The HOA doesn't allow laundry washers in my condo. They claim the drains cannot support it. Would that even apply to the latest front loaders that use far less water? What if I did my laundry in the bathtub? Wouldn't that be the same?

Hey Aberracasa:

Basically, newer front end loader washers use less water but they have significantly more powerful pumps which discharge at such a rate that it can cause issues with waste backflow when used on some of the older condo. Complexes that piped drains in 1.5 inch pipe instead of the larger 2" pipes we use for most everything nowadays.

Also, in most cases like this, the HOA does not allow old washers or new washers because DETERGENTS and LINT from clothes have a tendency to cause issues with blocking the drains over time.

Overall, combining smaller pipes, detergent, lint AND cost of WATER AND SEWER...and many older condominium complexes have opted to do away with laundry areas or washing machines altogether.

Never mind the liability... such as when a washing machine hose breaks unexpectedly... or a washing machine overflows and damages not only one, but perhaps several units below it.

That is reason I don't recommend you go using a washing machine in your unit... down the tub or not (tub will clog over time... or hose will pull out of tub sometime)... God forbid a hose breaks or damages occur... could be a big hassle for you... ;)

Anyway... that is my thoughts on this issue. I see it happening at more and more places.

Let me know what you think... Mark

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Well I am not sure legally they can stop you, I would sue them over it personally, I can not believe a court would uphold them restricting it in a unit your own.

I agree with Fr_Chuck. HOA can be totally nuts at times, I should know I side on one as a board member. They makes rules day and night micomanaging the lives and property of others. Most of their intentions start good but it does get messy. Check the printed rules first before you sue, sometimes there is no real rule.

*** sorry I did not notice this was plumbing board, I was doing several legal questions prior to my answer and was thinking from a legal view point, not a plumbing view point. I say that since if you own the unit, if the plumbing will not carry the load if you were to pay for all the cost of updating your drain in your unit to the main.

But then I hate associations with a passion.