sewage ejector pump and uphill drain

68malibu383

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I inspected a 40 year old house with basement today and it had a laundry room in the basement. Washing machine discharged into a stack that was about 4.5 feet off ground, then it went down toward the ejector pump, then through a (presumed) one-way valve and up, up, up and into the pump basin (pipe coming through wall in lower right - see photo). So, water will have to rise into the washing machine stack to a level as higher than where it eventually discharges into the basin. I can't imagine this is ok but I've never seen one set up like this so I need to ask. 11-02-11 054 (Small).jpg
 
So what is it you're asking? Is it code-compliant? Heck no, with the 20-inch deep trap, drain obstructed by that
pointless check valve, and probably a few more things. Nonetheless, it might work OK, and of course a lot less work
than digging the big hole in the floor that those things are usually put in.
 
With that "high rise" AND a check valve, I am suprised the drain does not overflow every time the washer discharges. That is what is known as a "cobbled up mess" and could ONLY have been done by a homeowner who thought "anyone can do plumbing, as long s they have enough pipe and fittings".
 
They would have been better off allowing the washer pump to pump up to ceiling level and then running the hose to a standpipe with the trap about 4' above the floor. Still not code, but would have worked better.

The basin also has to have a dry vent through the roof.

They could run the washer to a sink pump like the Liberty 405, which has the inlet a foot off the floor.
 
That looks like some of the good ol boy Plumbing I'm used to seeing down here in Georgia. We've got several Licensed Plumbers and Handyman Companies that wouldn't think twice about throwing some crap like that together in someones home.
 
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