Do my basement floor drains lead to sewer? How can I tell?

Question

The drain covers have a down facing cup underneath a round disc with drain holes covering the drain. I want to know if I can drain my washing maching into this. If it does not drain into the sewer where would it possibly go? The house was built in 1879 and it has city sewer. I don't want to cause a problem with the lint...Thanks in advance...

Answer 1

Not every drain will go to the sewer. Does this have a sump pump hooked to it? There are also earth drains in basements too, make sure this is not one or you will have a mess. I have both a sewer and earth drain in my basement.

Answer 2

Yes, the floor drains got to the sewer. You will need a standpipe for the washer to drain into before it goes to the drain. If not, the washer will drain by gravity while running. I found a cheap solution to the lint problem. I secured a "knee-high" nylon to the end of the drainpipe. It lasts about a month before getting full and then I change it. I get the nylons at the dollar store.