for Cold Climate Housing and much more

Last Updated: , Created: Sunday, January 14th, 2001

Should a washing machine drain into a sump pump?

No. I am sorry about that, Reese from Ingersol, Ontario. 

The washing machine puts out far too much water far too fast for a sump pump to be able to carry it away. Also there is always a bit of lint in the drain water, which will eventually plug up the sump pump filter. In addition the soap can fill the pump with air and make it lose its pumping ability and if the sump pump discharges on the ground outside your house, all that soap will not be good for the plants.

If the only available drain is high off the basement floor, and is too high for the washing machine to be able to drain properly, talk to a plumber about installing an appropriate secondary pump to take care of the job.


Keywords: Washing Machine, Pump, Environmental, Drains, Sump Pump, Plumbing

Article 1081