Laundry Facilities in an outbuilding??

IslandRadio · 07-18-2011, 01:09 PM

Here's the situation...

(on Rattlesnake Island)

We have an outbuilding that can hold a washing machine and a dryer. There really isn't room in the main cottage for a washer/dryer.

We have a pretty new, state approved septic system.

The question is: can we put the washer/dryer in the outbuilding, if we tie into the main septic system or is this not allowed.

Anyone with any experience doing such a thing?

Thanks and Regards,

Steve

ishoot308 · 07-18-2011, 02:02 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by IslandRadio

Here's the situation...

(on Rattlesnake Island)

We have an outbuilding that can hold a washing machine and a dryer. There really isn't room in the main cottage for a washer/dryer.

We have a pretty new, state approved septic system.

The question is: can we put the washer/dryer in the outbuilding, if we tie into the main septic system or is this now allowed.

Anyone with any experience doing such a thing?

Thanks and Regards,

Steve

Steve;

I don't have first hand experience but know many island people who do exactly what you are wanting to do. As long as your washer is hard piped into the septic I see no issues. Many people have a separate building for their washer and dryer. At my camp we did just the opposite and moved the washer from the outbuilding to the main camp. We made room by removing a closet.

Good luck!

Dan

GsChinadoll · 07-18-2011, 02:47 PM

My understanding is that a dry well would be preferred, but that might be difficult on an island. I don't think the detergent, bleach etc are good for the bacteria needed in a septic system but I'm sure there will be lots of other opinions.

ishoot308 · 07-18-2011, 02:55 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by GsChinadoll

My understanding is that a dry well would be preferred, but that might be difficult on an island. I don't think the detergent, bleach etc are good for the bacteria needed in a septic system but I'm sure there will be lots of other opinions.

Definitely can't use bleach in any septic. There are however lots of eco-friendly and all natural cleaning products that work well and are completely safe for septics. Sam's Club sell a plant based laundry soap with no phosphates which we use and it works great!... http://www.samsclub.com/sams/shop/pr...navAction=jump

Dan

Kamper · 07-18-2011, 04:01 PM

Dry wells are no longer legal for new installatons in most of NH. I had one for my laundry. If you are in a place where they are still legal they are great. Eventually you will need to re-dig since soap will saturate the surrounding area and it will drain too slowly to be practical. That dirt will need to be disposed of somewhere.

Good luck!

07-18-2011, 01:09 PM	#1
IslandRadio Senior Member Join Date: Sep 2009 Location: Mirror Lake - Full time resident Posts: 398 Thanks: 70 Thanked 156 Times in 61 Posts	Laundry Facilities in an outbuilding?? Here's the situation... (on Rattlesnake Island) We have an outbuilding that can hold a washing machine and a dryer. There really isn't room in the main cottage for a washer/dryer. We have a pretty new, state approved septic system. The question is: can we put the washer/dryer in the outbuilding, if we tie into the main septic system or is this not allowed. Anyone with any experience doing such a thing? Thanks and Regards, Steve Last edited by IslandRadio; 07-19-2011 at 07:02 AM. Reason: Typo Correction

07-18-2011, 02:47 PM	#3
GsChinadoll Senior Member Join Date: Apr 2010 Location: Northern MA & Moultonboro Posts: 54 Thanks: 339 Thanked 15 Times in 7 Posts	My understanding is that a dry well would be preferred, but that might be difficult on an island. I don't think the detergent, bleach etc are good for the bacteria needed in a septic system but I'm sure there will be lots of other opinions. __________________ Don't let people drive you crazy when you know it's within walking distance.

07-18-2011, 04:01 PM	#5
Kamper Senior Member Join Date: Jul 2005 Location: Thornton's Ferry Posts: 1,302 Thanks: 67 Thanked 171 Times in 127 Posts	Dry wells are no longer legal for new installatons in most of NH. I had one for my laundry. If you are in a place where they are still legal they are great. Eventually you will need to re-dig since soap will saturate the surrounding area and it will drain too slowly to be practical. That dirt will need to be disposed of somewhere. Good luck!