white drain pipe

220ws · Mar 10, 2012

i have what looks like 1 and 1/2 inch white drain pipe coming off the shower. I want to
splice in a T with a ball cock so I can send the shower water to outside instead of the septic
tank. Its not that dirty and can be used. I only have a few inches to splice in. Can I get a
T with a ball cock at HD and get it in a small spot..?? tips..

johnjh2o · Mar 11, 2012

I don't think you'll find anyone on this or any other forum to give you instructions on how to dump waste water on the ground.

John

phishfood · Mar 11, 2012

I don't know about Idaho plumbing code or Health Department regulations, but my local code does allow for graywater systems. However, these are systems, designed and installed specifically for this purpose, following codes and regulations, and inspected for compliance.

220ws · Mar 11, 2012

The entire Southwest will be doing similar soon. We waste billions of gallons a year that could make great irrigation water.

Moderator's note:
A reminder to everyone to post with civility.

phishfood

phishfood · Mar 11, 2012

If you are trying to say that we need to seriously look at water usage, and where we can reuse/recycle, then I agree. But I am not about to endorse throwing away thousands of years of advancment in plumbing sanitation without some serious scientific research to back up the new idea.

Another-Plumber · Mar 11, 2012

Moderator's note:

A reminder to everyone to post with civility.

phishfood

Caduceus · Mar 12, 2012

I agree with john that simply discharging waste water to the open land is not acceptable. Even grey water systems where the water leeches into the soil surrounding the house are very dated. These days we use stronger cleaning agents in tubs/showers as well as bathing more often which introduces more soap and detergents into the soil. Soil erosion must also be a concern especially where it could effect the structure. There's nothing wrong with a grey water system as long as it is installed similarly to a septic (just without the tank) and all environmental issues are considered, such as water table, streams/ponds, wild life and plants/trees. It may only be one fixture, but if used 200-300 times per year it could have more of an impact than expected.