Sink Drain/Septic system ideas?

sure some peopel will pop in with better ideas. However, if you look at RV supply stores, they have portable tanks used to drain dump tanks. I have one for my camper. Its 30 gallons and on wheels.

would something like that work?
 
Need some info.

Is this "grey water" only?
If so, it can be drained right on the ground. No problem.
Soapy water with some light grease in it is very biodegradable.
Think of all the competetion teams that use "bus tubs" and dump them right on the ground.

Is it gonna be "inside", like in a garage or deck area?

Is this for commercial use?
If so, forget the above. You will need holding tanks.

Add some detail and let's see what the Brethren can come up with.

TIM
 
You should probably check local building and plumbing codes. For instance, in Indiana, although it used to be OK, you cannot currently run a simple garage floor drain to "daylight". It has to be tied into a sanitary sewer system. Some areas may require a grease trap to be used.

Practically speaking, I agree with the Kapn above. Grey water really isn't that big a deal. Technically speaking as a building and construction inspector, I have to say that rules and regs are in place for a reason. To cover YOUR butt, I'd suggest looking into it.

If it's an exterior sink/workstation like on a deck or patio, a holding tank or just rubber hose down to the ground would work for you, but again.....check things out with your local municipality. There are likely links on their website that will show you what you want. If not, give the building commissioner's office a call. They can help.
 
5 gallon bucket is more my style. Then again some folks might say I don't even know what style means.
 
Need some info.

Is this "grey water" only?
If so, it can be drained right on the ground. No problem.
Soapy water with some light grease in it is very biodegradable.
Think of all the competetion teams that use "bus tubs" and dump them right on the ground.

Is it gonna be "inside", like in a garage or deck area?

Is this for commercial use?
If so, forget the above. You will need holding tanks.

Add some detail and let's see what the Brethren can come up with.

TIM

It's going to be outside. I'm running hot and cold water. it'll be mostly just for quick rinsing of my hands, utensils and cutting boards before I bring them inside for thorough cleaning. maybe some soapy water resulting from hand and/or dish detergent.

I was thinking about burying a small container (like the drain wells you can get in the box stores) about 4' down.
 
What about burried section of PVC pipe with holes drilled in? About a 10ft pipe about 6 inches deep? Maybe line the bottom of the trench with some gravel. Think french drain.
 
What about burried section of PVC pipe with holes drilled in? About a 10ft pipe about 6 inches deep? Maybe line the bottom of the trench with some gravel. Think french drain.

Yeah, that seems easy enough. I did something similar for my rain gutters. i will check out local codes, just to be safe, but I'm leaning toward simple/easy rather than elaborate.
 
When i was thinking about an outdoor kitchen i also was simply going to bury some pvc pipe in a trench w/1-2" rock surrounding it so everything will perk into the ground without having to empty anything. You could easily bury a bucket w/holes drilled in it surrounded by stone or any other method of getting water below grade. Many septic systems were installed that way for years. 55 gallon drum w/ lots of holes and open bottom, burried and surrounded w/rock in sandy soil will last a very long time, better if the drum is plastic. If you have a lot of clay or poor perking soil then you might want to think about daylighting if possible. You can check w/the local building officials however i'm willing to bet they're gonna say no, but it's only grey water and occasional use so i say just go for it. Not like they gonna come around and see it.
 
Check the codes. The Maine subsurface plumbing code was updated recently and now requires a septic tank for gray water and laundry systems.
 
I made a drain using flexable drain pipe going into a 50 gallon drum that I buried in the ground. I punched holes into the drum and filled it with gravel.
 
Open sites are more susceptible to frost, heaving and erosion.
 
The sink on my prep table has the same purpose, rinse hands and little things.
I have it set up to drain right into my patio drain system which drains right out to the yard.
Water in comes right from a hose bib.
 
Unless you are going to be draining alot of grease down the drain, I would keep it simple and run it to your lawn or landscaping. Are you getting permits for the plumbing work? If not, keep it simple, IMO.
 
Back
Top