Replacing Washer/Dryer and Sink in Basement

[a_parker]

Hello everyone!

We moved into our 1935 build home about six years ago and have lived with the washer/dryer/sink set-up that was in place when we moved in. The washer recently broke beyond reasonable repair, so we are looking to do a full replacement of the current washer/dryer/sink. On a previous unrelated visit we asked the plumber what the deal was with the washer draining into the sink (since we've never encountered this before) and his response was something to the effect of "That's just what folks do around here." I figure there is likely more to it than that, and am hoping this group could provide some insight before we call the plumber back in to assist with the replacement of all the laundry pieces. In case it isn't clear, the kitchen sink/dishwasher drain is the white 1.5" PVC in these pictures.

While we have no current plans to finish the basement, we would like to get this entire area cleaned and tidied up a bit. If possible, we would prefer to not drain the washer into our new sink, but if that is simply unavoidable that would be nice to know. Any recommendations on how to proceed, or useful info we should carry over to our discussions with the plumber are greatly appreciated.

 

[Cacher_Chick]

To plumb it any other way will require the existing cast iron stack to be cut off down near the floor so that new drain and vent piping can be plumbed to it. If there are any other fixtures draining into that stack from above, it is not compliant to use it as a vent for the fixtures below. If that is the case, a new vent must be installed that would go through the roof or tie into the existing vent above the flood rim of the highest fixture.
There is always some risk in cutting into old cast iron drains, which if found to be in poor condition could lead to an extensive replacement of the drain below the floor.

Draining a washer into the sink is very common, and there are no real downsides to doing it.