Washing machine drain pipe question. . . . .

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tomassmid

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We recently purchased a washer and dryer for a second home which is three years old. Prior to now, I had an approximate 2.5 inch metal plug in the washing machine drain pipe opening.

While loosening the wing nut to remove the plug, a three inch bolt and attached rubber seal fell into the washing machine drain pipe and down about 30 inches. I have been unable to retrieve the bolt and rubber seal. I looked down the pipe with a mirror and flashlight but could not see bolt. Apparently, it has moved on down the horizontal line.

Is this anything to be concerned with? This home is on a sewer system line. I assume the bolt/seal will wash down the line and eventually make its way off my property and into a larger sewer line. Am I correct or is there a possibility this thing could get stuck and cause a clog later?

Haven't run the new washer yet because I thought I would throw this question out first. Thanks for your thoughts on this.
 
It will clog the line. There is a trap at the bottom of the stand pipe. The bolt and rubber plug may not get past the trap. In time lint will buildup around the bolt and plug clogging the drain. I would advise getting them out before using the washer.
 
If the piping is non-metallic, you might be able to retrieve the bolt by means of a magnet attached to a string or rod. If it's the kind of expansion plug I'm familiar with, there will be
the rubber plug and bottom disk also, which may come up with the bolt. If not, you'll need to
cut the pipes open. Bad blockages can be caused by items far smaller than that, especially if it
works it way down to a section of drain that carries "solids".
 
Thank you for the advice.

It is a non metallic pipe and I did try the magnet on a string although I could not see the bolt in the pipe. I had no success. Afterwards, I discovered that the wingnut is made of a galvanized material that would not adhere to a magnet. I assume the bolt is made of the same material.

Seems like I'm gotten myself into a real pickle. There is indeed a trap in the line because I poured water down the drain and was able to see standing water in the pipe.

I am not aware of any snake type device which could fish the bolt out of the line, especially if it can't be seen. Rather than tearing into the wall and pipe, I'm leaning toward leaving it alone. If and when the drain pipe trap, or the larger solid waste pipe clogs, I can hire a professional to get the mess straigthened out. If lint, etc, adheres to the bolt in the trap at least there might be something to grab onto with a regular pipe snake device.

Ah . . . the joys of home ownership.
 
At this point there is a more then good chance that the parts are lodged in the trap. If you start using the drain these parts could go beyond and lodge somewhere else in the drain line that may not be as easy to get to. Turning a bad situation into a very bad situation.
 
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