sanitary sump solutions

5 years ago

We are three years into our new house. From early on we had some issues with the sanitary sump that pumps the water from the suite and guest bath to the main line and out to city.

We’ve had to have six visits to date from plumbers to fix the floats which have either missed the need for alarm or been sounding alarm when not needed, clear out multiple clogs, and solve floods into suite laundry drain and our utility room drain.

Today was the final straw as we flooded the basement when the guest bathroom ran and wouldn’t drain because the sump wasn’t running and the alarm didn’t go off because the floats were tangled. We are now in deep in restoration chaos.

The builder and original plumber continue to say it must be tenants flushing things they shouldn’t. I just don’t buy it though. Six call outs in less than three years is insanity?

A recent plumber, recommended to us, suggested scoping the line, getting the sump cleaned, adjusting floats, changing the way the pipe from sump is run to make less rigid (currently has at least two 90 degree spots), and possibly putting in a macerator pump instead.

I know eyes here are best. We are getting a second opinion later this week. But does anyone have any random ideas we may be missing as causes or solutions?

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Comments (8)

WestCoast Hopeful
Original Author
5 years ago
Anyone???
PRO
Mark Bischak, Architect
5 years ago
The recent plumber's advice sound like good advice to me, especially getting rid of the 90 degree turns and installing the macerator pump.
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K B
5 years ago
Is this a pump for wastewater/sewage from a basement bathroom and laundry up to the main sewer line? Does it not already have a grinder pump?

I don't have any plumbing ideas, but am asking questions in the hopes that you'll get more eyes on this.

How is the flow from your main line? Any chance that things are not flowing well there and that is causing a back up down lower or perhaps overworking the pump?

I'm sorry you are having this problem and hope it is resolved quickly!
WestCoast Hopeful
Original Author
5 years ago
Thanks for the replies.

Yes it’s a basement pump to get wastewater/sewer up to main sewer line. Does not have grinder pump currently.

Main floor and upstairs we’ve never had a single issue. Flows easily, because of gravity I suspect, out. The main floor should not be able to interact with basement at all.

We got the quote last night and it also includes adding a scope for the lines and flushing them. I’m not sure that those things are needed as issues seem in the sump.
HU-867564120
5 years ago
Your comment about tenants makes me think this issue involves renters. If so, I think you need to make the solution as idiot-proof as possible.

First - The tangled float switches are a plumber issue. The plumber needs to pay more attention here. Many zip ties and care in physical positioning are needed. I have 3 float switches (main level, alarm level, and ready-to-use backup level) in each of my 2 sumps and it took a while to verify that they all would work without interference.

Second - With renters, to macerate or grind would be my suggestion; you have little to no control over what goes down the drain when someone has a party or friends over.
WestCoast Hopeful
Original Author
5 years ago
Yes we know we have no control over tenants. That’s really the crux of it all. There is a clause in rental agreement about plumbing expenses and we have made people pay in past. In reality we should have them pay a portion of this as it is their fault it’s happening.

Part of the plan is to alter float locations and improve that
doc5md
5 years ago
I would do the macerator for sure.
WestCoast Hopeful
Original Author
5 years ago
We are being quoted on:

Liberty Pumps PRG101A - 1 HP ProVore® Residential Grinder Pump (2") w/ Piggyback Tether Float

Looks good based on reviews?