New washer pump not strong enough?

[ajb2776]

We purchased a new high efficiency washer to replace an old washer that was 16 years old. The machine is in the basement. We have a septic system, not city sewer. The drain pipe is about 9 feet above the washer, which leads out to the septic field.

The new washer was hooked up today, but its drain pipe was not long enough to reach up to the septic drain pipe (the old washer's drain pipe was not long enough either, the previous owner had connected two pipes to reach the septic line). The old washer was able to pump out waste water without leakage or backflow.

I bet you can guess where this is going... the new washer's pump is not strong enough. Not only that, when the two drain pipes were connected (the connection is from the washer, to the drain pipe, to the septic), the two pipes were forced apart.

I am not sure if the pump is too weak, all I know is that the two connected pipes are forced apart. Can I clamp the two together and try again? If this fails, what then are my options?

:: Tony

[Redwood]

While the old Micky Mouse rig may have worked with the old washer it looks like it's not going to cut it with this new washer.

May I suggest installing a Liberty 405 Drain Pump with a 2" standpipe and p-trap screwed into the side and the outlet plumbed to a suitable connection on the drain to the septic with a check valve just above the pump. You will need a vent to the outside in the other top connection as well but often you can tie this in to and existing vent.

Liberty Pumps : Drain Pumps

This pump is more than adequate to keep up with the discharge of any washing machine.

[ajb2776]

Thanks, Redwood. So it sounds like the only cost efficient option is installing this separate pump?

[Redwood]

Or, moving your washing machine into an area of the basement where the drain can be plumbed in lower. Pretty much 2 options.