Washing Machine Drainage Options And How To Run The Drain Outside?

Not quite sure about which drainage option would be the best for your washing machine? Don’t worry about it.

In this article, we will be highlighting different aspects of different washing machine drainage options. Match them with your situation and choose the best-suited option for you. That’s it!

Bet you wonder, why is it even necessary to have a drainage system` with the washing machine. Here’s why drainage systems ensure that the used dirty water is removed from your washing machine after every washing phase.

So, can you imagine if they are not removed, how will your clothes be cleaned in that dirty water?

3 Drainage Options For Washing Machine

Now you know the importance of having a drainage system with your washing machine. Thus, let’s dig into the drainage options to go with.

  1. Laundry Tub

It is essential to replace dirty with clean water when the wash cycle is running. This is required in order to properly clean the clothes.

One of the best options that you can definitely count on is to use a laundry tub as a washing machine drainage option.

Generally, the washing machine drain hose position is about 25 to 30 inches above the ground. And so, the laundry tub should be placed below 12 to 18 inches beside the washing machine.

This is the most recommended drainage option by elite washing machine manufacturers. So, if the option fits you, go for it!

  1. Standpipe

standpipe as washer drain option

A standpipe is one of the easiest and cheapest options of a washing machine drainage system. Moreover, it also is a lot of space saver.

All you have to do is to install a standpipe attached to the drainage hose of washing machine so that it can easily drain the used water from the machine.

Make sure, the pipe you’ll be using is thick enough, preferably at least 2 inches in diameter for the water to pass smoothly.

Installing a standpipe is nothing difficult to do or manage. You just need to have some basic knowledge about plumbing.

But if you don’t, then, hiring professional plumbers for this simple job won’t cost much as well. So, if you are looking for a cost-effective washing machine drainage option, that saves both your money and space, this is the one for you!

  1. Underground Pipe Link

An underground pipe link is an option worth taking if you are intending to use your washing machine for a long time at the same place. In that case, an underground pipe link will be the best washing machine drainage option for you.

The pipe will be attached to the drainage hose of washing machine and will pass down through the floor pushing the used water outside the house.

Nevertheless, if you are more into changing your location of the washing, this very option is not recommended at all. Because, firstly, it is a bit troublesome option since you have to dig your floor to set the pipe.

Again, if you want to change the location, you will have to dig it again to take out the pipe. So, think twice before going for this option.

Which Drainage Option Should You Go For?

After you get the right one avoiding bad washer brands, you need to decide which drainage option you should have. This is completely dependent on your situation and preference. If you prefer a not too expensive option, then choose between a laundry tub and standpipe.

Again, if you think you want to put elegance in your washing machine drainage system and don’t want it to be displayed, even if it costs a little too much, go for an underground pipe link.

Moreover, the laundry tub is quite space-consuming. If you want to avoid your washing machine drainage option consuming a good amount of space from your house, then choose the other two options instead of the laundry tub.

Also, it is highly suggested that if you are more prone to changing your house, the settings of your house or your washing machine, an underground pipe link will not be a good option for you.

Therefore, choose your washer drainage option wisely.

How to Run Washing Machine Drain Outside?

Are you looking for an option where you will not have to waste all the drained water from the washing machine? Well, there is a perfect option for that.washing machine drainage options

What you can do is extend the washing machine drainage pipeline outside your backyard to irrigate or to water plants or simply to store the water in a tank for recycling purposes.

We know what you must be thinking. Is it even safe to use the “grey water” for irrigation? For that let us first discuss what greywater actually refers to.

Also, you need to know what falls into the category of greywater and what not.

Greywater refers to the used detergent water that is minimally damaging to the yard or plants because they do not contain any harmful pathogens or toxic elements that “black water” drained from the toilet bears.

But there are a few things you need to consider. That is, not all plants are tolerant to detergent. Also, not all detergents are safe for the plants.

Hence, if you are planning to drain the water in your yard for irrigation, investigate if your plants are tolerant to detergents.

Plants that are sensitive to additives such as Venus Flytraps cannot tolerate detergent water. If your plants have them, don’t go for this option.

