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Author:
gdtrfb (IN)
I really need some help with my basement drainage, I am pretty confused and don't have that much money for a plumber at this time. (I bet you heard that before!!)
Anyway, I have a 1/3hp sump pump. It discharges laundry, water softner AND runoff to the sanitary sewer. (I believe this is allowed in my area). The laundry drains to tub which drains to sump. The main lateral is about 7 feet above the washing machine and the main cleanout/exit point is about 3 or 4 ft above basement floor level. Sump pump has cheap check valve.
Fearing what would happen if I had a sewer blockage, I installed a tee on the sump discharge and put two shutoff valves on the lines. In the event of a backup I would be able to discharge the sump pit to the outdoors in a not so convieent location that would suffice until I had the blockage corrected.
I have considered discharging the sump to daylight permantly. However, I don't think splashing laundry water onto the side of my house is a good idea.
What is the proper setup?
Is it totally wrong to have laundry going to sump pit?
What should I be considering here?
Edited 1 times.
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Author:
KCRoto (MO)
Sending the sump discharge to the outside of the house is the best way to go, but it should be to an area where the ground has sufficient pitch away from the foundation to prevent pooling.
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Author:
gdtrfb (IN)
In the event of a sewer backup, is the checkvalve (one that you see on a sump with the worm clamps and rubber sleeve), is that checkvalve going to keep sewage out of my sump pit?
Is having a laundry drain into a sump a common setup?
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Author:
KCRoto (MO)
No, generally if a washer would only be installed where the drainage system can accommodate it. Someone decided to save space upstairs and put the laundry in the basement, and used the only method they could come up with realistically.
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Author:
gdtrfb (IN)
Is installing a drain pump what I need to do? Or that is essentially the same thing? Does the washer have enough head to lift it out?
If I install a drain pump, does it have to be trapped? Does it need a vent? How about a check valve?
Im dizzy with all the different routes to take and I am poor. Im grasping at straws asking here too as I know its hard to comment without seeing the setup.
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So then discharge out to the lawn, 4' from foundation. The pump runs like crazy during rain. I fear I will be creating a pond in the summer or a ice skate rink in the winter. We freeze here too.
I really need some good advice, I have no one to ask.
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Author:
packy (MA)
just to add to your confusion.. if the sump pump discharges into your sewer and there is a sewer stoppage, when the pump runs, the water will come out the lowest opening.
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