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View Full Version : How to locate a vent for a sewage lift pump?


kchisel
Dec 13, 2010, 09:13 PM
I am finishing my basement and wanting to install a bathroom. I have cut the cement for my lines and lift station. I cut the hole for the lift station below my sewer line which is about 8' above. Now... what do I need to look for as far as venting? I have had one plumber come over to give me a bid and he wants to run a vent out the side of the house. I have two concerns here... 1) the odor for my next door neighbor, and 2) to me it seems easier if we could just tie into a current vent tube that goes to the roof. There are several PVC lines running in my basement which I assume are from my sinks, lavs, washer, etc. that tie into the sewer line.

What should I do? Do I call another plumber to come over and look and give me a bid? Do I need to locate the vent pipe in the basement myself? If it is the latter, what am I looking for? Any advice is appreciated.

creahands
Dec 13, 2010, 11:32 PM
Get a quote from 3 plumbers. Pick the one that comes closest to what u want. Tell them u would like them to hook into existing vent.

They may not be able to do this with ease.

Chuck

massplumber2008
Dec 14, 2010, 05:31 AM
Hi all:

Plumbing codes will NOT let us hook a sewage ejector pump vent into existing plumbing vents because a sewage ejector vent is dual purpose in that it has to pull air in when the ejector is pumping as well as expel air out when sewage enters the pit from the plumbing fixtures. Simply put, code states that a sewage ejector pump must have a vent that penetrates the roof separate of the plumbing system vents.

That being said, however, some inspectors will allow a plumber to connect into an existing plumbing vent stack up in an attic just before the main stack exits the roof... but no sooner and I have met very few that will even allow that.

If the plumber does exit the side of the building with the ejector vent, the vent cannot be within 10feet of a window, door, fan, etc. OK? Odor should not be an issue for your neighbor. The plumber should also look for ways, such as running the pipe in closets to get to the attic/roof, etc...

Be sure the plumber adds the check valve, makes that ejector pit air tight and also that he drills the 5/32" hole in the discharge pipe (inside the pit) to prevent air lock of the pump, OK?

Glad to discuss more...

Mark

ma0641
Dec 14, 2010, 08:54 AM
Georgia requires a dedicated vent, same as Mark indicates for Massachusetts and for the same reason, it serves a dual purpose. Make sure to seal the lid well or you will smell it in the basement.

CHRIS GREEN
Apr 19, 2012, 06:22 PM
So you can vent the sewage ejector pump on the side of the house, right?

ma0641
Apr 19, 2012, 09:56 PM
Depends on whether your local code allows. We have no idea of your code or where you live.

CHRIS GREEN
Apr 20, 2012, 02:11 AM
depends on whether your local code allows. We have no idea of your code or where you live.

I live in columbus, Ohio

ma0641
Apr 20, 2012, 04:27 AM
Your best bet is to check with your plumbing permitting department. Probably the UPC is what they use but may have own requirements.

speedball1
Apr 20, 2012, 05:39 AM
Great answer by Mark. He explained about the pit vent. ( Yes it MUST be dedicated.) However the fixture vent's another story. This vent can.
1, Be run out the roof,
2. Revent back into a existing attic vent **OR**
3. Revent back into another fixtures dry vent providing it connects at least 6" over that fixtures flood rim. Good luck Tom.

CHRIS GREEN
Apr 21, 2012, 05:08 PM
Thank you guys for your help

tailored
Mar 18, 2016, 03:01 PM
I have my lift station discharge into septic line, close to where upstairs bath drains to septic line. The lift station is vented to a roof vent that the upstairs bath is vented to also. When the lift station pump operates it causes large gurgle noise in upstairs shower. Does the lift station pump discharge line need to be vented also? Can the lift station vent and the pump discharge line be vented to the same vent? Will this stop the gurgling?
If I only vent the lift station to a separate vent would this stop the gurgling and also prevent the need for the pump discharge to have a vent also?

Thanks, Don

ma0641
Mar 18, 2016, 04:36 PM
"lift station is vented to a roof vent that the upstairs bath is vented to also." Code in most places require a dedicated vent for the ejector pump. "Can the lift station vent and the pump discharge line be vented to the same vent?" No. It is no longer Dedicated.
Realize that an ejector pump is a closed loop. The vent need to be separate since it works on Positive pressure-as the tank fills, and Negative as the tank empties. If it is tied into another vent, you risk the possibility of blowing sewer gas into the house or sucking a trap dry.