My question is would you feel comfortable with an open p-trap connected to the main sewer line if it was concealed by drywall? This p-trap currently handles the rinsing of the water softener.

The reason I ask is that I'm finishing my basement and have framed the soffit that will cover the hvac ductwork and main sewer line. I'm worried that if the septic system were to back up that the open p-trap would be the first place to leak. And being covered by drywall, could go undetected for a brief period. There would also be the mess to contend with.

I'll add that there is a crock in the floor with a sewage pump that handles removal of the existing basement bathroom and the future wet bar. Would you feel comfortable using that pumping system as a means to handle the water softener?

You can not conceal an open drain pipe.

That's what I thought. But what about dumping the rinse water from the softener into the sump pit?

I had mentioned making the connection between the trap and the sink because the trap will isolate this from sewer gas and odor. At the sink because the trap would continually have 'fresh' water. Without the trap separating the odor and gas you would have a potential problem. Is there a way to dump outside? It is not unsanitary water, just rinse water.

I don't remember seeing that part of the answer in your previous reply. It is just rinse water. However, dumping the saltwater outside would end up killing the grass. I've considered a couple of options:

- Feeding it into the p-trap of the wet bar, which will go to the ejector pump
- Adding an elbow to the p-trap on the main sewer line and extending it to the utility room where the water softener sits (drain would then be accessible)

You are correct, I had not previously mentioned it here. I had mentioned it at another post and did not re read this string.
- Feeding it into the p-trap of the wet bar, which will go to the ejector pump...
I would not put salt water into my sump pump.
- Adding an elbow to the p-trap on the main sewer line and extending it to the utility room where the water softener sits (drain would then be accessible)...
A new trap will be OK, you may have to install a trap primer for it to maintain a water level in it. Do not afix the drain to the new trap. Make a gap between the drain hose and the trap [an air gap] so the sewage can not flow or get sucked back into the softener [cross connection].

Thanks for your help.

Listen to Doug his advice is solid. Let me add that you might check the local code to se if it allows anything but sewage and gray water to enter a municipal sewer plant. In our area code forbids draining, raiin water run off, water softener discharge, AC condensate or sump pump discharge in the city sewer. The reason being that the plant has to treat everything coming into the plant as raw sewage and that raises the cost per gallon of treated waste water ending up as increased cost to the customer. Some areas allow this and some don't. Best to check. Regards, Tom

In my case, it's the septic system and drain field. But otherwise, it's pretty common to empty water softener into the sewer here in WV. Around here, the sewer rate is tied to the water bill. So if you're getting billed for the amount pumped to your home, sending it back down the drain is only fair.

Now as you mentioned, it is against code to empty your downspout rainwater and hvac condensate into the sewer for the resaon you mentioned.

I appreciate the advice that I get from this forum. Keep up the good work.