Reusing Water from the Washer
Now I have a tub (laundry sink) the water goes into before it goes to the drain because my plumbing is old and the force of the water is too much for the drain to handle. This morning I was thinking of ways to save on water. I am wondering if a small pond pump put in the laundry tub would work to siphon the water back into the washer for reuse.
Another thought was to use a garden hose from the laundry sink to send the RINSE water outside to my flower beds.
Anyone have any thoughts on this?
PrairieLady from SD
Feedback About This Post:
RE: Reusing Water from the Washer
We've been using all our washing machine water for the past year on our landscape plants. The only change we made was using a clothes detergent that doesn't have salt in it. It's called Bright Green from Safeway and it does a great job (and I'm picky about this). The plants are thriving! In addition we divert ALL our SHOWER WATER to landscape plants. The system continuously extracts the gray water (so you don't stand in slippery soapy water) and then pumps it through the wall an onto landscape plants. A remote hangs from the towel rack and turns the pump on and off. Using gray water from clothes washing and showers combined saves us a LOT of money! If you are interested in the shower product we use, it is at www.MiragePacific.com
Post by jtreavis
RE: Reusing Water from the Washer
When I was a little boy I helped Grandma and mom wash clothes with the old wringer washer and two tubs one held wash water and one rinse. The water and soap would be used over and over, putting the clothes through the ringer was the best. then they would dry on the clothesline. Very energy effective. and the smell was the best.
Now I have a big plastic storage tub I set on my laundry sink and the wash water discharges into the tub. I have to move the drain hose back to the stand pipe for rinse then I siphon the wash water into the machine for the next 5 loads.
Post By jack (Guest Post)
RE: Reusing Water from the Washer
Years ago, my mother had one but she still has the tub. She would sure like that if they did make them again with the way the economy is, you have to conserve everything you can. It is a waste of water if you can use it over again but don't have a way to save it.
Post By Enter your name. (Guest Post)
RE: Reusing Water from the Washer
I recently posted under Laundry Tips...
If the wash water is reusable, catch the wash water in a large garbage can and a couple of pails and then replace the hose into the drain pipe and let the washing machine finish it's full cycle. If you leave the lid open, the wash water does not drain or spin until the lid is put back down. For the next load, I simply pail it back into the machine. This is a little bit of work but good exercise. Be sure to use a smaller pail so that you don't strain your back.
Post by Joycer
RE: Reusing Water from the Washer
I also have a Kenmore Sudsaver Washing Machine that is now over 13 years old. I have been trying to find a replacement but apparently the companies are replacing these with the new front loading, use less water models. I tried Maytag but they have not made that model in four years. I have heard a lot of negetive remarks about the new front loading washers including how expensive the parts are when when they break and if you purchase one, make sure you buy the extended service warranty, as you will need to use it.
I do not understand why these companies stopped making these machines during a time when we are all suppose to be trying to conserve. I am on a well and septic system, so I found this to be just what I needed. I wonder if we all started to write to these companies suggesting they make these part of their product line again - would they listen?
Post By Linda Stanford (Guest Post)
RE: Reusing Water from the Washer
behind your Washer use a 2 inch pvc pipe about 4 ft tall one 90 degree elbow Route thru an exterior wall, clamp the Pvc pipe to the wall in a couple of spots then hang your washer hose in it .Go to the hardware store and get you some 1 1/2 flex hose simply reduce down to hook 2 in pipe to the flex hose and flex hose can be up to 20 ft long and its free to move around outside and can be coiled up on a hose hager,Works great for watering a tree or a garden a large load can be up to 30 gallons of water
Post By Joel (Guest Post)
RE: Reusing Water from the Washer
We have an aftermarket sudsaver, which was purchased about 20 years ago. now we need a new washer, and don't know if any of the new models will support the aftermarket sudsaver. :(
Post By Hoat (Guest Post)
RE: Reusing Water from the Washer
Buy a Maytag suds saver machine -- I love mine. It's the only manufacturer that I know that still makes this once popular type of washing machine. Should be more of them available.
Post By hickorynut (Guest Post)
RE: Reusing Water from the Washer
Thank you all for the feedback. I am thinking I will be able to reuse the wash/rinse water in the machine, then I should be able to pump it outside to the flower beds! My machine is at ground level, so this should not be alot of problem except getting all the pumps and hoses connected. You all are wonderful!
Post by PrairieLady
RE: Reusing Water from the Washer
The ultimate source that I've found about using graywater (aka. greywater) is Art Ludwig. He's been at it for decades, and what he has to say is NOT pie-in-the-sky dreams.
Check out, ASAP, www.oasisdesign.net . This will give you a glimpse into the extraordinary work that he's done.
Post By walter (Guest Post)
RE: Reusing Water from the Washer
I use a small submersible pump to pump my water from the laundry tub to my flower beds. The flowers love it and I love the savings since I have to pay for my water usage.
Post By thecatlady (Guest Post)
RE: Reusing Water from the Washer
I am all for using gray water for other tasks. I had the suds saver but now have a front loading washer which uses a lot less water and gets the clothes cleaner. You also use less soap. But back to gray water....I would water house plants with it and in the summer since I have a window in my laundry room I would send it straight into the yard with a hose or into a garbage can and water the container plants with it. If you use bleach let the water set a day or two before you use it on plants. When they had phosphates in detergent it really made the yard green and plants blossom.
Post By Gerry (Guest Post)
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