View Full Version : Relocating Washer & Dryer to basement
tmw76
Jun 26, 2011, 07:57 AM
We have a laundry room that is the size of an actual bedroom, and we would like to make it one. In order to do so, we need to close off the plumbing and move the washer and dryer to the basement. I'm trying to find out if I will have to get a laundry tub and pump like I've been reading about or if I can tie into the existing plumbing somehow. The drain in the picture is the main sewer drain and all toilets, shower, sinks & existing washer drains into this. Can I somehow T into this?
mygirlsdad77
Jun 26, 2011, 11:09 AM
You can tie into the three inch pipe right above the floor, then you will need to add a trap and vent for the washer.
massplumber2008
Jun 26, 2011, 02:32 PM
That isn't a sewage ejector pump is it? If so, the pit vent is missing.
If not, and that is a sump pump, then in most states nowadays you can't tie that pump into the sewer system.
Just in case you didn't know, TMW... ;)
Mark
ma0641
Jun 26, 2011, 02:45 PM
Looks like an ejector pump as Mark indicated. Should(must?) have dedicated vent through roof, everyone I've seen in GA does. What is pipe in wall behind connection?
hkstroud
Jun 26, 2011, 02:55 PM
Has to be a sump pump. Why would you have an ejector pump when the sewer main is under the basement floor? Pipe that the hose is hanging on appears to be the discharge pipe for the sump pump at one time. Some one rerouted sump into main sewer clean out for some reason.
Washer could be drained into main if a vent pipe is available. Simplest way would be to dump washer into sump pit then let sump pump pump it out to main.
tmw76
Jun 26, 2011, 02:57 PM
The previous owner tied the dump pump into the sewer. I need to get it redirected at some point. Thanks for the help guys. I need to figure out how to tie into this and figure out how to create a vent for the pipe that I tie in. I would like to put the washer right next to the sump pump. Can I vent this out the wall of the basement?
hkstroud
Jun 26, 2011, 04:01 PM
Vent has to either tie into plumbing venting system or be vented through the roof. An AAV (Air Admittance Valve) could also be used.
tmw76
Jun 26, 2011, 04:48 PM
The pipe behind is actually the old drain for the sump pump. The main drain does not drain into the sump pump. It just so happens that it is near it.
tmw76
Jun 26, 2011, 04:53 PM
Is it code to have the washer drain into sump pump? I believe the vent system is to the left where you see the drain coming from the wall. Unfortunately, plumbing is something that I don't have a lot of experience with. I do want it to look professional and not something I would see on "Holmes Inspection" :-).
hkstroud
Jun 26, 2011, 05:23 PM
Dumping the washer drain into a sump is not the most professional I admit, just the easiest.
What is on the other side of that wall that the sewer pipe comes through. I guessing you have a partial basement.
You can tee off the 3 (or 4) piping with a 2" drain to the washer but you need to vent it. Doubt that there is a vent line in your basement if there is no other plumbing in the basement. Options are to get vent piping up to first floor and tie in or to use an AAV.
massplumber2008
Jun 26, 2011, 07:28 PM
Hi Guys...
First, Harold, yeah... *DUH* on my part... should have seen it was a sump pump... great observing as always!
Second, Harold also presented a good idea in suggesting that the easiest way is to just let the washing machine drain into the sump pump pit. If you do this be sure to loop the washing machine discharge hose to above the washing machine before turning back down and into the sump pit or the washer could empty itself of water even during the fill cycle, OK?
Also note that the pump is easiest, but it is something that will require you to rely on a sump pump instead of just plain old gravity, so I would really consider installing this all properly... TRAP AND VENT it, as Harold said... :)
If you trap and vent it you want it to look something like I have drawn below... see image. The vent will need to connect into a vent in the basement at a minimum of 42" off the basement floor OR can go upstairs and connect into a vent up there, again, at a minimum of 42" off that finished floor.
Questions? Let us know, OK?
hkstroud
Jun 27, 2011, 06:17 AM
Mark was out of colored font so I copied his drawing for him (in pretty pink to match his eyes)
massplumber2008
Jun 28, 2011, 07:41 AM
How did you know I had pink eyes?
ma0641
Jun 28, 2011, 02:43 PM
Is that what is called a "PLUNGING neckline"? LOL
massplumber2008
Jun 28, 2011, 03:24 PM
I was hoping someone would catch that, Brian. Leave it to you... :)
ma0641
Jun 28, 2011, 06:34 PM
Hard to get past a 70 yr O** F**t
hkstroud
Jun 28, 2011, 07:12 PM
Watch out Brian, a "plunging neckline", and "horney" too
Mark are you really still playing with dolls?
(ain't buying, I down loaded)
mygirlsdad77
Jun 28, 2011, 08:35 PM
You are cuter than I pictured, Mark. And thanks Brian. I didn't know what a plunging neckline was (yes Im ignorant in many ways), but I sure enjoyed the photos when I googled it. I will certainly never forget what a plunging neckline is.
massplumber2008
Jun 29, 2011, 10:57 AM
In fact, I've never stopped playing with dolls, Harold... :D (can I even post this picture hmmm? )... see image.
MGD77, I just googled plunging neckline, too, very, well... visual!
mygirlsdad77
Jun 29, 2011, 04:59 PM
Wait a minute, that doesn't look anything like your last picture of yourself. For some reason, the ball and chain makes me laugh more than anything. Man, I need to take up doll collecting.