[Jayde211]

Since we moved in, our landlord had installed a drain from the sump pump all the way out to the curb, which I thought was strange, but whatever. Last night our main sewer line clogged, but I had been noticing it getting worse for the last 2 weeks or so in addition to a sewer smell in my basement. I poured water down the floor drain and the smell did not subside. So today, when the line was snaked, I mentioned to the plumber that any time we flush, shower, use the washing machine, etc. the sump pump kicks on. They insisted I must be mistaken, so I had them try it, and I was right. Someone added an additional P-trap and hose that runs directly into the sump pump from the main sewer line! When I went and looked at the curb, there was visible toilet paper! I called my landlord and he told me that the hose off that sewer line is supposed to connect to connect to my washing machine discharge hose! Can someone please tell me what the heck is going on here? I don't know much about plumbing and know nothing about waste water. Thanks!

Here's a picture to hopefully make it more clear.

Plumbing Issue

[massplumber2008]

Hi Jayde

I can offer an experienced guess here.

I believe what you have there is a setup where the city/town doesn't allow ground water to be pumped into the city/town sewer so the landlord had to pipe the sump pump up so it went out the house.

At the same time, the landlord still wanted the option of being able to pump the ground water into the sewer system... just in case the water being pumped out started flowing back into the house during a real bad storm. Here, he can "quickly" disconnect from the outside pipe and transfer over to the connection at the main drain if/when needed....this, or he simply forgot to remove and cap the drain pipe when he/she connected the sump to the pipe going out the house.

With all that being said then, in this case, as a result of the sewer drain backing up, the dirty sewer water ran out the main drain pipe and into the sump pump where it is being pumped up and out to the city/town. Once the sewer drain gets cleared this whole process will end.

The landlord needs to cap this connection off the main drain ASAP so this doesn't happen again!

Make sense..

Mark

[Jayde211]

Thanks so much for the response! So, if my landlord is suggesting I hook my washing machine up to that line (which just brought raw sewage into my sump pump) what are your thoughts on that? Because I am not going to be a happy camper if sewage comes into my washing machine! Nothing like washing your laundry in a little poop!

[massplumber2008]

I think the landlord doesn't understand the set up as it is at this time.

You can hook into that drain line, but you would need to have a PTRAP installed as well as a mechanical vent (at a minimum). It is also a pretty good distance from the washer AND it is high up, so you'll need to modify the discharge line from the washer (can explain later if you want).

In terms of the sewage backing up...

If the main drain backs up again, it will back into the washing machine IF there isn't a check valve installed on the drain line (between Ptrap and drain line).

If your landlord wants to discuss this with us just have him pop in and we'll walk him through a safe/sanitary installation for you and for his house/future tenants!

Mark