View Full Version : Question for a Plumber
mq_qasim
Mar 28, 2014, 12:40 PM
We just bought a house and noticed that in the basement, in the sump pump pit, there are 2 pipes which come in. I think 1 is from the drain from the steps outside by the basement entrance. I noticed, whenever we use water upstairs in the bathrooms or kitchen etc, the water from this other pipe/hole comes into the pit even though there is no rain outside or anything. Of course when this water comes, the water is drained by sump pump. I also noticed when sump pump runs, again the water comes from that hole/pipe. I thought may be the sump pump is not being thrown far off and the water is coming back in... but I went to see and the sump pump is throwing the water outside at least 20 ft away (on slope) without any chance of this water coming back in. Can anybody tell me if it is normal that when water runs through main drain line, some water comes in the sump-pump pit as well? The reason I am asking is because the main drain line in out basement is above grade. We made a new bathroom in the basement and put an ejecter system. The outlet from this ejecter we put in the main drain. So far we only turned the clean water and I noticed whenever I run this and my ejecter system throws the water in the main drain line, the water comes in the sump pump pit from that other hole/pipe I discussed above. So I am confused as to when we start using the toilet, the dirty water will come in the sump-pump pit. Is it possible?
Thanks for your help
massplumber2008
Mar 28, 2014, 01:18 PM
Can anybody tell me if it is normal that when water runs through main drain line, some water comes in the sump-pump pit as well?
Nope, not normal at all...;)
There should be no connection between the main drain and the SUMP PUMP. What did your home inspector say about this pit...should have questioned the second pipe?
Mark
mq_qasim
Mar 28, 2014, 02:12 PM
Nope, not normal at all...;)
There should be no connection between the main drain and the SUMP PUMP. What did your home inspector say about this pit...should have questioned the second pipe?
Mark
Did not do the inspection... but so far I have only seen clean water coming. Another question... does the sump pump pit has the pipes run into it from the sides of the home?
massplumber2008
Mar 28, 2014, 03:10 PM
The sump pit could have PERIMETER DRAIN pipes entering it and that is fine...not an issue there and should only see water in these pipes if it has been raining.
I'm wondering if the sump pump was attached into the main drain at some point and the drain line didn't get capped? If this was the case AND the main drain system was PARTIALLY BLOCKED (would only show up when a washing machine, a tub, or the sewer ejector pumped) you could see water back up that pipe and into the sump pit...
Can you post a picture of the sump pit, the ejector pit and all associated connections? If so, we should be able to tell you more. If not, it may be a good idea to have a plumber come in and look at this as well as the rest of the plumbing and heating system since no home inspection was performed.
ballengerb1
Mar 28, 2014, 04:27 PM
Are the two pipes going into the top of the pit or are you seeing two down along the side entering from the side? Where are you located and is this a very rural area? City sewer or septic tank?