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A washing machine pan is a common term used in our day-to-day lives. However, some people still do not have a detailed understanding of this term. So, what is it? A washing machine pan is considered one of the simplest ways to prevent water damage from a leaking washing machine.
In other words, a washing machine is a rectangular-shaped pan that is larger than the base of the washer. The pan is made from high-density metal or even plastic to sustain water and other forms of debris. It is placed immediately under the washing machine protecting the floor and the nearby surroundings against the overflow of water, leaks, and spillage from the washing machine.
The below guide will help you know how to choose the best washing pan for your home. Read on to find out more;
Why is a Washing Pan Important?
A washing machine with a busted hose imposes risks and threats in terms of flooding water at home. If a hose leaks or ruptures, it can expose gallons of water per hour. Upon detecting the leak, it might cost significant sums of money to leverage the situation. It is one of the reasons why a drain pan is a relevant appliance to install on your washer.
Note that you can easily install a washing machine without a pan. However, you will be running at risk of water damage at home. Adding a washer pan will help you gather water that overflows when the machine is in action. Also, it will protect the appliance from any chance of hose failure and catch drips from the hoses.
On the other hand, the washing machine pan protects the floors of your home from condensation. This enhances the well-being of your home and the functionality of the washer.
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How a Washing Machine Drain Pan Works
The washing machine pan is installed immediately under the washer and then connected directly to the drainpipe. Note that the drainpipe has the responsibility to funnel away excess water from the washer machine. Most of the drain pipes available in the market have a pre-cut hole that perfectly fits a PVC pipe.
The remaining end of the pipe is then connected to a drainpipe which eliminates water from the pan. If the washer machine leaks, the water inside never rises to the level of the drain pan, where it is channeled away to the drainage system.
Remember that the drain pan is not necessary, but it prevents your home from being exposed to tiny leaks.
In circumstances where the laundry room is upstairs, the washing machine pan is a necessity to have. It will help you prevent water spillage that rolls down to the other rooms.
Maintenance Policies of a Washing Machine Pan
Even though a drain pan helps you prevent water damage while using the washer machine, it is vital to keep checking it from time to time.
You need to ensure that the pan is in a good working shape and manner to generate the desired results. Inspect any availability of cracks and wet spots around the pan to ensure that its integrity is not compromised.
It is common to get that the pan has been clogged by the debris that comes from the washer. This means that you should keep an eye on the pan and ensure the drainage system is in good working condition. Cleaning the drain pan regularly increases the household protection against leaks from the washer in the future.
Note that washing machine drain pipes are the cheapest way of protecting the floors from being damaged by water leaks from the washer.
Replacing the old rubber hoses with steel-jacketed hoses that do not allow water leakage helps you increase the efficiency of the pan. By doing these simple fixes on your pan, you will have saved a lot in the days to come.
The Installation of a Washing Machine Drain Pan
The drain pan is a simple thing to install. However, it requires the use of a few tools to make the work easier.
Power Off the Washing Machine
Begin by preparing the washer for the installation of the pan by powering it off. Unplug the washer from the wall and disconnect all the water hoses. Have a bucket and towel ready to dispose of any water that comes out of the hoses.
Elevate the Washer Using a Dolly
Elevate the front part of the washer and insert a hand track. Move the washer away from the wall until when you uncover the floor drain fully.
Cut the Appropriate Length of the Drain Pipe
In case you want to replace an existing drain pan, use the already installed washing machine pipe. If you are installing a new one, cut a pipe at the correct size using a hacksaw.
Install the Drain Pan
If the pan comes with a pre-existing hole, put up the drain on the new pipe. If there is no hole existing, create one that corresponds to the drain perfectly fitting on the floor.
Place the Washing Machine on the Pan
Lower the washing machine and allow it to rest on the pan using a dolly. Ensure that the washer sits flush and level on the washing machine pan.
Reconnect the Washing Machine
Reconnect the hoses initially attached to the washer using a wrench to ensure that they are fixed tightly. Plug the washer back to the power outlet and turn on the water valves. To verify if everything is in a good working condition, check any signs of leaks after several washes.
The Best Washing Machine Pans in the Market
Washing machines pans have tons of advantages when attached to the washer. However, there are many drain pans available in the market with varying quality conditions.
Below are some of the best washing machine pans that you can purchase and install on your wash. These washing pans are highly recommended due to their high quality and seamless user experience.
DR Quality Parts Heavy Washing Pan
If you don’t like a washing machine pan made from plastic, acquire this heavy-duty drain pan made from metal. The metallic appearance of the pan is a guarantee of a high-quality product and is long-lasting. It has a brushed stainless steel finish that gives it a more refined and unique vibe.
The welded metal surface guarantees that you won’t experience small forms of leaks prone to most washing machines. It will save you extra cash that you would have spent on regular maintenance. This washing machine pan goes for around $164.98.
Pros
- Available both with the hole and without the hole.
- It is long-lasting.
- It does not slide when the washer rests on it.
- It offers lasting protection against leakages.
Cons
- It is relatively expensive.
- It is not flexible.
It's time to get the laundry done and you load up your dirty clothes into your washing machine. As time passes, you notice puddles of water starting to accumulate under your washer, forcing you to place piles of rags underneath to keep your floors dry. If you want to do laundry without having to mop wet floors, using a drain pan is the perfect solution.
