What to do with greywater?

[Old Mission]

When we moved in here the greywater was being pumped via sump pump out a hose to the yard, and in the winter it freezes and just pours all over the basement overflowing. We got a new septic system/tank/field, 1500 gallon 2 stage tank.
but totally forgot to address this issue. Can we put it in the septic? If not what do you do with it!?!?

[Old Mission]

Also the water softener discharge as well???? We have a newer higher efficiency water softener that does not use a ton of salt....

[Ken Scharabok]

If you don't have a use for it your graywater can go into your septic tank. Millions and millions of people do so.

[arabian knight]

I agree if you have no use for let it go in the septic, no problem at all in doing so.

[Old Mission]

Is the water softener discharge ok to put in it too?

Thanks!

[Ken Scharabok]

Yes, but can you put in a system with a bypass value? For example, you vent the graywater outside during summer, and redirect it to the septic tank in winter.

[norcalfarm]

I would use the water to irrigate trees or other plants. There are all kinds of simple systems that you could use. You could cut the tank out all together and just use gravity.

[Oldcountryboy]

Originally Posted by Ken Scharabok

Yes, but can you put in a system with a bypass value? For example, you vent the graywater outside during summer, and redirect it to the septic tank in winter.

Originally Posted by norcalfarm

I would use the water to irrigate trees or other plants. There are all kinds of simple systems that you could use. You could cut the tank out all together and just use gravity.

I was reading in a magazine the other day about a farmer who would devert his grey water in the summer months to his apple and peach orchard. Sounded like a weinner if you ask me!

[Windy in Kansas]

In most places it is mandated that gray water go into the septic system too.

[cmtigger]

It is legal where I live to have it piped out for garden use, but it's a recent code change. Mine doesn't go through my basement, and it's only from my washing machine, though.

[eclipchic]

Originally Posted by Windy in Kansas

In most places it is mandated that gray water go into the septic system too.

This is the case here in Indiana, we just had to have our septic field replaced and found out from the BOH dude himself

[Nevada]

Originally Posted by cmtigger

It is legal where I live to have it piped out for garden use, but it's a recent code change. Mine doesn't go through my basement, and it's only from my washing machine, though.

It was legal to do that where I lived in AZ, but it can't be stored. By their definition, gray water stored for over 24 hours is black water.

[meanwhile]

What to do with Gray water? Read from the links below and you will find tons of great projects and ideas!

http://greywateraction.org/

http://www.harvestingrainwater.com/

http://www.oasisdesign.net/index.htm