Septic System Laundry drain issue - New Build Design
Joanna
4 years ago
last modified: 4 years ago
I'd like to know if anyone has a viable solution to this issue. Our home is all framed up and the basement stairs were just installed yesterday. We have run into a bit of an issue and Im wondering if someone can supply some insight into a solution for this. Our new build is a high rise bungalow with the laundry on the East side of the home and the sewage pit and septic on the West side. Because of the placement of the laundry the water from the laundry needs to travel from one side of the home to the other. The drainage pipes need to slowly drop down at an angle so that gravity can do its job according to the builder which makes sense. The issue is this pipe might create some serious design issues in the basement. Is there some kind of bypass we can add to those pipes to help push the water to the sewage pit without the pipes sitting right in front of walkways and doors?
Red box is laundry but upstairs. Purple is worry areas. Blue is sewage pit.
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ocotillaks
4 years agoRelated Discussions
Septic Tank in your new build?
Comments (32)We have a pressurized system, uphill drain field. Had it for almost 20 years. When we built our new house the system had to be inspected. We had the septic guys run some enzymes down the lines which is supposed to help keep them clean and further break-up any small solids that could clog the drain holes, it also help keep the drain field from clogging up. It was in perfect condition after 18 years of use, had it pumped once about 10 years ago. Drain fields have a life span, in almost every case (at least in Oregon) you have to have a plan with a secondary drain field in case the original field fails to leach over time. In talking w/the septic guys these are almost never needed with a properly set-up drain field. There is a required amount of feet needed for the drain field and leach lines depending on the size of your tank and amount of bathrooms in the house. Ours is 300 ft, however it can be done in multiple runs, ours T's 3 times on it's way up the hill. And yes, the grass does stay nice and green over the drain field, mostly following the lines. In nearly 20 years we had the alarm go off once, when the input exceeds the outflow and overwhelms the pump. Had some water back up into the laundry room, it was a very minor event. Glad for the alarm! Ours is 1500/500 gallons. The 500 gallon side has the pump. One thing I will mention don't pay attention to ads by Ridex and the like. Our county has asked all residents on septic systems to NOT add any additives to the septic system. A properly used system will have plenty of bacteria and enzymes to break down the solids. Haven't used the stuff in over 10 years (only used it sporadically prior to that). I'm not exactly sure of their reasoning other than it shouldn't need it, maybe it's not good for the soil....See MoreQuestions for buying a home with a septic system
Comments (34)We were "city people" before we bought our home (8 years old at the time) twenty five years ago. I was a little nervous about it having a septic system. In reality it is no problem. We don't use any additives and have it pumped every two years only because that's mandated by our municipality. Our lake home is even older and has a septic that we've pumped about twice in twenty years. They always pass inspection. I can't remember what my water and sewer bill was when I lived in the city. But if I conservatively estimate saving $50 on water and sewer times twelve months times 25 years I think I'm ahead of the game!...See MoreSeptic Issues
Comments (5)It's smarter to put the leach field in the best place and then accommodate that location rather than put the field in a less desirable place and try to make it work. Septic requirements vary based on locale and governing authority but it should be no surprise to the septic installer that water always flows DOWNHILL. Output filters have been required for a while and if you're saying that the leach field is saturating all the way uphill and back flowing into the filter clogging it then you have a more serious problem than a filter element change, which may not be legal, will correct. If the septic installer is licensed and the job was permitted and inspected then I would contact the inspector and have him/her out to the property to see if the installed drain curtain meets requirements and to advise him/her of the problems you are having. If it meets requirements but is not resolving the problem then the resolution is with the septic installer to make it operate correctly. You don't want the symptom treated you want the disease cured and that may require an attorney but try to resolve the problem with the installer first cause it will cost you both less without lawyers getting involved....See MoreWhich septic system is best for cold north eastern region?
Comments (4)I'm not clear on what a 'concrete system' is. Are you talking about a concrete tank vs a plastic tank, or some sort of concrete used in the leach field? I live in New England, and my house has a concrete tank and plastic (?) pipes laid in gravel/sand for the leach field. It's been there since 1997 with no issues. The house I grew up in had the same....See MoreJoanna
4 years ago
PROPatricia Colwell Consulting
4 years agochiflipper
4 years ago
catlady999
4 years agoJoanna
4 years agoJake The Wonderdog
4 years agolast modified: 4 years agoJoanna
4 years agocatlady999
4 years agolast modified: 4 years agoweedmeister
4 years agoJoanna
4 years agoweedmeister
4 years agocatlady999
4 years agoJoanna
4 years agoJoanna
4 years agocatlady999
4 years agoweedmeister
4 years ago- PRO
Patricia Colwell Consulting
4 years ago Joanna
4 years agoJoanna
4 years agoweedmeister
4 years agoJoanna
4 years ago
PROGN Builders L.L.C
4 years agocatlady999
4 years agoJoanna
4 years ago
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