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-   -   How to locate a vent for a sewage lift pump? (https://www.askmehelpdesk.com/showthread.php?t=534498)

  • Dec 13, 2010, 09:13 PM
    kchisel
    How to locate a vent for a sewage lift pump?
    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.

  • Dec 13, 2010, 11:32 PM
    creahands

    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
  • Dec 14, 2010, 05:31 AM
    massplumber2008

    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
  • Dec 14, 2010, 08:54 AM
    ma0641
    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.
  • Apr 19, 2012, 06:22 PM
    CHRIS GREEN
    So you can vent the sewage ejector pump on the side of the house, right?
  • Apr 19, 2012, 09:56 PM
    ma0641
    Depends on whether your local code allows. We have no idea of your code or where you live.
  • Apr 20, 2012, 02:11 AM
    CHRIS GREEN
    Quote:

    Originally Posted by ma0641 View Post
    depends on whether your local code allows. We have no idea of your code or where you live.

    I live in columbus, Ohio
  • Apr 20, 2012, 04:27 AM
    ma0641
    Your best bet is to check with your plumbing permitting department. Probably the UPC is what they use but may have own requirements.
  • Apr 20, 2012, 05:39 AM
    speedball1
    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.
  • Apr 21, 2012, 05:08 PM
    CHRIS GREEN
    Thank you guys for your help
  • Mar 18, 2016, 03:01 PM
    tailored
    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
  • Mar 18, 2016, 04:36 PM
    ma0641
    "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.

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