any plumbing experts?? we got an issue here (w/pics)

[NOKUY]

ok...the cabin is old.....really big (2000+ sqf)...but old

and high up in the mountains....

built in 1937, (been added on to and updated thru the yrs)

were on a well....not the issue tho

....when the washing machine drains it quickly overflows where it drains into the septic....(i assume????)....then makes a pond onto the tile around our downstairs woodstove.

not really a big deal since we live where it dries out super fast....just concerning a bit i guess

ive just never seen a set-up like this....

anyone know how to fix it???

...

 

[paladin420]

ain't a expert but it looks like a sump pump is in ther to pump your grey watter out, somewhere. watch when you run the washer. See if it is a leak or a pump failure. And always remember: Shit rolls downhill and don't lick your fingers. Now u r a plumber..
ur 420pal

 

[labtec]

Looks like you've got a few options. Your main line might be clogged, if this is the case a good metal snake might help, don't just dump harsh chems down there, try a good snake first(might have to rent a big one,possibly motorized).

Another problem might be that there isn't a vent. Here's a random site I found on adding one: http://www.doityourself.com/forum/plumbing-piping/295485-washing-machine-drain.html

Good luck nokuy. Always enjoyed your posts.

 

[paladin420]

Yeah Bud Thats a pump. and for some reason it ain't completin its job. That is not your main sewer line..

 

[labtec]

good call paladin. my bad. I misunderstood the setup. sorry

 

[NOKUY]

thnx u guys....it's prolly a breaker or gfci reset ...weve had probs w/ the breaker and the well pump in that same room...

gonna go chek it out now ....good lookin out

 

[paladin420]

good call paladin. my bad. I misunderstood the setup. sorry

No Prob!! I just Happen to live in an old farm house. Built before plumbin.. Right call on the vent though...

 

[NOKUY]

nothing is tripped....glad its a rental, but cant really have ppl in here w/ the grow.....

...how hard is it to replace that pump?....and cost???

 

[HighDesertJoe]

Hi Nokuy sorry about the mess your in, I just looked there's all kinds of Youtube video's on sump pump's replacements. Hope you find one that help's.

 

[paladin420]

nothing is tripped....glad its a rental, but cant really have ppl in here w/ the grow.....

...how hard is it to replace that pump?....and cost???

Just like replacin a pump in a Rez. Only Nasty? Oh yeah!!!! Shop Vac for dryin your hole. or buckets. towels.

Is it tryin to work? That may be plugged line out.

Cost? not bad. usually. Show reciept to landlord should take it off rent. Security first tho IMO

I would pull that one n take it to town. Any Lumber/hardware/plumbin store should hav one.

From the looks of that red hose? I would cut it out and replace with black plastic. That will make replacement much easier..


Don'LICK your fingers.....Luck

 

[Stoner4Life]

have you had the septic tank pumped/serviced? is it full?

Check the inspection port of your tank, take a long straight stick & push it down. if it only goes a short way (before hitting 'something')then the septic cake (tank solids) is too big; taking up so much room in the tank that the water is backing up into your house instead of flowing into the drainfield.


should cost 200-300 to have your tank drained if that's the issue.

 

[NOKUY]

have you had the septic tank pumped/serviced? is it full?

Check the inspection port of your tank, take a long straight stick & push it down. if it only goes a short way (before hitting 'something')then the septic cake (tank solids) is too big; taking up so much room in the tank that the water is backing up into your house instead of flowing into the drainfield.


should cost 200-300 to have your tank drained if that's the issue.

its def the pump....it never even tries to kik on

 

[Stress_test]

Okay from what I can see in the pictures:
It is a sump pump.

There are 2 cords that go into the hole.
One goes directly to the pump.
The other goes to a float switch.
And both go to a box and get plugged into power.

Unplug the unit.
Lift the bulb out and shake it, listen and feel for water inside.
If there IS water inside then it is bad. Replace it at Home Depot, Lowe's or maybe WalMart for about $10.

If there isn't water in it then either the pump or the float switch is bad.

Lift the pump out and rinse it off in a bucket of clean water, use a brush to remove the soap sludge.
There should be a screen that clips on with a mesh filter behind it for the intake that will need cleaned.

The float will probably disconnect from the pump so that you can plug the pump directly into power. With it still in the bucket of clean water; plug it in and see it it will pump.
If it tries but won't spin up and pump: It is probably plugged with silt and needs opened up and cleaned.

If it does nothing then it's shot and needs replaced.

If it pumps correctly then the float switch is fucked up.

Before replacing anything: Try cleaning everything really well and trying it again. Sometimes a good cleaning and fresh contacts at the plugin is all they need.

ALSO: If the drain needs flushed or unplugged go to those same stores and get a "Drain King" pipe jet and you're all set. Using it is self explanatory: Shove it in, let it swell up and let it vibrate for half an hour.

 

[greenmatter]

nothing is tripped....glad its a rental, but cant really have ppl in here w/ the grow.....

...how hard is it to replace that pump?....and cost???

not hard to do and not pricey .... your landlord should not only cover any cost, he/she should love you for taking care of the place. water damage is WAY harder to fix than what you are looking at

 

[budbasket]

Sump-pump, keeps surrounding water around the house draining out instead of flooding basement. Check out Amazon, http://www.amazon.com/b?ie=UTF8&node=680335011 or Grainger, http://www.grainger.com/Grainger/sump-effluent-and-sewage/pumps/ecatalog/N-avt or perhaps SEARS, http://www.sears.com/shc/s/s_10153_12605_Tools_Plumbing+Tools+&+Pumps_Sump+Pumps -basket

 

[JJScorpio]

Looks dangerous as an SOB with the standing water, power and old cords.

Where does the pump pump the water to? Is it possible to run the pipe directly outside into a dry well or is it in a basement below ground level? If nothing else it would be a good idea to get the power cords up off the floor and out of the water.... I would guess if there's power to the pump and the float is working the pumps probably shot. Go get a new one for a hundred and a half, take it off the rent and put it in.... Might also be a good idea to take a gallon of bleach and scrub that black mold after it's fixed....

 

[DiscoBiscuit]

...Where does the pump pump the water to? Is it possible to run the pipe directly outside into a dry well or is it in a basement below ground level?

These work great if you can extend the well/ditch beyond the stink point.

 

[Rysam]

Stress Test pretty much nailed it.

My money is on a plugged up pump.Take it out hose the fuck outtaa it, that will do wonders.

I've been a Turd Hurder and septic/sewer installer & evaluator for many years.

 

[fishheadbob]

It's just a sump pump folks. The purpose of sump pumps is to keep your basement from flooding in the rainy season and when the water table gets high . Float switches and the like. They're frequently submersible pumps which means the electric cable goes underwater, but they also sell a pedestal type where the motor isn't underwater but up on top. The discharge hose goes outside to dispose of the sump's water; to do it halfway right you should somehow get the water pretty far from the house or it will leach back in and you'll be pumping the same water over and over when it's rainy. A good setup would be an underground pipe for 10 or 20 feet away from the house, but since you're already pretty ghetto, just find an old gutter and use that.
You ought to get some change back from a hundred, and your landlord should pick up the cost cause it would cost him 6 times as much if he had to call a plumber.