Below is the approach one association took to replacing its drain lines to accommodate the installation of washing machines.
We encouraged owners to install washers but with a caveat. The laundry drain had to drain into a larger line or new piping, properly sized for the number of fixtures it serves (per code so as to prevent suds). This meant up-sizing the 1-1/2" old lines to 2".
The board decided that whenever there was a request for a washer or a serious plumbing problem occurred, we would replace the entire stack served by that line. Thus, we began a replacement program triggered by a request or a problem.
After eight years, all but one kitchen stack has been replaced and we sleep better at night. The majority of the piping cost was paid by the association.
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