The most effective way to stop washing machine lint from going down the drain is to use a lint catcher attached to the drain hose.
Preventing Lint Blockages
Washing machines are great for cleaning clothes, but they produce lint, tiny fibers that shed from fabric during the wash cycle. This lint exits with the wastewater through the drain hose. If left unchecked, this lint can accumulate in your drain pipes, harden over time, and create significant blockages, potentially leading to costly plumbing issues and backups in your home's drain system, as highlighted by experts.
Fortunately, preventing this problem is straightforward with a simple device.
Utilize a Washing Machine Lint Catcher
According to plumbing recommendations, homeowners should have a “Lint Catcher” attached to the washing machine's drain hose to effectively catch lint from going down the laundry sinks drain. This prevents the lint from entering your plumbing system where a lint build up can harden and cause restrictions in the home's sewer and can cause backups in the home's drain system.
What is a Lint Catcher?
A washing machine lint catcher is a small, inexpensive filter designed to be placed at the end of the washing machine's drain hose where it empties into a standpipe or laundry sink. They are typically made of mesh or screen material.
Types of Lint Catchers
There are a few common types of lint catchers you can use:
- Mesh Screen Filters: These are disposable filters that attach to the drain hose with a zip tie or clamp. They are very effective and need to be replaced regularly once they fill up with lint.
- Reusable Metal or Plastic Filters: These offer a more durable option. They are attached similarly but can be cleaned out and reused multiple times.
- Internal Filters (Less Common): Some washing machines have built-in internal filters, but these are less common for catching all lint from the drain water. The external drain hose catcher is the most widely recommended solution for comprehensive lint prevention.
How to Install and Maintain
Installing a lint catcher is usually very easy:
- Locate the end of your washing machine's drain hose.
- If using a disposable mesh catcher, slide it over the end of the hose.
- Secure the catcher firmly to the hose using the included zip tie or clamp.
- Ensure the hose with the attached catcher drains properly into your standpipe or laundry sink.
Regular maintenance is key! Check the lint catcher frequently (ideally before or after each load) and remove accumulated lint. Disposable filters should be discarded and replaced when full. Reusable filters should be emptied and rinsed.
By consistently using and maintaining a lint catcher, you can significantly reduce the amount of lint entering your drainage system, protecting your pipes from blockages and costly repairs.
