I know I should do, but I want to cut a corner and I want to know how bad it will be if I cut this corner. I’m about to install a poo pump in the basement for a new bathroom, the lift will only be about 3 feet, then over about 2 feet to the main waste line and out it goes. The discharge on the pump/basin is 2″. A previous owner has reduced the 2 ” inlet into the sewer main to a 1.5″. So, here is my question: can I reduce the discharge line out of the pump to match the 1.5″ that is already there or do I need to spend the time to “unreduce” what is there. The main waste line is cast, and the PO used lots of lead to insert and join/seal the 1.5 into the 2″ inlet. synopsis : 2″ pump discharge => up 3’=> over 1′ =>reduce to 1.5″=>over 1′ into main waste line. To big a corner to cut? I know what I should do I just want to know how bad it will be if I don’t do it, is the punishment going to fit the crime?
Edited 1/25/2004 5:01:26 PM ET by 1coolcall
Replies
Spend the time to do it right. If you don't you will regret it. There is a rule that for every 1/4" of diameter increased in a pipe the volume doubles. The same holds true for decreasing the diameter.
I've only been involved with the construction of a few houses that had these, and I'm not a plumber, but I thought with sewage ejection systems, pipe wise, bigger is not always better - got something to do with the getting enough velocity with the volume of effluent (is that the right word?) to be discharged...
BTW here is a free piece of advice I learned the hard way. Be sure the highwater alarm switch is installed high and is well secured in the pit. You don't want to have to get in there later to adjust it... :-(