We are trying to convert an existing large storage closet into a bathroom. It is on the other side of the house from the main sewer line. The plumber has suggested installing a "pump" that will "condense" the sewage into a smaller, 2 inch drain line that collects the kitchen drainage. The other option is to break through a large expanse of flooring and driveway to connect to the main sewer line. I am very, very nervous about this pump. Is this really a good option and are there any others? What are the odds the pump will fail and if it does, will I then have sewage backing up into my kitchen/bath?

Hi Mama4ks...

Pumps can fail on occcassion... like anything else, of course, but most of the time the sewage pumps they make for these purposes are pretty darn reliable as long as you don't go throwing paper towels, napkins, feminine napkins, floss, etc... down the drains (clogs the impeller)... ;)

If, for example, the plumber lowers the pump into the pump pit using the electrical cord then you can probably expect that this will decrease the life expectancy of the pump because treating the cord like that can strain the water proofing sleeve which can allow water to enter the pump and eventually kill it!

If the pump fails the issue will not be that sewage can back up but more so that you can't use the plumbing fixtures until the pump is fixed/replaced.

What particular pump system is the plumber suggesting? A zoeller (the best!), a liberty pump (next best), a non-name brand..? Let me know.

MARK

Thanks for the info Mark. I don't yet know what brand of pump system he is talking about, but you can be sure I will ask and let you know. Thanks again.

Mama4ks: Do not try to save money on the pump. Get good brand. I recommend Zoeller sewer ejection system with M267 pump and Alarm. Alarm will sound before sewage overflows.

www.Zoeller.com

There are entire houses that operate on sewer ejectors - not only one basement bathroom. So I would not worry too much...

As Mark correctly stated above, sewer ejector pumps do fail. Maintenance is a must. If pump starts giving you smallest problem, do not repair. Replace it with new one.

I would not recommend to tie the sewer ejector discharge into 2" kitchen pipe. Bad idea. Remember, you will have toilet waste running through this pipe. Therefore 2" pipe is inadequate. Your plumber should pump it into 3" or 4" main sewer he will locate someplace in your house.

I see a lot of talk about drains but nothing about vents. The pit will have to have a dedicated vent of its own as well as venting the fixtures it will service. Has the plumber addressed that? Adding more solids in the form of sewage to a kitchen that already has more then its fair share of solids from the disposal is not a good idea. Follow Milos advice and connect directly to the main. Good luck, Tom

YUP! Connecting into a kitchen sink drain line is not a great idea for sure! Thanks for picking that up Milo/Tom. I read it as a bathroom AND a kitchen sink going into the pump... OOPS!

MARK