Second Floor Washer Drain. Is it required?

[Reymon Hernandez]

Hello, I just helped my close friends by their first home. It was a newly flipped property in a great neighborhood. The home inspector did not call out that their second story laundry room does not have a drain pipe or drain pan for the washer. They just purchased a new washer and dryer and the installer told them he could not install the washer without a drain pipe for the drain hose or a drain pan. They have called multiple contractors and the bids have been all over the place. They are wondering whether they even need it and reached out to me for advice. I have no contracting background and I am afraid to give the wrong advice. Is this a must? Should they spend the money? If so, what's the normal cost for something like this, specially seeing that the laundry is on the second floor. Thanks in advance BP!

[David Dachtera]

Well, it's either pay this now or pay to rehab the house the first time the washer overflows or leaks.

I'm curious as to how the laundry room does not have a drain for the washer ... or it just the lack of a drain to serve a drain pan if one was present?