1.5 Bath in Basement

[mscher]

We're looking to put a bathroom in the basement of a house, we are soon to close on and looking for options.

I see a toilet that sets on a tank (not cheap), that will pump sewage up into the main line. Since it sits higher, it's assumed that the shower and sink, have to be elevated also. I did not get the ceiling height yet, but I think a normal shower stall, will set too high to clear.

Since the toilet/tank/pump was about $1100, this could be pricey endeavor, but MIL is buying (since she is living there) and she has her mind set on one.

Are there any better options in use, for basement bathrooms? I'll cut concrete if needed

 

[foodfisher]

Re: 1.5 Bath in Basement

If the main drainline is above the basement floor (sounds like it) I see no option other than pump.Cleanout will be a lot of fun.

 

[r.j.dawg]

Re: 1.5 Bath in Basement

We had the same set up in country house we used to have as we had a septic tank. Worked fine. Just make sure the tank below the toilet has a macerator in it. It should but there are some cheap setups out there that don't. We used it regularly for 5 years before we sold the house and it ran flawless.

 

[windy5849]

Re: 1.5 Bath in Basement

Although it is more work,putting in a pit with an ejector pump will make a much neater installation.Cutting the floor creates a lot of dust and renting an electric jack hammer makes removal of the concrete "much" easier than a sledge hammer.Five years ago,pit,pump,jack hammer rental and all necessary underground plumbing cost me around $500.Total cost for a 3/4 bath,around $1500 as a DIY project.

 

[captmello]

Re: 1.5 Bath in Basement

If the main drain is lower than the basement floor, I would bust out the concrete necessary. Even if the cost is the same, it makes for a much better look, and will add more value to the home.imo.

 

[Scott Danforth]

Re: 1.5 Bath in Basement

use a wet saw to keep the dust down. I was lucky that my grandfather was a master plumber and helped me with my last basement refinish. was able to tie in to the existing soil pipes without a mascerator/ejector pit.

your case will depend on where the soil pipes are below the foundation. I also recommend a backflow preventor on your new remodel. you wouldnt want the soil pipes backing up into your basement thru your new toilet.

 

[RogersJetboat454]

Re: 1.5 Bath in Basement

If you don't want the tank under the toilet, and you don't want to cut into the floor, here is another option;
http://www.saniflo.com/product-details-for-sanibest?gclid=CJ-4jKGlnrECFQgRNAodHlTXCg

I have one of these for my office at work, and it works great. You can also tie in any showers, or sinks, etc, and it will pump those out as well.

Prices about the same as the tank models.

 

[lncoop]

Re: 1.5 Bath in Basement

Wow, that's cool.

 

[rbh]

Re: 1.5 Bath in Basement

From personell expierence,
"DO NOT" allow female hygene products anywere near it!!!!!!!!!! (will snap that lift pump/macerator shaft like a match stick)
Use light toilet paper, not the heavy ply.

If plumbing into the existing sanitary line is possible, DO IT!!

 

[diveman05]

Re: 1.5 Bath in Basement

If you don't want the tank under the toilet, and you don't want to cut into the floor, here is another option;
http://www.saniflo.com/product-details-for-sanibest?gclid=CJ-4jKGlnrECFQgRNAodHlTXCg

I have one of these for my office at work, and it works great. You can also tie in any showers, or sinks, etc, and it will pump those out as well.

Prices about the same as the tank models.

Finally some where i can give advice instead of asking others for it. I have this product in my house, have for about 6 years now... Works great, shower and sink drain into it and then it all pumps up a 3/4" pipe into my main drain. I would recommend this over the larger option that you first found.

 

[RogersJetboat454]

Re: 1.5 Bath in Basement

Finally some where i can give advice instead of asking others for it. I have this product in my house, have for about 6 years now... Works great, shower and sink drain into it and then it all pumps up a 3/4" pipe into my main drain. I would recommend this over the larger option that you first found.

That's all mine uses, a 3/4" copper pipe up the wall to the drain. If you read the literature, it even says this guy is perfectly happy eating up beach whisles.....err uhhh.. feminine hygiene products....

Mine has NEVER clogged, even when a crinkled up ball of that heavy cardboard-like paper toweling was "accidentally" dropped down it.

 

[dolluper]

Re: 1.5 Bath in Basement

Electric Jack Hammer rental 55 bones a day ...take you about hour .....and a half with smoke or beer breaks.....don't frig around with mickey mouse methods do her right you won;t regrete it.....get the Jack hammer

 

[Howard Sterndrive]

Re: 1.5 Bath in Basement

I have a Saniflo that I put in about 3 years ago in a downstairs bathroom - works flawlessly so far.
here's how I hid my pump unit: (I can't find the finished pic, but there's a panel that slides out in case acess needed - plus the panel opens on the side of the bathtub)

I couldn't break the floor to put a sewage pit in. And I wouldn't anyways. These Saniflo things are way easier.
Only thing I notice missing from many of the Saniflo videos including the one in that link, is the venting. In my area, the macerator tank has to connect to the vent stack (as does any of the other fixtures)
I got my toilet/pump unit on sale for $850.

 

[mscher]

Re: 1.5 Bath in Basement

If you don't want the tank under the toilet, and you don't want to cut into the floor, here is another option;
http://www.saniflo.com/product-details-for-sanibest?gclid=CJ-4jKGlnrECFQgRNAodHlTXCg

I have one of these for my office at work, and it works great. You can also tie in any showers, or sinks, etc, and it will pump those out as well.

Prices about the same as the tank models.

This appears to be the most "painless" installation, I have seen so far, since i did not really want to make a career, out of this project, with massive cutting and plumbing, to supplement my 14 hour work days.

I'll look further into it.

Thanks for everyone's input.

 

[mscher]

Re: 1.5 Bath in Basement

Electric Jack Hammer rental 55 bones a day ...take you about hour .....and a half with smoke or beer breaks.....don't frig around with mickey mouse methods do her right you won;t regrete it.....get the Jack hammer

The house is on septic tank. I'll still have to have some type of pump.

 

[rlk]

Re: 1.5 Bath in Basement

Just remember that when the electricity is off, the toilet can not flush unless you have a backup power source.

Bob

 

[mscher]

Re: 1.5 Bath in Basement

We are going to give the Saniflo product a go.

Purchased a Sanipro unit, which is sold exclusive to Menards, which is a bit unnerving, since it has a lower HP motor. Nice price, though. Trying to find user reliability info.

We found a great Maax shower unit at a great price, but since it has to be elevated 6" for P-trap and fall to Sanipro unit, it will be too tall.

Should be an interesting project.