Camco 20751 Washing Pan
Are you looking for a heavy-duty washing machine pan made from plastic materials? Camco 20751 has your back covered! Made from heavy-duty polypropylene, this pan has a thicker design mold than the other market models.
The pan does not mess around with your home’s floor condition by allowing leaks and water spillage.
Camco 20751 comes with preformed cut lines that make the installation process a simple exercise. It also has lock nuts that offer additional protection to the pan, thus increasing efficiency. The washing machine pane goes at an estimated price of around $23.97.
Pros
- It holds a lot of water.
- It is cheap.
- It works well with PVC and CPVC fitting models.
- It has lock nuts that offer additional protection.
Cons
- It can easily break.
The drain pan sits under the washing machine, protecting your floor from leaks
KMG Square Washing Pan
Some washing machine pans tend to rust. KMG Square is a drain pan model that is made from materials that are resistant to corrosion. It comes with an air-tight seal located on the sides with a removable front panel. This enhances flexibility allowing different appliances to slide into position.
Also, the connection is one of the most technical parts during installation. KMG Square comes with a one-inch male adapter and a rubber gasket that summarizes the connection of the drainage pipe. The pan goes for $135.
Pros
- It is resistant to corrosion.
- It has two and a half-inch upstand.
- Suitable for heavy-duty construction.
- Easy to install.
- It is flexible.
Cons
- The outlet is not pre-drilled.
- It is expensive.
Introducing The Square developed by a licensed plumbing contractor, with its detachable water-tight front that eliminates the need for lifting water heaters over a conventional style pan. 
Eastman 52525 Washing Pan
It is automatic that most washing machine pans made from plastic are rampant to cracking. The Eastman 52525 is a durable and robust pan that comes with packs of two to four basins. This guarantees extensive backup protection to your washer in case of any form of accident.
You can also decide and use the other packs under other home appliances, such as heaters or litter boxes for pets. The Eastman 52525 goes for around $26.28.
Pros
- It comes at a budget-friendly price.
- It is durable.
- It comes with extra packs.
- It guarantees total protection against leakages.
Cons
- It is not compatible with some users.
The Eastman washing machine drain pan is made of heavy-duty plastic which prevents the drain pan from cracking, rusting, or corroding. Measures 30 inch x 32 inch x 2-1/8 inch.
Mustee 98 – M Duran Washing Pan
This is another groundbreaking washing machine pan with high-quality standards from co-Polypure resin with a removable front. The pan is made from exceptional that prevents water leakage from the washing machine. The pan is flexible enough to fit in different models.
It comes with a side-drain fitting, although it does not have a pre-drilled hole. This makes it one of the best options for those who need more control regarding the size of the cut. It enhances the flexibility and functionality of the washing machine pan. It goes at around $111.53.
Pros
- It can also function as a heater pad.
- It is strong and durable.
- It is flexible.
- It is affordable.
Cons
- It isn’t easy to drill a hole.
- It is heavier than standard plastics.
Oatey 34067 Washing Pan
This washing machine pan model is manufactured with a semi-flexible plastic polymer, thus making it tough and pliable. The material is resistant to corrosion and rusting, making it the best option for washing machine drains pans.
The pan is highly flexible; thus, you won’t have any problem when it comes to manipulating it to any position of your desire. The pan does not require modification since it has already been prepared to fit in various places. The washing machine pan goes at around $23.67.
Pros
- It is flexible.
- It is cheap.
- It comes with a one-year warranty.
- It has a punch-out hole.
Cons
- The plastic can become brittle over time.
Provides lasting protection from washing machine overflow or hose failure. Made from high-impact plastic. It will not rust or corrode. Pans are pre-drilled to accept furnished 1 PVC plastic fitting. Bottom measures 27 x 29, top measures 28 1/2 x 30 1/2.
FAQs
Question: Does the IRC Code Require You to Use Washing Machine Pans?
Answer: Note that the washing machine pans are not an IRC requirement code. However, most local jurisdictions require a drain pan, especially if the washing machine is on the second floor. The washing machine pan is a crucial thi9ng, especially if the washer is above the living space.
Question: Are Washing Machine Pans a Good Idea?
Answer: The drain pan is not necessary on your washing machine, although it is the simplest way to protect your home against small forms of leaks and spillages from the washing machine. The drain pan is a basic necessity, primarily if the washing machine is located upstairs.
Question:Â Does the Washing Machine Pan Require a Trap?
Answer: When installing a new washing machine, most people search for a convenient drainage line, thus installing a line that goes directly to the washer.
This exposes the place to sewer fumes, among other things. Note that lack of venting will cause the drain to run inappropriately and overflow to the nearby surroundings. Just like any other fixture, a drain pan requires a trap.
Question: What Size of a Drainpipe is Enough for Your Washing Machine?
Answer: All washing machine requires a 2-inch drainpipe. Initially, most washing machines used one-and-a-half-inch drain pipes. However, the modern washers available in the market do not work well with the above size. This is because the water drainage in these washers is high compared to those that initially existed.
How to Find the Best Washing Machine Pan: Final Verdict!
Even though the current market is full of washing machine pans, the DR Quality Parts Heavy and the Camco 20751 are the most recommended drain pans available.
This is due to their exceptional functionality, good customer reviews, and affordable prices. Getting a high-quality pan for your washing machine will enhance your floors’ well-being and the washer’s durability.
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