How To Drain a Washing Machine Outside

Washing machines use a lot of water, which must be disposed of afterward. If you are looking for a proper way to recycle your washing machine water, draining the water in your yard is a good way to prevent waste while watering your lawn or kitchen garden.

Creating an outside drainage for the washing machine is a simple task you can pick up as a DIY project. And a landscape irrigation project can help divert all that grey water and put it to some good use.

However, before starting your new project, it is important to know the local regulations for draining grey water outside. We recommend you research local regulations about reusing water and what water can be drained outside.

Learn step by step how you can efficiently drain grey water from your washing machine to the yard. In addition, the article will also look at some helpful tips to protect your yard and plants.

5 Steps on How To Drain a Washing Machine Outside

The plumbing setup is the most important factor when draining any water from the house to maintain your house’s foundation and the aesthetics of your yard. Here are a few easy steps that will help you get ahead if you want the washing machine to drain outside:

1. Create a Plan

You should always start your projects with a plan. Planning is an ideal way to help keep things on track while reducing your chances of failure.

The first thing you need to figure out is where and how the water from the washing machine will be drained. There are several options to consider depending on your needs and budget.

Creating an outdoor irrigation system can be a good way to divert all the grey water outside. You can run the water from the washing machine to the yard using several pipes and hoses.

Another inexpensive option is to collect the water in a big barrel for later use, which can be useful when watering any flowers, trees, or vegetables in your garden.

In both cases, you need to think about the kind of pipes that you will require to divert all that water outside.

2. Conduct Research

The second step you should do is conduct research. Proper research can help you save a buck before starting the drainage project.

One thing to consider when researching is the materials and supplies you require for the project. You do not want to purchase pipes that do not fit correctly or are too short to get the drained water outside. Likewise, if your drain is in the basement, you need a laundry sump pump to push the water to the yard.

The research will help also help you get a rough idea about the equipment’s cost and find less expensive alternatives to divert the washing machine’s water outside.

Secondly, conducting your research helps you identify the kind of plants that can grow in the yard and if the grey water drained from the washing machine will affect them. Soap and detergent can affect the growth of different plants differently. You must be aware that those elements in the water will impede plant nourishment.

3. Have Proper Tools and Equipment for the Job

The next step is collecting the tools, materials, and supplies that you require for the project.

The first thing you need to do is create a list. The list will help you keep things organized and ensure everything is ready for the washing machine drainage.

Buying the right pipes will help reduce expensive repairs. Getting sturdy drainage pipes is the best option because they have dedicated connections that tightly interlock without leakages. In addition, they can also cope with the high volume of water running from the washing machine without breaking.

If you think of water irrigation, this is the best time to get sprinkler or drip systems. Whichever system you choose should handle the water pressure from the drainage release. Furthermore, remember that laundry sump pumps generate more water pressure.

For those thinking of collecting grey water for later use, you need to get a sturdy barrel for storing all the water you need to keep without bulging or cracking. Remember to bring a barrel big enough to hold all the water from the washing machine to prevent overflow and water damage.

4. Replace the Drain Tube and Outdoor Installation

It is finally time to start installing your new outside drainage system! However, you should not get too worked up about it.

Replacing the drainage pipes is a pretty easy job. All you need to do is cut the drain tube and insert the new pipe into the space. After you are done, you can run the pipe to the yard.

If you are using a sump pump, you must run the drain tube through the pump first, then connect the redirecting pipe.

After replacing the drain tube, you can install the outside drainage that meets your needs.

5. Make Sure Everything Works Correctly

The final step is ensuring your new outside drainage is working correctly.

Before powering on your washing machine, check that all the new pipes you laid do not leak any water around the house. Water damage can lead to flooding, which can ruin the integrity of your home.

In addition, leaks can promote the growth of algae, black mold, and pests, which can risk your family’s health.

Yard Safety

There are a lot of benefits to recycling water from your washing machine. However, it is vital to note that grey water contains detergent and other impurities, which can ruin your yard.

Sodium and phosphorus are the common elements found in detergents. While sodium can be toxic to plants, phosphorus is a good nutrient for growing plants.

In addition, remember not to use bleach or borax while doing laundry. These chemicals are highly toxic and will kill all the plants in your kitchen garden or flower bed.

A washing routine will help mitigate any problems that might impact the growth of the plants. Any untimely watering of the yard might result in additional stress to them.

Takeaway

To have a seamless washing machine outside drainage, you must put in the time to properly plan and prepare.

You must choose the proper drainage for the washing machine and your yard. If you have a problem with the installation, you can always consult a professional plumber to help you out.