Any Plumbers on this board?

[sunshineFC3s]

First off, I would like to appologize for posting this queston up here. The only relation this question has to Garages is that I want to put my washing machine in the garage, and I like this forum very much.

Now, I need some expert plumbing advice...I just purchased my first home, a townhouse in CT. The current setup is to have a stack washer/dryer unit upstairs in a closet between the two bedrooms. I would like to throw out the old stack machine, and replace it with a more conventional setup located in the basement.

The issue is that the main waste pipe runs horizontally across 6 of the units in the complex, at about 6 feet off the garage floor. This is the lowest point of any pipe in the house. I have no idea how to properly connect the washer's water drain hose to this waste pipe! Please see pix of the pipe.
(and please excuse the mess in the garage...I just moved in and have not had a chance to set anything up yet)
Thanks, and sorry again for posting here.
-alex

 

[twostory]

You will need to put a sump area in the concrete floor, for the washer to dump it's grey water into, then you need a sump pump to move this grey water up to the drain pipe.

Before you do that, I have to ask, why do you want to haul dirty clothes down to the basement, wash them, then haul them back. I would much rather have you current set up. (i.e. washer/dryer next to the bed rooms.)

 

[sunshineFC3s]

You will need to put a sump area in the concrete floor, for the washer to dump it's grey water into, then you need a sump pump to move this grey water up to the drain pipe.

Before you do that, I have to ask, why do you want to haul dirty clothes down to the basement, wash them, then haul them back. I would much rather have you current set up. (i.e. washer/dryer next to the bed rooms.)

Thanks for the response. I think some new washers are capable of pumping water up to 8feet or so...so *maybe* a sump system may not be required. I am more concerned with the actual method of connection to the waste pipe...as in how do I physically make the connection to the horizontal pipe. Remember, this pipe is shared with 6 other units. I dont think I should just open one of those access holes on the pipe (like the one above the hood in that one pic) and hang the machine hose over the edge, because this would cause odor and possible backup to spill over into my garage! So..I guess I would need to attach a lenght of vertical PVC to the horizontal pipe...but then again...how do I solve for the odor and possible backup? Is there a check valve on the market I can use? Even with a sump system, how do I make the actual connection?

As far as moving it downstairs, its just preference. I priced out some new stackable machines and they are much more pricey than a traditional side by side setup. Plus we have very limited space up in that 'closet' so Im having trouble finding a stack unit that will fit.
-a

 

[twostory]

So..I guess I would need to attach a lenght of vertical PVC to the horizontal pipe...but then again...how do I solve for the odor and possible backup? Is there a check valve on the market I can use? Even with a sump system, how do I make the actual connection?

Time for you to buy a "basic" plumbing book. Cost around $15 at Home Depot or Lowes, also the library would have this type book also.

I can answer your questions, but you need to read up on basic plumbing before you tackle this job. The job is not beyond a DIY, but your questions tell me you need some basic plumbing knowledge first.

 

[sunshineFC3s]

Time for you to buy a "basic" plumbing book. Cost around $15 at Home Depot or Lowes, also the library would have this type book also.

I can answer your questions, but you need to read up on basic plumbing before you tackle this job. The job is not beyond a DIY, but your questions tell me you need some basic plumbing knowledge first.

Hey, yes, please elaborate. I have a few DIY plumbing books at home, and have read the applicable sections...but none of the chapters mention anything about hooking up to a waste pipe that is above ground, and def not 6 feet of the ground. I will certainly re-read those chapters tonight tho!

Maybe I wasnt being clear enough in what I'm asking help with. I dont need help with the physical "attach pipe A to fitting B"...I need help in the design of the system that would accomplish my goals. A "plan/blueprint" if you will of how to do this properly without the use of a sump system (if that is at all possible). I need a plumbing architect! lol
Thanks,
-a

 

[twostory]

You will need to hook it up just like a sump pump outlet is connected. With a P-trap and there is a "minimum" vertical height that the inlet to the "p trap" must be. This prevents sewer back flow towards your washer.

The connection to the main waste pipe will be a Y fitting, connect the p-trap to this, then there is a vertical pipe. I do not know how tall this "vertical pipe" needs to be. A plumbing book may answer that quesiton.

You will need to cut you main waste pipe, and install the Y fitting. You are not suppose to hook in at the threaded clean out fitting.

The new washer will have a check valve on it's pump, so there will be no back flow when the washer pump stop. (same with a sump pump)

 

[Vermaraj]

Tough call. A lot depends on the code enforced in your area. In my area the washer discharge must have an air gap to prevent back flow and to vent gases. If you install a p-trap and attach the discharge directly to the trap then you need to run a vent line to release the gas. The vent has to go through the roof or into a wet riser. Local codes may allow a mechanical vent.

In a horizontal run you need to install a sanitary Y fitting, stub out 6-8x the p-trap length then install the p-trap. Local code will vary. The length of the stub depends on wether your code requires the p-trap to be 4" pipe or 1-1/2" pipe.

 

[brownbagg]

Best thing to do is, call a plumber

 

[thefairlaneman]

Why would you want other peoples plumming going through YOUR HOUSE....If the neighbor clogs his tolet you get the back up.........

 

[Spridle]

Hmm. You could look for a pump in a can setup as well, you would need to check the capacity on them. I forget the actual names from different manufacturers. I know Zoeller makes one. They also require a vent pipe.

Also. Unless you had some seriously bored plumbers there. Thats black pipe right? If its plastic its ABS. PVC is white, unless its painted.

Check your local code. Get a bunch of beer. Befriend a local plumber.