose connection. While plumbing codes do not require the use of a drip pan, it is highly recommended, especially if your washer is situated on the upper storey of your home.

Pros:

• Prevent water damage: Drip pans catch leaks and spills from the washer, preventing water from damaging your floors and ceilings. This is especially important if your laundry room is upstairs, as water can leak through the floor and ceiling to the rooms below.
• Affordable protection: Drip pans are an inexpensive way to protect your home from water damage, typically costing between $80 to $150.
• Easy installation: With basic DIY skills and tools, you can install a drip pan yourself. It usually involves lifting the washer, placing the drip pan, and connecting a drain pipe if needed.
• Peace of mind: A drip pan provides peace of mind, knowing that you are protected from the costly consequences of washer leaks and floods.

Cons:

• Aesthetic concerns: Some people may not like the look of a drip pan in their laundry room, especially if it is visible to guests.
• Space constraints: Drip pans take up additional space, which can be a concern in small laundry rooms.
• Maintenance: While drip pans require minimal maintenance, they should be inspected regularly for any cracks or damage that could compromise their effectiveness.
• Not a permanent solution: While drip pans can help contain leaks, they do not address the root cause of the problem. If your washer is leaking, you may still need to repair or replace it.

How to install a washing machine drip pan

A drip pan is a good idea for any washing machine, including a side-loader, as it can save you thousands of dollars in repairs and insurance claims. Water leaks are one of the most common causes of damage to homes, and a drip pan is an inexpensive and effective way to prevent this.

Preparation:

• Gather your tools: a drain pan, a carpenter's level, a dolly, a hacksaw, a drill, a wrench, a towel, and a bucket.
• Get a helper or two—moving a washing machine is not a one-person job.
• Read your washing machine's manual for any specific instructions or warnings.
• Turn off the power supply to the washer and unplug it.
• Close the hot and cold water valves and disconnect the hoses from the wall. Keep a bucket and towel ready for any spills.
• Empty the contents of the washing machine.
• Tape loose cords to the back of the machine.
• If you need to move the washer, fasten the transit bolts to keep the drum aligned.

Installation:

• Lift the front of the washer and slide the dolly underneath. With your helpers, move the washer forward until you can see the floor drain.
• Cut the drainpipe to the correct length with a hacksaw. The pipe should reach just below the thickness of the subfloor.
• Place the drain pan so the drainpipe fits through the pre-cut hole. If there is no hole, drill one that aligns with the drain in the floor.
• Put the washer in position over the pan, at least 4 inches from the wall.
• Use the carpenter's level to ensure the machine is level, adjusting the legs if necessary.
• Reconnect the washing machine hoses, using a wrench to ensure they are secure.
• Plug the machine back in and turn on the water valves.
• Check the drain pan for leaks over the next few washes.

Alternative Installation Methods:

If lifting the washer is not possible, there are a few other methods you can try:

• Old-Fashioned Lifting: Two people lift the washer a few inches off the ground, and a third person slides the pan underneath.
• Forearm/Waist Straps: Use straps to lift the washer and slide the pan underneath.
• "I" Beam Ramp: Create a ramp with 2x4 wood planks to walk the washer up and over the pan.
• Hire Professional Movers: If all else fails, get some help from professionals.

Maintenance of a washing machine drip pan

Regular Inspections:

• It is important to periodically check your washing machine drip pan for any signs of leaks, cracks, or unusual wear and tear.
• After each wash, inspect the area around the pan and inside it for any standing water.
• Regularly check the drain pipe to ensure it is not clogged or blocked by lint or other debris from the washer.

Cleaning:

• Clean your drip pan regularly using household cleaning products.
• If the pan has held standing water for a while, use baking soda and vinegar to eliminate unpleasant odours.
• Sprinkle baking soda on the pan, then mix vinegar with water and pour it into the pan.
• Let the solution sit overnight to neutralise any smells, then wash and dry the pan thoroughly.
• Alternatively, use a wet/dry vacuum to remove standing water, or soak up the water with towels or old clothes before cleaning.

Washing Machine Maintenance:

• In addition to maintaining the drip pan, it is important to perform regular maintenance on your washing machine to reduce the risk of leaks:
• Inspect the water supply hoses for cracks, bulges, or other signs of wear, replacing them with high-quality hoses if necessary. Braided steel hoses offer the most protection against failure.
• Check the water supply hose connections and use tongue-and-groove pliers to tighten them if they feel loose.
• Ensure the drain hose is properly secured to the washer and inserted into the drainpipe.
• Clean the detergent dispenser and filter by removing them, submerging them in hot soapy water, scrubbing with a soft toothbrush, then rinsing and reinstalling.
• Confirm that your washer is level by adjusting the feet until the bubble in a carpenter's level sits in the centre.

By following these maintenance steps, you can help ensure your washing machine drip pan remains in good condition and effectively contains any leaks, protecting your home from water damage.

Frequently asked questions