Running the washing machines drain outside can be a convenient and environmentally friendly option for homeowners who want to reuse their laundry water for their garden irrigation system to irrigate their plants and gardens. Some cities and Homeowner Associations (HOAs) have specific rules and regulations regarding outdoor washing machine drainage options that need following.
For draining washing machine water outside, you’ll need to connect a drainage hose to the washing machine drainage system and lead it through an adequately sealed hole in the wall to the outside of your home. From there, the water can flow freely into a drainage option like a greywater tank or an irrigation system suitable to hold an average water load of a washer.
Using biodegradable laundry detergent and smaller bursts of water, you can help reduce any environmental impact of washing machine drainage and discharged laundry water. In our guide, you can find that running the washing machine drain outside the laundry tub can be a cost-effective and sustainable option for reusing water.
By the end, you’ll find that if you follow building codes and your local HOA and land regulations allow it, there is nothing wrong with getting rid of grey water from the washing machine using any of the washing machine drainage options you’ll find here. (Learn How To Lift A Washing Machine Onto A Pedestal)
Can I Let My Washing Machine Drain Outside?
If you’re wondering whether you can let your washing machine drain outside, the answer is not straightforward, and most areas have a legal grey area. There are several factors to consider, including your local laws and regulations, the type of drainage system you have, and the condition of your drainage pipes.
Drainage Systems
Before you consider letting your washing machine drain outside, you need to know what type of drainage system you have.
There are two main types of drainage systems: a septic tank and municipal one.
If you have a septic system, you must be careful about what you let drain into it. They design a septic tank to handle organic waste, but it can become overwhelming if you introduce too much water or non-organic waste into them. However, if you have a city plumbing or municipal drainage system, you may have more options for letting your washer drain outside. However, you must still be aware of your local laws and regulations.
Drainage Pipes
Another factor to consider is the condition of your drainage pipes. If your pipes are old or damaged, letting your washer drain outside could cause further damage. If your pipes are new tubing and not properly installed, you could end up with a messy and expensive problem on your hands.
Can You Drain A Washing Machine Into A Floor Drain?
If you have a floor drain in your laundry room, you may wonder whether you can let your washing machine drain into it. The answer is it depends on your local laws and regulations. In some areas, draining your washing machine into a floor drain is perfectly legal. In others, it’s not allowed.
Even if it is a washing machine drainage option legal in your area, you still need to ensure your floor drain is installed correctly and can handle the increased volume of water. If you’re unsure whether you can drain your washing machine into a floor drain, it’s best to consult a professional plumber. (Learn How To Wash 50 Cotton 50 Polyester)
Where Should Washing Machine Water Drain?
Regarding running your washing machine drain outside, one of the most important things to consider is where the water should drain. Here are a few options to consider:
Drainage Hose Connection
One option is to connect the washing machine’s drainage hose to an existing drain pipe on the ground floor. This is a simple and cost-effective solution, but it may not be the best option.
PVC Pipes
Another option is to install PVC pipes to create a new drain system for your washing machine. This process can be more involved, but it allows you to customize the wash cycle drainage system to fit your needs. Ensure to follow local codes and regulations when installing PVC pipes.
Sump Pits
If you have a basement or crawl space, you may be able to install a sump pit to collect and drain the washing machine water. Adding a sump pit and a sufficient laundry sump pump is a good option if there isn’t an existing drainage pipe.
Sump pits can also help if water runs from your garden because of a poor grade or lack of a garden irrigation channel.
Greywater Tanks
Finally, you can consider installing a greywater tank to discharge wastewater for reuse, like watering your lawn or garden. This grey water tank is an excellent option to conserve dirty water and reduce environmental impact. Whatever option you choose, follow all local codes and regulations and consult a professional if you have questions or concerns.
Does A Washing Machine Drain Hose Need To Be Vented?
One of the most common questions regarding running a washing machine drain outside is whether the drain hose needs to be vented. The answer is yes; it does need to be vented. Venting the washing machine drain hose ensures proper drainage and prevents sewer gases from entering your home.
Here are some reasons why a washing machine drain hose needs to be vented:
- Prevents airlock: Vented drain pipes allow air to enter the system, which prevents airlock. Airlock can cause water to back up in the drain pipe, leading to overflow and damage to your home.
- Prevents sewer gases: Vented drain pipes allow sewer gases to escape outside, preventing them from entering your home. Sewer gases can harm your health, and they can also cause a foul odor in your home.
- Required by code: In most areas, venting a washing machine drain hose is required by code. Failure to comply with code requirements can cause fines and make it challenging to sell your home in the future.
