Tillie Doyle
A washing machine pan is a container that fits under your washing machine to catch any leaks or drips from the hose connection. While building codes do not require drain pans, some local jurisdictions, insurance companies, or housing programs may. Drain pans are especially useful for homes with upper-floor laundry rooms, as they can prevent water from dripping through the ceiling into the room below and causing extensive water damage. Drain pans are typically made of plastic or metal and have a drain outlet that allows any collected water to be discharged safely away from the flooring.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Purpose | Catches leaks and drips from the washing machine and hose connections |
| Benefits | Prevents water damage to floors, including warping, chipping and rooting; prevents mould and mildew; prevents flooding |
| Installation | Requires basic DIY skills and tools; may need to hire a plumber to connect to the floor drain |
| Maintenance | Regular checks for cracks, leaks and clogs are required to maintain effectiveness |
| Cost | Plastic pans range from $20-$60, while metal pans cost $70-$160 |
| Requirements | Not required by most building/plumbing codes, but some cities, housing programs and insurance companies mandate them, especially for upper-floor laundry rooms |
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What You'll Learn
Building codes and insurance requirements
While washing machine drain pans are not required by most building and plumbing codes, some cities, housing programs, or insurance companies mandate their use. For example, in the United States, many municipalities in Florida enforce strict drain pan requirements for upper-floor laundry rooms due to the high risk of water damage from hurricanes and flooding. Similarly, in California, drain pans are often mandated in homes with washers installed on wood flooring or above finished spaces. In New York City, many apartment buildings and multi-family residences require washing machine drain pans as part of landlord maintenance regulations. Texas's local plumbing codes also often mandate washing machine pans in new construction, particularly for second-floor laundry rooms.
According to the Universal Plumbing Code (UPC), which is widely adopted in the western and some central states, a drain pan is required for all washers installed on finished floors to prevent water damage. The UPC also specifies that the pan must be connected to a drainage system that complies with its regulations. The material of the pan should be corrosion-resistant and capable of holding water without leakage.
Additionally, the International Residential Code (IRC) governs residential construction, and many states adopt its guidelines for home building and remodelling. While the IRC does not specifically mention washing machine drain pans, it does require reasonable protection from any possible leaks. This could include installing a pan large enough to fit the washer, with a drain connected to an open drain, floor drain, or laundry tub.
It is important to note that some insurance companies may require a washing machine drain pan as a safety measure. Therefore, it is advisable to check with local building departments or insurance providers to ensure compliance with relevant codes and requirements.
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Installation and maintenance
Washing machine drain pans are not required by most building/plumbing codes, but they are an inexpensive and effective way to protect your home from water damage caused by leaks. They are particularly important if your washing machine is located upstairs, as leaks can cause damage to the rooms below. You can purchase a drain pan from a home improvement store, plumbing supply store, or online.
Before installing a washing machine drain pan, it is important to check your local building codes and insurance requirements, as some cities, housing programs, or insurance companies require them. If there is no drain in your laundry room floor, you may need to call a professional plumber to create a route for the water to drain.
To install the drain pan, first shut off the water supply to your washer and unplug the power supply. Remove all hoses and disconnect them from the wall, placing a bucket underneath to catch any spills. Use a dolly to lift the washing machine slightly and slide it out, being careful not to injure yourself. You should then be able to see the floor drain for the laundry room. If there isn't one already in place, you will need to cut the drainpipe to the correct length and install it in the pre-cut hole. Place the drain pan under the washing machine, ensuring it is slightly larger than the base dimensions of the washer, and connect the drainpipe to the drain fitting.
Regular maintenance of your washing machine drain pan is important to ensure it stays in good shape. Every six months, inspect the pan for any cracks or wet spots, and check for any signs of clogging in the drainage system. If you notice any issues, it is recommended to consult a professional appliance repair specialist. Cleaning your drain pan regularly with a non-toxic, eco-friendly cleaner will also help increase household protection against leaks and increase the longevity of the product.
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$39.99
Water damage prevention
Water leaks from washing machines are one of the most common causes of water damage in homes. The hoses that connect a washing machine can break or loosen, causing gallons of water to flood a room. In an upstairs laundry room, the potential for damage is greater because water can leak through the floor and ceiling to the rooms below. Water leaks can also cause condensation, which can lead to mould and mildew. Mould can begin growing on a damp surface within 24–48 hours and can cause potential health issues such as irritation to the eyes, nose and throat, and more severe reactions in people with asthma.
