Pipes from washing machine NOT going to cesspool?

I was just doing a load of laundry and heard water outside. And found a 2" PVC pipe draining soapy water onto my DECK.

Now, my deck is wood, and the water went right through it into the ground underneath.

But hello... Should this not be going into the cesspool? Is there some kind of blockage that is preventing the water from going to the right place?

We are having drainage issues with our master bathroom which is right next to this pipe, now I'm wondering if it's all connected and it needs to be snaked or something. A plumber is coming Tuesday and I plan to ask him about this too.

I actually found articles on people who collect this "graywater" and use it for gardening. Which I was planning to do with rain barrels anyway. I use Seventh Generation (free of dye, perfume) and I actually do water my plants with Dawn soap because it acts as a pesticide. But I don't think I want a washing machine full of water directly underneath my deck.

Does anyone know if this is normal, that a spin cycle pumps water into the ground and not into the cesspool?

Message edited 1/6/2008 10:33:31 AM.

Re: Pipes from washing machine NOT going to cesspool?

I do not think this is an acceptable method of drainage anymore on LI.
Chances are the previous owners had trouble with the cesspool & routed the water out to the yard without telling anyone.
Your plumber would know best.

Re: Pipes from washing machine NOT going to cesspool?

Bumping for the weekday persons.

The plumber is coming tomorrow. In the morning, thank goodness because this is issue #6 on our list!

Re: Pipes from washing machine NOT going to cesspool?

when we moved into our house,,,the washing machine water drained right into the back yard!! I knew that wasnt right. so we had a dry well installed so that our dirty washwater and soap doesnt go into our cesspool...which can cause problems in there.

Re: Pipes from washing machine NOT going to cesspool?

Well I feel better that I'm not the only one.

But I thought all washing machines go to the cesspool. If they don't, where do they all go? Not everyone has a drywell, right?

I wonder if the vinyl siding goes below our deck. If so, we could probably cut out that portion of the deck, put a drywell in there, and then cover it with some strategic plantings.

Re: Pipes from washing machine NOT going to cesspool?

yes you can have it go into the cespool...we just chose not to and have a drywell put in.

Re: Pipes from washing machine NOT going to cesspool?

Doesn't sound right. IT should go to the cesspool. In fact, the best situation would be to have it go to its own cesspool/drywell. That way it doesn't fill up the main house cesspool as fast.

Re: Pipes from washing machine NOT going to cesspool?

Thanks ladies. We have 2 cesspools - one for the master bath and one for the kitchen/main bath.

Now that I think about it, a drywell would be better. I just worry about safety, mold, environmental concerns, etc.

Re: Pipes from washing machine NOT going to cesspool?

Re: Pipes from washing machine NOT going to cesspool?

Ours does that and the plumber said we shouldn't but if no one knows, it doesn't matter. It has been done like that for many, many years.

Re: Pipes from washing machine NOT going to cesspool?

Posted by PotofLuck06

Posted by greenfreak

Thanks ladies. We have 2 cesspools - one for the master bath and one for the kitchen/main bath.

Now that I think about it, a drywell would be better. I just worry about safety, mold, environmental concerns, etc.

Don't forget that dampness in soil attracts termites and believe me - that's a problem you DON'T want to have!!!

Re: Pipes from washing machine NOT going to cesspool?

Years ago I noticed that too. the washer machine water was coming out of a pvc pipe into a drywell but over the years the pipe has become more and more visible. I wonder if that is a bad thing