Washer/plumbing advice

[Daniel Alegre]

So last week my tenant let me know her washer was not draining so I checked it out and it looks like the old iron drain line is clogged. So I decided to just simply drain right into the sum pump. 

Now the washer is getting stuck on wash cycle and not doing anything.  I noticed that during the sensing portion of the cycle that water was draing into the sum pump. What I think is happening is that since the drain hose is not going up then down into a drain that water level in the machine is not being met and the cycle doesn't start. I thought that the drain had a stop vavle and a pump, I guess that's not the case. 

I wanted some advice before I go call a repair man or try to replace the iron drain pipes worth PVC. Does it sound like my reasoning is correct and I should replace the pipes or does it sound like a Washer problem and I should call a repair man? 

[Pat L.]

it definitely sounds like the wash water is syphoning out of the tub. Normally the pump would force the water out via the upright drain hose so there is no need for a check valve per se.

For a QUICK FIX reconfigure the hose into a PVC feed (above the tub water level) that then flows into the sump pump. But you need to correct the blocked cast iron pipe. If you have clear access to the cast iron sewer pipe it should be an easy job to 'wye' into it.

Good luck