FAQs
FloodSaver® Surrounds
- Which base should I order?
- What is "Surge Capacity?"
- How can I be sure my washing machine will fit the FloodSaver®
- How strong is the unit?
- How is the wall panel plumbed?
- How should the base be plumbed, and what kind of different fitting does it require?
- How do you keep the gas trap from drying out?
- Can I connect the base gas trap directly to the washing machine drain line?
- Will the base fit over the floor joists without a sub floor?
- Does this base work on a concrete floor?
- Can the base be used by itself? We have a window above the washing machine.
- I like the cabinet look in my home and want to protect the cabinets from the appliances. Do you have a FloodSaver® that will go under a dishwasher or under an under-counter clothes washer?
- Do insurance companies give a premium discount for an installed FloodSaverFloodSaver® washing machine surround?
- Can a FloodSaver® be used in retrofit as well as new construction?
- Do I have to install an electrical outlet box in the formed box that is provided?
- Can I order any time, day or night?
- Is FloodSaver® covered by a warranty?
Which base should I order?
BEFORE YOU ORDER, inspect the location where the FloodSaver will be installed. Is there a floor joist or other obstruction that would prevent the use of this drain hole? If so, you should order the Drainless Base. This base has no factory-installed drain hole; you or your installer will drill a drain hole in the base in a convenient location so as to avoid the obstruction. See the spec sheet for more information.
Back to TopWhat is "Surge Capacity?"
A broken washing machine can dump a relatively large amount of water in a short period of time. To buffer this possibility the pan must contain the water without overflowing the pan until the 2" drain line can drain the excess water. We call this "Surge Capacity."
Back to TopHow can I be sure my washing machine will fit the FloodSaver?
Measure the Width (side to side ) and Depth ( front to back ) of the washing machine at a point about 4" off the floor then check to see which base has the appropriate INSIDE dimensions.
Back to TopHow strong is the unit?
The base is made of .187" polyethylene and is designed to withstand a great deal of movement by the washing machine. The top of the dam is folded over and is very strong. An average sized person can stand on it. It needs to be protected when the washing machine is slid over it and into position because it could become scratched but it will support the machine.
Back to TopHow is the wall panel plumbed?
The wall panel has a box located in the lower right side that will allow the vertical riser pipe from the gas or P-trap to exit its top surface. The hot and cold water faucets can be located where they can be easily turned on or off. With stacked washer/dryer installations these faucets can be located on one side of the wall panel one above the other. An in-wall plumbing box can be used with the wall panel if you so choose. Check with your plumber.
Back to TopHow should the base be plumbed, and what kind of different fitting does it require?
The base uses a standard shower drain fitting to a 2" line. Often plumbing inspectors will allow this line to be run outside to a drain because it is for an emergency only. This saves the empty gas trap problem. Check with your plumber.
Back to TopHow do you keep the gas trap from drying out?
If a gas or P-trap is used a mineral oil or an oil made specifically for this application can be poured into the trap which will not evaporate like water and will seldom need attention. The plumber should be consulted on this.
Back to TopCan I connect the base gas trap directly to the washing machine drain line?
No. The plumber will know how to connect the base drain to the sewer line so that the washer waste water doesn't back up into the base.
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The base will need to be attached to a sub floor or solid material that will support the weight of the washing machine.
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Yes. In new construction a buck out in the concrete floor with a 2" drain line available must be provided. The nailing flanges can then be attached to the concrete with concrete nails or anchors.
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The base can be used by itself, but remember that much of the leaked water associated with the washing machine setup comes from the hoses, their connection of the faucets, cracked washers, loose fittings, etc. These leaks run down the wall and often soften and damage the wall board or rot the studs and plates.
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YES! Our new Slide-N-Fold™ All-Purpose pan works in most under-counter applications! The product is installed with its front side open, then the appliance is slid onto place. Finally, the front is folded up and closed to contain the leaked water from a dishwasher, under-counter washing machine or other appliance.
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At this time it's hit and miss, so check with your insurance agent and if they don't — ask why! They know what a determined washing machine can do to a home.
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Yes. The FloodSaver® has a 5/8" attachment flange. In new construction the flange is nailed directly to the subfloor then covered by the underlayment. In retrofit applications the flange is nailed directly to the finish floor, then covered with trim. Trim is not included.
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No. You can use any nearby outlet; however, remember that the FloodSaver® unit must install flush against the wall. If you do want to use the formed box area, cut out the box with a utility knife - very carefully - using repetitive strokes to gradually cut through the plastic. Then install the outlet and cover plate.
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Yes, by fax. (360) 629-2838. If you'd like, you can use our Order Form. If you order by email, be sure to include:
1. Name
2. Phone number
3. Shipping Address
4. Number of units and model
5. MasterCard or VISA number & expiration date
6. Mailing address if different from shipping (we will mail card slip and invoice)
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Yes.
What does this warranty cover?This warranty covers defects in material and workmanship which result in significantly altered appearance or which affect the performance of the unit as a water containment device.
How long does coverage last?This warranty lasts for a period of one (1) year from date of purchase. Coverage terminates if you sell or otherwise transfer the FLOODSAVER unit.
What will AMI, Inc. do?AMI, Inc. will, after inspection and verification of claimed defect, supply a replacement without charge for the unit, excluding any costs of removal or installation.
What does this Warranty NOT cover?This warranty does not cover problems caused by installation of unit or associated plumbing not in keeping with recommendations supplied by AMI, Inc. or requirements of the local plumbing code, unreasonable use, including a badly out of balance washing machine, any unauthorized alteration of the unit such as drilling holes except those required for installation, heating, cutting, trimming or any other modifications or alternations not specifically authorized in writing by AMI, Inc. abuse, misuse, wear, failure to follow directions, improper maintenance, acts of God such as earthquake or other factors not relating to the product's condition at the time of sale. Also consequential and incidental damages are not recoverable under this warranty. Some states do not allow the exclusion or limitation of incidental or consequential damages or allow limitations on how long an implied warranty lasts. Thus the above limitation or exclusion may not apply to you.
REPAIR, REFINISHING OR SUPPLY OF A REPLACEMENT UNIT UNDER THIS WARRANTY SHALL BE THE EXCLUSIVE REMEDY OF THE OWNER. AMI, Inc. SHALL NOT BE LIABLE FOR ANY INCIDENTAL OR CONSEQUENTIAL DAMAGES, INCLUDING ANY DAMAGE TO THE BUILDING, ITS CONTENTS OR OCCUPANTS OR FOR BREACH OF ANY EXPRESS OR IMPLIED WARRANTY. ANY IMPLIED WARRANTY OF MERCHANTABILITY OR FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE IS LIMITED IN DURATION TO THE DURATION OF THIS WARRANTY.
How do you get service?To make a claim under this warranty, please send to the address below the following information: Name and address of the owner; proof of data of purchase; model number; a description of the defect. After receipt of this information, AMI, Inc. will promptly perform its obligations under this warranty. FLOODSAVER IS MADE OF FLAME RETARDANT MATERIAL (UL 94 G60-25-144).
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Made in the USA
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How to Order
Phone Orders: (8:30 AM - 4:30 PM Pacific Time)
1-800-929-9269 or 360-629-9269
FAX Orders: 360-629-2838 Order Form
Phone Orders: (8:30 AM - 4:30 PM Pacific Time)
1-800-929-9269 or 360-629-9269
FAX Orders: 360-629-2838 Order Form
Brochure
(123K PDF)
(123K PDF)
Spec Sheet
(463K PDF)
(463K PDF)