Might be using a Sewage Injector Pump... What do I need to know?

17 years ago

Hi all,

We're doing a bedroom/bath addition on to our ranch style home.

We started this back in November and had all the rough in plumbing and everything is almost done.

A few weeks ago, the plumber came to connect the sewage and stopped digging. Apparently, there are some huge roots that are in the way. The roots are from a big Oak tree that is in my neighbors yard (about 12 feet away from our addition).

I measured the tree and it's diameter is about 9 FT. I believe the code calls for us to stay 20 feet away from protected trees.

Anyway, I had another plumber check it out and he said that he could cut the roots, however, I am hesitant to do any more harm to this tree. I really don't want to be fined or damage the tree and get in trouble later.

The original plumber wants to use a Sewage Ejector Pump and link to the sewage by going complete around my house. We do not have much slope to work with. They said the pump will be buried..

I am wondering....

- Has anyone used these before?

- Can you hear the pump working? I don't want to be sitting in the back yard and hear it pumping.

- What problems or drawbacks should I be aware of?

Thank you for all your help!

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Comments (5)

flhomeowner
Original Author
17 years ago
As an extra note, I have the electrician coming by tonight to make sure we have the panel space for the pump. We didn't have many slots open when we started...
flhomeowner
Original Author
17 years ago
Here's a quick drawing to help visualize a little better.

The red line represents how they will most likely run the sewage. It would be so much easier to run the sewage to the left of the stub-out but we have problems with tree roots and possible slope. The circle with the "S" indicates where the sewage comes out for the original house.

Here is a link that might be useful:
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jejvtr
17 years ago
We had a Zoeller ejectable pump in a basement renovation that included a bathroom addition - the main drain was above floor level so the pump was necessary.

I don't know of one used for the application you discuss above

YES they are loud - frightened the heck out of any visitor who happened to be in the BR when the thing went off - sounded like a jet - they have limited capacity so when full the do as they are supposed to eject to the drain. They are not "life long" either - I thinked I changed mine out after about 7yrs
I would rec posting over on plumbing forum as well
brickeyee
17 years ago
"I believe the code calls for us to stay 20 feet away from protected trees."

It is not your tree, and you may already be within 20 feet with your addition.
I would ask very carefully what the exact rules are.
If they are as you describe you probably have already violated them.

Ejector pumps (also called macerating pumps) require a completely sealed pit.
I would worry about how the plumber plans on providing a vent on this installation.
You could end up with a nice 2 inch inverted U vent in the yard above the crock about 1 foot high (or higher depending on flood rules).
You do not want storm runoff entering the system.
High quality ejector pumps are actually pretty quiet and last a long time.
Cheap ones are noisy and have a lot of problems requiring frequent maintenance (as in open the pit, pump out whats there, then fix the problem).
flhomeowner
Original Author
17 years ago
"It is not your tree, and you may already be within 20 feet with your addition.I would ask very carefully what the exact rules are. If they are as you describe you probably have already violated them."

I asked at the beginning when I first applied for the building permit. I even paid extra for a site inspection (not required for additions) so they could come and check the tree.

I wanted to have all bases covered. I didn't run into this tree problem until the plumber came to dig the sewage..

Anyway, I have an Arborist looking into it for me to see what our options are with this. Hopefully, the news will be good...

Might be using a Sewage Injector Pump... What do I need to know?

Comments (5)

flhomeowner
Original Author

flhomeowner
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Might be using a Sewage Injector Pump... What do I need to know?

Comments (5)

flhomeownerOriginal Author

flhomeownerOriginal Author

Related Discussions

jejvtr

brickeyee

flhomeownerOriginal Author

COMPANY

BUSINESS SERVICES

GET HELP

CONNECT WITH US

flhomeowner
Original Author

flhomeowner
Original Author

flhomeowner
Original Author