How to Build a Washing Machine Leak Pan

Move the washing machine out of the way. This step is necessary if building the leak pan over a floor drain beneath the washer. Unplug the washing machine and turn off the hot and cold water supply. Unscrew the couplings for the washing machine hoses and then move the machine away from the area.

Loosen the screws for the floor grating with a screwdriver, if installing above a floor drain, and set aside.

Place the washing machine leak pan over the floor drain opening. Press gently against the bottom of the pan to find the floor drain. Use a sharp utility knife to cut out the center of the leak pan over the drain opening.

Lift the leak pan up and set aside. Clean the floor beneath where you are installing the leak pan. Sweep up any dirt with a broom. Scrape off any paint or caulk on the floor with a paint scraper.

Apply construction adhesive to the floor around the drain opening. Replace the drain pan so the opening aligns with the drain in the floor. Replace the drain pan grate in the bottom of the leak pan and secure with screws.

Connect the PVC plumbing drain for the leak pan. This step is necessary if installing the drain pan adjacent to, rather than on top of, a floor drain. Cut a hole slightly smaller than 1/2 inch in the side of the leak pan with a sharp knife. Insert the drain coupling through the inside of the pan face and secure with a compression coupling. Fit together 1/2-inch PVC pipe using straight pieces, elbows and bends to reach the nearest drain. Cut pieces apart with pipe cutters and fit together before gluing to check the fit. When satisfied, apply primer to the pipe connections, allow to dry, apply glue, and fit the pieces together.

Have an assistant help you move the washing machine back into the drain pan. Reconnect the hot and cold water supply hoses. Plug in the machine. Turn on the water by turning the water supply handles counterclockwise.