Besides, it not a good option for irrigating a lot of tiny plants like lawns, flower beds, and annual vegetables.

However, this option is appropriate to water fruit plants, berry bushes, edible vines, and many other big and permanent plants.

Then again, you also need to make sure you’re not using a detergent in the greywater which has the potential to harm plants.

Also Read: What To Do If The Washing Machine Won’t Agitate?

Now, watch this video to see how to do it like a PRO.

Things to Avoid While Draining Washing Machine Outside

Below are some of the points that you should definitely avoid doing if you are draining your washing machine wastewater outside in the yard for irrigation or anything else.

  • Don’t Use Detergents With Sodium:

If you are planning to drain the greywater from your washing machine outside to water the plants, then avoid using detergents with sodium.

But, Why so?

Here’s why the effects of sodium on plants are kind of similar to the exposure of plants to drought. Sodium in plants builds toxicity that causes stunted plant growth and irregular and obstructed plant cell development.

Therefore, it is way better to use detergents with phosphorous as they are good for plants.

  • Don’t Wash Clothes With Feces

If you wash clothes or diapers with feces in your washing machine, it tends to become more towards black water from grey. This is because feces and stools contain harmful pathogens.

These harmful pathogens have the ability to poison your plants and damage them completely with different diseases.

What’s more alarming is that if the plants are edible, they will cause some serious health issues if taken.

  • Don’t Use Bleach Or Borax With Your Laundry

If your washing machine drainage system extends to your yard, never use bleach or borax in your laundry. Never! Because bleach kills plants straight up.

They are many times sprayed on weeds to kill them and prevent them from growing.

Bleach doesn’t only kill plants but also makes sure that plants don’t grow again. Plants never grow on soil with bleach in them.

Moreover, it is not good for the soil as well. Since it decreases the fertility of the soil.

For more, you should maintain all the precautions so that your washing machine drainage doesn’t clog. For that avoid this option for irrigating areas uphill from the washing machine or a slope.

Because the pump is not strong enough for that. However, you are good to go if the irrigation area is downhill from the washing machine.

Moreover, never throw any object in your washing machine that can drain away and pollute your yard. Also, if you ever do so, there is a fair chance the object will be the cause of clogs in your drainage pipe and prevent the washer from draining.

How to Drain Your Washing Machine Outside?

washer drain option

If you have set up your mind already to drain your washing machine outside, follow these steps and go for it!

  • Make A Plan

Definitely, planning is the basic thing to do at first. But here’s a few things you need to consider while planning to drain your washing machine outside.

Figure out where you want to drain your washing machine and where would the passage for drainage go from.

You might drain it to a barrel so that you can water your lawn in smaller bursts later. Or else, you can simply connect the washing machine hose to your irrigation system. And the least you can do is dropping a hose outside.

  • Collect The Tools And Equipment Required

Next, you need to collect the tools, supplies, and equipment required for the task. For that, first thing first, make a list of things you will need.

If you want to drain your water from a part of the house that is a bit far from the yard, you will first need pipes.

And if you are thinking to go for the option of the barrel, you will need a barrel that has a capacity of at least 41 gallons, as that’s the average water load from a washing machine.

  • Make A Routine And Evaluate

Now, if you are connecting your washing machine with your lawn or yard, you need to follow a proper routine to wash your clothes, since it will affect the growth of your plants.

Figure out the times and days that will be best for plants to be watered and wash your clothes on those days.

Lastly, evaluate if all things are functional and work well. Make sure all the pipes and hose connections are watertight to avoid leaks.

As leaks can flood your house with greywater. And you definitely don’t want that.

Final Words

We hope this article could help you with some good washing machine drainage options. Consider all the factors mentioned above while choosing a drainage option.

Also, follow all the basic steps we have provided for you along with any additional steps that might be required for the type of washing machine you use.

Thank for reading till the end! We’re happy to help.

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1 thought on “Washing Machine Drainage Options And How To Run The Drain Outside?”

  1. What is the max. drain line length.. from, when it leaves the washer to go outside.. the outside drain, how long can it be? I have one now, from our older machine about 25 feet down slope..never a problem. But, now I am told it is possibly too long?

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