Rooter Champion Sewer & Drain
Experts

Drain help guide

Laundry or Washer Drain Overflowing in La Habra

Washing machines push a lot of water fast. If the drain pipe behind the washer (the standpipe) or the laundry line is narrowed by lint and soap, the water has nowhere to go and spills onto the floor.

Serving La Habra, Fullerton, La Mirada, Whittier and nearby cities.

Book a $55 drain cleaning Call 714-305-9263

What you might notice

  • Water overflows from the standpipe behind the washer during the drain cycle
  • Water on the laundry room floor after a load
  • The laundry sink fills up when the washer drains
  • Other drains gurgle or back up when the washer runs

Likely causes

  • Lint, hair and soap build-up in the standpipe and laundry line
  • Small items like socks or tissues that got past the washer
  • A main sewer line restriction that cannot handle the washer's flow
  • Less often: a standpipe that is too short or a washer pump problem

Safe things to try first

  1. Stop running loads until the problem is fixed.
  2. Check and clean the washer's drain pump filter if your model has one (your owner's manual shows where).
  3. Put a mesh lint trap on the end of the washer drain hose to catch lint.
  4. Check that the drain hose is not kinked or pushed too far down into the standpipe.
  5. Mop up water quickly to protect floors and walls.
Why we don’t recommend chemical drain cleaners: Skip the chemical drain cleaners. They are strong caustics or acids that can burn skin and eyes, can damage older pipes and fittings, and often only eat a small hole through the clog. When they do not work, the drain is left full of chemical water that can splash you or whoever opens the line next. Never mix drain products, because some combinations give off toxic fumes.

If water starts rising or you see sewage, stop and call. Don’t take apart anything you’re not comfortable putting back together.

When to call a pro

  • The standpipe still overflows after you cleaned the filter and checked the hose
  • Other drains, like a tub or toilet, gurgle or back up when the washer drains (see our main line guide)
  • Water is getting into walls or flooring
Sewage coming up right now? Stop using water and call 714-305-9263 now. Don’t wait to book online.

What Rooter Champion does

We clear the laundry line with a cable sized for it and test it with a full drain cycle's worth of water. The $55 drain cleaning includes a free camera inspection, so you can see if lint and soap are coating the line or if the problem is further down in the main line. You see the footage before any other work is discussed.

Washer water coming up in a floor drain or tub can be a main line clog; sewage coming up is an emergency. Local to us? See drain service in La Habra.

Our $55 drain cleaning includes a free camera inspection, so you can see the problem for yourself. Rooter Champion is family-owned, licensed and insured (CA Lic. #1063585).

Book a $55 drain cleaning Call 714-305-9263

Common questions

Why does my washer drain overflow only during the spin cycle?

That is when the washer pumps water out the fastest. A partly blocked line can handle a trickle but not that rush of water.

Will a lint trap really help?

Yes. A mesh lint trap on the drain hose catches a lot of the lint that would otherwise build up in the pipe. Empty or replace it regularly.

Can I keep doing laundry at a laundromat until it is fixed?

Yes, that is a good idea. Running loads on a blocked line can flood the laundry room or push water up into other drains.

What customers say

5.0 stars from 52 Google reviews on our La Habra profile.

★★★★★
“Called the day before for the $55 drain unclogging special. Came out within the 1 hr window, checked and snaked the drains from the shower vent. Thorough and very affordable. Would recommend. Thanks!”
Carolin T. · Norwalk
★★★★★
“David was great — cautious, took extra time to locate the issue, ran a couple snakes before the big one, and cleaned up all the mess. Didn’t try to oversell. One of the best plumbers I’ve ever met.”
Anisha J. · Downey

Related guides

Several Drains Backing Up: Main Sewer Line ClogWhen more than one drain is slow, or water comes up in the lowest drain, the blockage is usually in the main sewer line.
Gurgling Drains or a Bubbling ToiletGurgling means air is being pulled through a drain, usually from a partial clog or a vent problem.
Kitchen Sink Clog and Grease Build-UpCooking grease, food scraps and garbage disposal debris coat the line over time. Repeat clogs often need hydro jetting.
Not sure? Check my problemAnswer 4 quick questions and we’ll point you to the right guide.

Local, family-owned, based in La Habra

Rooter Champion is a family-owned drain and sewer company at 1401 S Beach Blvd Unit A, La Habra, CA 90631. We serve homes and businesses in La Habra, Fullerton, La Mirada, Whittier and surrounding cities, including Brea, Placentia, Anaheim and Buena Park.

Open 7 days, 8am–5pm. We respond within 1 hour. Licensed & insured, CA Lic. #1063585.