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Connecting water softner drain line to sewer

Asked Jun 3, 2009, 06:19 AM — 4 Answers
How best do I connect the valve drain line from my water softener to the sewer line. Our basement has no floor drain. At present the line runs directly into the sewer line at ceiling height. A recent home inspection said that we need to in stall a "J trap" and allow a 2" air gap. Is there a device premade for such a connection? Thanks,
JS

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Milo Dolezal's Avatar
Milo Dolezal Posts: 5,881, Reputation: 1933
Plumbing Expert
  
#2

Jun 3, 2009, 06:23 AM


You cannot run Water Softener discharge line directly into sewer . For this purpose, you will need same set up like for Washing Machine. That means P-Trap and Stand Pipe. Air Gap and Check Valves are both good idea since it is an extra precaution that sewer won't enter your Softener.

Can you post a photo of the connection ? Thanks
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speedball1's Avatar
speedball1 Posts: 27,674, Reputation: 9541
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#3

Jun 3, 2009, 06:26 AM


In my area it's against code to put anything in the sewer except sewerage and gray water. No rain water run off, no AC condensate, and no water softener discharge.
The reason being that whatever enters the sewer plant must be treated like sewerage. This kicks up the cost of operation and that cost is passed on to you.
Good luck, vtom
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water_doctor's Avatar
water_doctor Posts: 32, Reputation: 5
Junior Member
  
#4

Jun 3, 2009, 07:41 AM
Is your softener anywhere close to your washing machine? If so you can use the same drain to put your softener drain line in. As far as air gaps are concerned there are a couple of options.
Go to Floor Gap Inc Mainly they do air gaps for floor drains but I have found that they offer some good info as far as air gaps and so forth. I would give them a call they are very nice people. I just talked to them the other day. You might want to call them today, I think I remember them saying that their office will be closed on Thursday for a week or something. I can't remember. 801-447-4132 is their number if you don't get to the web site.
I hope this helps
Have a good day
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chrisj440's Avatar
chrisj440 Posts: 1, Reputation: 1
New Member
  
#5

Feb 1, 2013, 06:56 AM
My softener company put the backwash to the floor drain in the basement that goes to the ejector pit. That ejector pit then puts it in the sewer line. So what difference does it make if the softener goes directly to the sewer line as long as there is an air gap to prevent siphoning?

The backwash ruined our ejector pump, so I want it going directly to the sewer line. Either way, its going into the sewer.
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