So, what does venting a washing machine drain hose involve? Typically, it involves connecting the drain hose to a vent pipe that extends outside. The vent pipe should be at least 1.5 inches in diameter, and the drain tube should extend 6 inches above the roofline.
In summary, venting a washing machine drain pipe is essential to ensure proper drainage and prevent sewer gases from entering your home. It is required by code in most areas, and failure to comply with a proper plumbing setup can lead to fines.
If you are unsure how to vent your washing machine drain tube to
reuse water properly, consult a licensed plumber or building inspector for guidance. (Read LG Washing Machine Pedestal)
Is It Legal to Drain Washing Machine Outside
You may wonder whether it is legal to run your washing machine drain outside. The answer is not straightforward, as it varies depending on where you live.
Here are some factors to consider:
Local Regulations
First, you should check with your local government to see if any regulations prohibit running your washing machine drain outside. Some cities and states have strict laws prohibiting discharging wastewater outside because of potential health hazards.
Land Use Regulations
Besides local regulations, you should also check your land use regulations.
Some Homeowners Associations (HOAs), building codes, and land ordinances prohibit discharging large quantities of wastewater outside because of environmental concerns and how it could affect most plant life and the local water supply in the area.
It is essential to check with your HOA or land ordinance to see if there are any restrictions on how to drain a washer outside.
Is It Safe To Run Washing Machine Drain Outside?
Health risks are also associated with running your washing machine drainage option outside. When wastewater seeps into the ground, it can contaminate the soil and groundwater, causing a health hazard. Any wastewater flow needs to be secure, and all the pipes lead to the sewer line.
However, if you live in an area where it is legal to run your washing machine drain outside, you can take steps to make it more environmentally friendly. For example, you can connect the piping from laundry sinks to quickly drain into an irrigation network or collect it in a large barrel to water your backyard or for yard cleaning purposes.
What Is The Difference Between Greywater And Blackwater?
If you’re planning to run your washing machine drain outside, it’s essential to understand the difference between greywater and blackwater. Greywater is water that comes from showers, bathtub drains, and bath sinks.
This is tainted water but can be lightly treated to become usable as a water source for lawns, crops, and similar works. On the other hand, blackwater is wastewater from toilets and contains human waste and other harmful pathogens.
Will Greywater Harm Your Yard?
Greywater is much cleaner than blackwater. While blackwater contains a lot of solid particles floating around (toilet paper, excrement), with greywater, it is not the case. Instead, you’ll find more chemicals that get into greywater because of washing powder, soaps, or sodium-based detergents. However, it is essential to note that not all plants are tolerant to detergent and other chemicals found in greywater.
Before using greywater for irrigation, it is vital to consider the following:
- Avoid using greywater on edible plants, especially those that are eaten raw
- Use low-sodium, biodegradable detergents to minimize the impact on plants
- Avoid using greywater on plants that are sensitive to salt or boron
- Do not store greywater for more than 24 hours to prevent the growth of harmful bacteria
By following these guidelines, you can safely use greywater to irrigate your yard without causing any harm to your plants or the environment.
In some instances, you find individuals move pipes according to what they wash. If washing clothes or machine washes dishes, this pipe runs to the sewer.
If the laundry tub is on a rinse cycle, the water is diverted for use in the garden as there is no clothing or harmful dish detergent in this water.
How To Run Washing Machine Drain Outside
If you are looking for a way to run your washing machine drain outside, there are a few things that you need to know. In this section, we will guide you through the process of running your washing machine drain outside step by step. (Learn How To Lock Sliding Closet Doors)
1. Determine the location of the discharge pipe
The first step in running your washing machine drain outside is to determine the location of the new tubing. You will need to find a site close to your washing machine where the dirty water can be safely discharged.
2. Install standpipe
A standpipe is a pipe installed vertically and connects to the drainage hose of your washing machine. The standpipe should be at least 2 inches in diameter to ensure the water can flow smoothly. You can use PVC pipes or any other suitable material to install the standpipe.
3. Connect the drain hose to the standpipe
After installing the standpipe, the next step is to connect the drain hose of your washing machine to the standpipe.
4. Run the discharge pipe
You can use PVC pipes or any other suitable material to run the discharge pipe. Ensure the drainage pipe is sloped downward to ensure the water flows smoothly.
5. Install a cleanout
Installing a cleanout in your discharge pipe is vital to prevent clogs or blockages. A cleanout is a fitting that allows you to access the inside of the pipe for cleaning or maintenance.
6. Test your setup
After completing the installation, testing your setup to ensure everything is working correctly is essential. Run a load of laundry and check for any leaks or blockages. If everything is working correctly, you can now enjoy the convenience of running your washing machine drain outside.
