Basement Bathroom Plumbing With Ejector Pump

Installing a bathroom in a basement can be a great way to add extra living space to your home. However, if your basement is below the level of the sewer line, you will need to install an ejector pump to get the wastewater up and out of the house. Ejector pumps are relatively simple devices, but they can be expensive to install and maintain. If you are considering adding a bathroom to your basement, it is important to weigh the costs and benefits of installing an ejector pump.

How Ejector Pumps Work

Ejector pumps work by using a small amount of water to create a vacuum that sucks the wastewater up and out of the basement. The wastewater is then discharged into the sewer line. Ejector pumps are typically installed in a sump basin, which is a small pit that collects wastewater from the bathroom drains. The pump is activated by a float switch that turns on when the water level in the sump basin reaches a certain level.

Benefits of Ejector Pumps

Ejector pumps offer several benefits over other methods of getting wastewater up and out of a basement. First, ejector pumps are relatively inexpensive to install and maintain. Second, ejector pumps are very reliable and can handle a large volume of wastewater. Third, ejector pumps are relatively quiet and will not disturb the peace of your home.

Drawbacks of Ejector Pumps

The main drawback of ejector pumps is that they require electricity to operate. This means that if the power goes out, your ejector pump will not be able to operate and the wastewater will back up into your basement. To avoid this problem, it is important to install a battery backup system for your ejector pump. Another potential drawback of ejector pumps is that they can be noisy. If you are concerned about noise, you should choose an ejector pump that is specifically designed for quiet operation.

Installing an Ejector Pump

Installing an ejector pump is a relatively straightforward process, but it is important to hire a qualified plumber to do the job. The plumber will need to determine the size and type of ejector pump that is right for your needs and will need to install the pump in a location where it will be protected from water damage. The plumber will also need to connect the ejector pump to the sewer line and to the electrical system.

Maintaining an Ejector Pump

To keep your ejector pump running properly, it is important to perform regular maintenance. Once a month, you should check the water level in the sump basin and clean the pump if necessary. You should also check the battery backup system and make sure that it is working properly. Once a year, you should have a qualified plumber inspect the ejector pump and make any necessary repairs.

Conclusion

Ejector pumps are a reliable and efficient way to get wastewater up and out of a basement. However, it is important to weigh the costs and benefits of installing an ejector pump before making a decision. If you are considering adding a bathroom to your basement, be sure to talk to a qualified plumber to discuss your options.