I want to provide for a washer machine in the basement. Because of where the sewer line exits the wall, the drain for the washer machine may be as high as 7′ off the floor. I believe that the hose that typically comes with the washer may not reach that high.
I may be able to purchase a longer hose or build a platform for the washer, but, is there a maximum height for the drain pipe wherein the washer may not be able to efficiently expel waste water?
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Replies
I've had machines that specified drain height, check manuel or go to manuf. web site. Or just build a platform...
Thanks cic.
This is a rental and I provide the hookups but generally not the washers. I don't want to build the platform if I don't need to so thats why I was asking whether there's a maximum height for a standard washer. I guess I will check with some manufacturers.
It's hard to belive the main waste line exits that high on the basement wall. Even if it was 3' off the floor, a little closer to normal height you'd be fine with a 4' stand pipe and backflow valve before it enters the main line.
The owners manual will have install instructions that include min. height for drain location and maximum. That max. I'm sure is where it starts to reach the point you ask about and it not being able to expel wash water. Pretty sure none will give a max over 6' high.
Don't let any plumbers or inspectors see this next suggestion. In some areas like here it's not just a code violation but illegal. (sewer/storm water separation) Do you have a sump pump? hmm.
In my case my house is over 100yrs. old, no original sump, on a corner with no curbs, my house was here before the roads and layers of resurfacing they've added making my yard and drive way lower. I'll keep my basement dry how ever I like until they figure out all storm water for 2 blocks in both directions rolls into my storm cellar door before it reaches the intended storm structure.
Anyway you could get an aux. pump of some kind but that'll take some engineering to match flow rates and cost more. I'd still opt for the sump.
(I know these options aren't code complying but they'd work.)
A sump-type install isn't out of the question at all, you can buy a legit sewer ejector tank/pump from a plumbing wholesaler, or have a plumber furnish and install it.
If the horizontal drain in the basement is at 7' off the floor, it is going to be nearly impossible to get a standpipe on top of it. You may *have* to pump the wastewater out.
I have one of these to get wastewater from the shop to the septic system... it's too far away across flat terrain to use gravity.
http://www.libertypumps.com/product_display.asp?ID=26&MainCat=6&SubCat=24
couldnt you dump the washer into a mop sink then use a pump to push the water up to sewer. they make pumps for this application.