Aldeer.com Forums Alabama Deer Talk Aldeer General Forum Ask aldeer..moving sewage uphill

So we got our 1st hiccup with the new build. Plans call for a half bath (pool bath) and storage closet that is on back side of the smaller 3rd bay of garage that opens up to where a pool will be. The garage floor is 18” below the floor of the house so we step up into the home from the garage. So, this bathroom is 18 inches lower than rest of the house and on the opposite side from the septic tank.They are starting to dig the footings and this came up. In my mind, I’m thinking just raise the pad up 18 inches for the 4x13 foot bath/storage area. There is a wall between the bathroom and the garage space so it won’t matter if the floor on that bath side is higher (or will it?).

Or, maybe move the septic tank to the opposite side of the house so be on same side as this lower bathroom but I’m not sure if that side of the lot perks as well. Or I’ve see where there are pumps you can use to pump water and sewage uphill into the house pipes going to the septic tank. We don’t want to give up this bathroom with 5 wet grandkids running around.

Any of you had this happen and if so, how’d you handle it.

If the engineer will allow the septic tank to be on the lower side of the house they can install a pump inside the tank to pump the water to the field lines.

Grinder pump. Very common down here on the coast.

Two septic tanks maybe? That is about all I know on the subject but I do know that you've come to the right place if the subject is moving crap. We're experts at that.

The septic tank will be lower than the home no matter where we put it due to try elevation of the site. It’s a matter of getting sink water and sewage from this bathroom uphill to where rest of plumbing for home is.

Grinder pump

I’ve seen the grinder pump in use at my in-laws former house. Works great but pricey to replace when it quits

Grinder pumps cost much more than effluent pumps. Both have issues with lightening damage especially if not grounded etc. The topography of the site will determine your best option.

A second tank at the half bath discharging into the same effluent disposal field is the cheapest option. Local HD may require both tanks to discharge into a distribution box. You could also set a tank with effluent pump if gravity flow is not possible. Third option would be a grinder pump and vault discharging into line ahead of first tank.

Pump control circuit and high water alarm should be on separate breakers.

If the septic tank is deep enough, just start at the low slab. The main line will have fall all the way through, doesnt matter how high the other fixtures are

Our property didn't perk well. We have a system with a pump that goes uphill to the field lines. I have replaced my pump several times myself. Usually 500-600 bucks. Get a quality pump to start with

This ^^^^^ I'd stay away from a grinder pump if possible, but would do it V raising the whole slab/house. There's several options. Perhaps a small, separate tank and short run of Infiltrator for the pool bath, maybe.

Could a composting toilet or incinerator toilet be a work around?

I know nothing about septic construction aside from those two types of alternative toilets exist

A grinder pump is something else to worry about imo. That would be my last choice.

When i worked at the maxell/gunter rec area. The cabins near the water had a tank (no field lines) when it got so full it automatically pumped it to another tank (with field lines) up hill and away from the water .

Hmmmm, something to look into for sure.

Can you raise the bathroom to main house level? A step up to the bathroom I would think would be easier to deal with in the long run.

If the septic tank is lower than every level no matter what, just run the lower plumbing out to the exterior and to an underground line that goes to the main line going into the septic tank. Completely bypass the rest of the house's plumbing. It sounds like this is being way overthought.

I have two septic tanks, but no way I’d rely on a pump when dealing with sewage. I’d do whatever I had to do to make sure gravity was on my side.

Ones I referred to on the lake had a alarm . If it didn't pump out right it had a flashing red light.

I bought a toilet with grinder pump built in for the basement in my last house. It had a 9 ft lift to overcome and with a sink added and later even a second washing machine, sold the house 11 years after I installed it and never had a problem.