How To Look At A House

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Is it alright to disconnect the washing machine drain from the septic tank and divert it to the ground in the yard?

Sunday, November 18, 2018

The washing machine drain water is classified as “gray water,” and it must drain to an on-site septic system or sewer. Drainage onto the ground or into a drywell is not allowed. Gray water is allowed, however, to be used for flushing toilets or urinals where there is an approved gray water system is installed. The requirements for approval of a gray water recycling system are extensive and probably not worth it for most homeowners.

    See our blog posts What are the building code requirements for gray water reuse in Florida? and What are the most common problems with washing machine installation and maintenance?  and  Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) about Laundry Areas to learn more.

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  To learn more about SEPTIC TANK SYSTEMS, see these other blog posts:

What can I add to my septic tank to help it work better? 

Why do septic tank contractors want you to get rid of your kitchen disposal?

How can I tell if a house is connected to a septic tank system or sewer?

How can I locate my septic tank?

Does a septic tank have to be re-certified if a house has been vacant for a while?

What is a grinder pump? 

How often should I pump out the septic tank?

Should I call a plumber or septic tank contractor when my septic tank backs up into the house? 

Do I have to get a larger septic tank when I build a home addition?

• Where is the septic tank? Are you going to inspect it? 

• Can a house have more than one septic tank?

• What is the difference between gray water and black water in the plumbing code? 

    Visit our PLUMBING and SEPTIC TANK SYSTEMS pages for other related blog posts on this subject, or go to the INDEX for a complete listing of all our articles.

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