This should be a simple question. I just purchased a new washer and it says that the pump will pump gray water 96″ high. The old washer pumped into a utility sink which had an ejector pump to pump water to the high waste water line. With the new washer I should be able to put the gray water directly into the waste water line bypassing the utility sink with the ejector pump. Is this possible and is it a good idea? Anything special I need to know?
Edited 7/12/2008 9:36 am ET by slightner
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I am not a plumber, but it seems to me that your way could potentially cause back syphoning of waste water into the washer when the washer isn't actually ejecting water into the line.
Many houses have the washer go directly into the waste line--BUT!
They typically empty into an open pipe, typically 3- or 4-inch pvc that then goes into the waste system. There is of course an trap to keep out odors.
The benefits are for the builder--it is cheaper than putting in a sink, and takes up less room. That said, my parents had that in Sun City, and the #### thing would regularly clog, getting water on the floor. Fortunately it was part of the garage area, and drained out of the house instead of into the house.
So, in summary, if you have the sink, I suggest that you keep using it.