Question: Can i use a sump pump for a kitchen sink?

(Posted by: Techmaster on 2010-03-09 19:45:54)

I'm adding a kitchen into our basement and want to put in a kitchen sink and a dishwasher. Since sewage pumps cost a LOT of money I was wondering if I can get by with a sealed and vented sump pump system. This system would ONLY be used for the kitchen and would drain into the sewer and vent to the roof. My concern is that the pump would become clogged because of the strainer that most pumps have on them. Since food particles are rather small would it be ok to simply remove the strainer and allow these particles to be pumped? To Mark: I didn't ask for a link for expensive pumps... I want to know if I can use a sump pump because they're CHEAPER... To Mark (Again): NO I'm not oblivious to pump technology... I KNOW I should be using a more expensive sewage pump, but it's not in the budget right now, and besides... it's a basement sink that will probably only be used once a week so I don't really see the point in spending that much money on it. To everyone: Thank you for your input, I really appreciate it. One more thing though: does anybody have any input on which brand of pump to use? Is there any brand that it would be easier to take the intake screen off of?

Posted by: Mark on 2010-03-09, 20:02:31

Here google.com/ search?sourceid= navclient &aq= 4 &oq= maserator+ &ie= UTF-8 &rlz= 1T4GWYE_enUS261US261 &q= macerator+ sewage+ pump if the link wont work google " macerator pumps " edit,,,, !!! I just thought you were probably ignorant as to pump technology

Posted by: Dubidiocho on 2010-03-09, 20:40:36

A hefty sized pump with a metal impeller could do that. Put a garbage disposal in the sink and dishwashers have a built-in disposal for chunks,so there shouldn't be any problem. Run some boiling hot water through once a month to help rid slime and grease build-up.

Posted by: Patrick Lea, Realtor(R) on 2010-03-10, 04:52:28

Theoretically, yes, especially if there is not food going into it. However, it's not up to code for any jurisdiction. Also, you'd wear the pump out using it for the "kitchen sink " purpose.