Water softener drain pipe

[Newbie_DIY]

Hello,

in my house there are pipes for water softener in the garage, and the drain pipe seems to be already installed in the laundry, into the washing machine tray. The end of the pipe, however, is not open (see attached pic).

I'm doing this for the first time, and not finding much reference. Is it safe for me to cut the end of this copper pipe in the washing machine tray?

Also, can I just connect the drain hose on the middle pipe as shown in the second picture, or should I install an air gap as well?

Thanks in advance.

 

[Michael P Reilly]

Hello,

in my house there are pipes for water softener in the garage, and the drain pipe seems to be already installed in the laundry, into the washing machine tray. The end of the pipe, however, is not open (see attached pic).

I'm doing this for the first time, and not finding much reference. Is it safe for me to cut the end of this copper pipe in the washing machine tray?

Also, can I just connect the drain hose on the middle pipe as shown in the second picture, or should I install an air gap as well?

Thanks in advance.

Certainly no expert but I believe the air gap is formed by the pipe sticking out at the standpipe that you are asking to cut the cap off of. I think they require it to pass through 1.5" of air before entering the standpipe. First question is, are you sure the two pipe ends you are asking about are opposite ends of the same pipe?