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New Sewer Line for Granny Unit

yojimbo | Posted in General Discussion on September 30, 2006 07:54am

Putting together costs for building a “granny unit” behind a clients house.  The structure is about 25 feet away from the main house in the back yard.  The main house is on city sewer. 

 The only way I see to tie into the the existing sewer line is to install a sump pump at the “granny unit” and then run a 3″ line to the main house and tie into the sewer line there.

I guess you could also use a macerating toilet, and install a leach field for the shower and the sink, but that sounds expensive.

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Replies

  1. User avater
    Matt | Sep 30, 2006 08:26pm | #1

    I'm guessing that the finished floor of the proposed "granny unit" is below the FF of the main house and likewise for the main soil pipe exiting both structures? 

    I'd be surprised if any kind of leach field was allowed in an area that has city sewer.   Also, just as an FYI I think that sewage injection pumps are often connected to out-feed pipes of a smaller diameter than 3" - say 2.5".  I may be wrong about this, and I'm sure someone will correct me if I am.   Also, a backflow prevention valve would have to be incorporated.

    Really, you need to get with a local plumber who is well versed in the local codes and restrictions.

    1. User avater
      BillHartmann | Oct 01, 2006 05:08am | #4

      "Also, just as an FYI I think that sewage injection pumps are often connected to out-feed pipes of a smaller diameter than 3" - say 2.5"."Actually mine uses 1 1/2". But it is a force main system. The main is only 4" for about 150 homes.IIRC for basic sewer ejector pumps they use 2" lines.

      1. User avater
        IMERC | Oct 01, 2006 06:50am | #6

        the pump I have on the shelf is 1-1/2"...

        can't remember where it came from but it's been the for some time.. 

         

        Life is not a journey to the grave with the intention of arriving safely in a pretty and well preserved body, but rather to skid in broadside, thoroughly used up, totally worn out, and loudly proclaiming<!----><!----><!---->

        WOW!!! What a Ride!<!----><!---->

        Forget the primal scream, just ROAR!!!

  2. Dave45 | Oct 01, 2006 01:19am | #2

    There may also be a problem connecting the new sewer line to the existing line unless it's already oversized.

    1. User avater
      Matt | Oct 01, 2006 02:06am | #3

      Right - but a 4" line will service - whatever.  When doing apartment construction, we had 4 units with 8 toilets, etc feeding into one 4".  I was a little surprized but the plumber told me that a 4" line can handle a heck of a lot of sheet :-)  Two 4" fed into a 6".  an 8" services the whole apartment community.  A rule of thumb someone told me one time - 3" line max 3 toilets.  4" line 4 or more toilets. 

      Here, in new single family construction it is always a 4" line going out to the street.

      1. ponytl | Oct 01, 2006 07:53am | #7

        engineer spec'd a 4" line for my 20unit project... about 100 outlets  ie showers, sinks washing machines ect...

        I questioned it and it was explained to me.... high flow is good... with smaller pipe lots of stuff flow'n thru it HIGH FLOW ... vs large pipe and low flow... where you have the problem of liquids pass'n/leave'n the solid stuff behind....

        worked for me since i had a 4" main come'n in anyway saved me about 10k

        p

  3. jjones | Oct 01, 2006 06:22am | #5

    maybe a composting toilet  and pump laundry shower sink s   

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