A washing machine drain pan is a simple device that fits under your washing machine to catch water leaks and prevent water damage to your floors. They are typically made of plastic or metal and have a drain outlet that allows any collected water to be discharged safely away from your home’s flooring. A washing machine pan is an inexpensive way to prevent water damage, with plastic drain pans ranging from $20–$60 and metal pans from $70 to $160.
To install a washing machine drain pan, you will need the drain pan, a hacksaw, a dolly, a carpenter's level, and an appropriate PVC drain fitting. First, shut off the water supply to your washer, unplug the power supply and remove all hoses. Place the dolly under the washer by lifting the machine slightly and sliding the dolly into place. Move the washer forward slightly, and you should see the floor drain for the laundry room. Use the hacksaw to cut the drainpipe to the correct length if there isn’t one in place already. The drain pipe needs to reach slightly below the thickness of your laundry room subfloor. Place the drain pipe and install it in the pre-cut hole.
While building codes do not require drain pans, some local jurisdictions require them for second-floor laundry rooms. It is important to check your local building code and insurance requirements. Drain pans should also be regularly inspected for any cracks or leaks, as they can crack or leak over time.
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Drain pans as a precautionary measure
Drain pans are an inexpensive and effective precautionary measure to protect your home from water damage. They are especially useful for those with upstairs laundry rooms, where a leak could cause damage to the rooms below.
Washing machine leaks are one of the most common causes of water damage in homes. The hoses that connect a washing machine can break or loosen, causing gallons of water to flood a room. Drain pans catch any leaks due to washing machine overflow, hose failure, or drips from where the hoses connect to the machine. They also protect your floor from condensation, which can lead to water buildup and, in turn, mould and mildew. Mould can begin growing on a damp surface within 24-48 hours and can cause potential health issues.
Drain pans are typically made of plastic or metal and have a drain outlet that allows any collected water to be discharged safely away from your home’s flooring. They are heavy-duty and designed to fit snugly under the washing machine with raised edges to contain any water that escapes.
While building codes do not require drain pans, some local jurisdictions do, especially for second-floor laundry rooms. It is recommended to install a drain pan, and they can be purchased at most plumbing or hardware stores or online.
To install a drain pan, you will need the pan, a hacksaw, a dolly, a carpenter's level, and an appropriate PVC drain fitting. You will need to shut off the water supply to your washer, unplug the power supply, and remove all hoses. Place the dolly under the washer by lifting the machine slightly and sliding the dolly into place. Move the washer forward slightly, and you should see the floor drain for the laundry room. Use the hacksaw to cut the drainpipe to the correct length if there isn’t one in place already. Place the drain pipe and install it in the pre-cut hole.
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Drain pans and floor damage
Drain pans are an effective way to protect your floors from water damage caused by leaks from your washing machine. They are particularly useful for homes with upper-floor laundry rooms, where a leak could result in water dripping through the ceiling into the room below.
Washing machine drain pans are shallow trays that fit snugly under the washing machine. They are typically made of plastic or metal and have raised edges to contain any water that escapes. The pans have a drain outlet connected to a drainpipe, allowing any collected water to be discharged safely away from the flooring.
While building codes do not require drain pans, some local jurisdictions, insurance companies, or housing programs may mandate them, especially for second-floor laundry rooms. It is important to check your local building code and insurance requirements.
To install a drain pan, you will need basic DIY skills, some tools, and patience. The process involves shutting off the water and power supply to the washer, unplugging it, and removing the hoses. You will then need to lift the machine slightly and slide a dolly underneath. The next step is to cut the drainpipe to the correct length, place it, and install it in the pre-cut hole in the drain pan. Finally, you can place the washer on top of the drain pan, ensuring it is connected to the drainpipe.
It is important to periodically inspect your drain pan for any cracks or leaks, as these pans can crack or leak over time. Regular maintenance and adherence to local building codes will help protect your flooring more effectively.
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Frequently asked questions
No, washing machine pans are not required by most building/plumbing codes. However, some cities, housing programs, insurance companies, or local jurisdictions may require them, especially for second-floor laundry rooms.
A washing machine pan is designed to catch leaks or drips from the hose connection and protect your home and floor from water damage, condensation, and floods.
A washing machine pan fits snugly under the washing machine and has raised edges to contain any water that escapes. The water collected in the pan can then be safely discharged away from the home's flooring through a drainpipe.
A washing machine pan can help prevent extensive water damage repairs, mitigate the growth of mold and mildew, and safeguard against unexpected leaks and overflows.
First, shut off the water supply, unplug the power supply, and remove all hoses. Then, use a dolly to lift the washing machine slightly and slide the pan underneath. Cut and install the drainpipe to the correct length, ensuring it reaches slightly below the thickness of the laundry room subfloor.
