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Author:
mjp24coho (AR)
I'm hoping to get some advice from all of you relating to a remodel I'm looking at doing. I currently have a second laundry room on our second floor, which I would like to convert to a bathroom (we don't need two laundry rooms, but we need another bathroom). The existing laundry room has a sink/vanity and a washer/dryer. The sink and washer each have their own separate drains. I would like to replace the washer with a new sink/vanity, replace the existing sink/vanity with a corner shower, and add a toilet. The main problem is that the two separate existing drain lines (from the existing sink and washer) are 2". That will be fine for the shower and sink, but I believe the toilet should at least have a 3" or 4" drain. But there isn't a 4" drain anywhere near this room that I can tap into.
My thought to solve this is to use a macerator (grinder/pump) toilet - behind the wall from the toilet - whereby I can grind up the toilet waste and then discharge it into a 2" drain line. I'm looking at a Zoeller QuickJon System, which will allow me to place the grinder/pump box behind the wall where the toilet is. From the grinder/pump box, I would pump up the wall, into the 3rd floor attic, across the top of the room, and then gravity feed down the opposite wall and tap into the existing washer drain. The Zoeller QuickJon System has its own separate 2" vent that I will run into the 3rd floor attic and tap into the existing main vent line (which goes out the roof in a 4" pipe). The shower and sink would both drain together into a separate drain line, which would also have its own vent that taps into the existing main vent line in the 3rd floor attic.
I'm fairly experienced in doing a lot of my own DIY projects, but I know enough to know what I don't know with this proposed project. I've included below a link to the image of the diagram for my proposed plumbing system, and would like to get some input on whether this system would work, and if not, what tweaks I should make. Additionally, I have a few specific questions:
1. Will the combined vent for the shower and sink provide adequate venting? Will this technically be a "wet vent"?
2. Is there any problem with pumping from the grinder/pump box up the wall, into the 3rd floor attic, and then have it gravity feed down into the existing washer drain line on the other side of the room?
3. The grinder/pump box will be in a second floor attic room (not heated) - any concerns with freezing? I live in NW Arkansas, where winter overnight lows can get into the teens. Could I build an insulated box around the grinder/pump box to remedy that if it's a concern?
4. Do I need any check valves anywhere in the system?
5. Any other problems or concerns I should be aware of?
Thanks in advance for your help/direction!
[parkerhousepictures.shutterfly.com]
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Author:
Wheelchair (IL)
Why not draw a picture of your design. That would help. You could present your written plans to a local licensed plumber for an estimate and local advisement.
Do it right the first time and have peace of mind... with a second bathroom.
Best Wishes
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Author:
North Carolina Plumber (NC)
1. As drawn, both the sink and shower have s-traps and neither is vented correctly.
2. That should be ok.
3. The pump box will freeze if exposed to sub-freezing temps, an insulated, and or heated box will prevent from freezing.
4. A check valve will be required on the discharge line, just above the pump.
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Author:
mjp24coho (AR)
Thanks for the response. How should I vent the sink and shower? I doubt I get sub-freezing temperatures in the attic, but I can build an insulated box just to be safe.
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Author:
jimmy-o (CA)
Macerating toilets are great for cabins in the woods, or a workshop toilet. I would not chose one for a main toilet in my house. Find a way to install a drain.
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Author:
waukeshaplumbing (WI)
ive been a plumber for 15 years now...ive never seen a grind box on a toilet anywhere...let alone on a 2nd/3rd floor bathroom
if i was bidding on your project i would open up walls and run a new 3" drain up...it really isnt that big of a deal and would be correct and the BEST WAY to do it
to me your way is rigging and something i would not do....im not sure how legal it even is...here in WI if it can go by gravity it MUST go by gravity...so it may not even be code legal....
in a basement i could see rigging it with a grinder/pump type toilet...but ive never consider it on a normal living level of the house
adding a bath is in no way a homeowner project....0 chance it will ever be close to correct...it can be a difficult project for a plumber.....i recommend giving up now and hire someone
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Author:
mjp24coho (AR)
I'm planning on having a plummer do the work - I'm just trying to do my homework and identify alternatives first. I believe in bringing in experts to help with things that are out of my league, but I don't trust blindly - I like to do my homework first.
I've got no problem with tearing into walls and draining to a 3" drain on the main floor. Problem is, I'm not sure how that's possible. The laundry room is on the second floor in the middle of the house, but the bathrooms on the main floor are on each end of the house (no crawl space under the house).
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Author:
jimmy-o (CA)
ANYTHING in plumbing is possible, given the application of the required amount of cubic dollars.
Macerating toilet should be your last choice, or actually not on your list at all.
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