How to Install a Basement Bathroom Pump
If you have turned your basement into a living area, play room, workshop, spare bedroom or home theater, a bathroom can be a very convenient addition. While installing a bathroom below ground level presents some challenges, mostly in the area of drainage, there are several options available that can provide very good results at a reasonable cost. Does this Spark an idea?
Things You'll Need
- Drain pipe
- Tee fitting (drain pipe)
- Tee fitting (water line)
- Water pipe
- Water valve
- Hack saw
- Pipe cleaner
- Pipe cement
Instructions
-
-
1
Locate the nearest overhead sewer drain line. After making certain the washing machine and dishwasher are both off and no one is in the shower or toilet, cut into the drain line with a hack saw. Make the cut as straight and clean as possible to ensure a proper fit when making your new connections.
-
2
After cleaning the pipes with a pipe cleaner, apply pipe cement and insert a tee fitting into the sewer line. Install piping from the new fitting to the location of the bathroom pump. This should be as direct a route as possible to keep the pump's workload to a minimum. Be certain all fittings and joints are secure to prevent leakage of sewage.
-
-
3
Turn off the water supply to your home, then locate a cold-water line near the location of where you will install your bathroom pump. If you are planning to install a sink or shower in addition to the toilet, run a hot-water line as well.
-
4
Insert a tee fitting into the water line, and add piping to reach the location for the toilet.
-
5
At the toilet end of the new line, install a water valve, then a flex hose that will later attach to the toilet itself.
-
6
With the new valve in the off position, turn the main water supply back on.
-
7
Secure your pump/toilet in place. Depending on the model you have purchased, this could be done in a variety of ways. Install a single up-flush toilet unit against a wall and secure it in place.
-
8
Connect the drain line and water supply line to your toilet or pump.
-
9
Connect the power supply to the pump. Again, depending on the model you have selected, you may be required to hard-wire the pump, or it may need only a 110v outlet.
-
1
Tips & Warnings
When working with electricity, be certain all power is turned off to the area before beginning work.
In some areas electrical codes require electrical work of this nature to be completed by a licensed electrician.
Protect your pump with a GFCI device either at the outlet or at the breaker panel.
