What is the name for the pump that's like a sump, but it's for basement waste?

[KatieF]

Not a plumber here, but man have I got a problem! Built this house (someone else did) almost 9 years ago. Had him put all the fixtures for water for a basement bathroom (thinking ahead) So we eventually did put in a bathroom, with toilet, shower and sink. Also a washer. He called the pump a "**** pump" (translated from HIS mother tongue which is french) sooooo, I don't know what the term is in English. Once we began to use the shower (very infrequently as we have a shower upstairs) it would occasionally bubble up in the powder room toilet. NOT in the master bath toilet. We're on an Bionest septic system which is inspected once a year. It was all cleaned out last year. The builder came and reinstalled a larger air vent on the roof a couple of years ago as we were having some smelly issues in the same powder room, emanating from the sink. That took care of the problem.

Does anyone ANYONE know what the issue may be? I found a solution a few years ago after doing tons of reading and being a supersleuth but lost my search and can't remember exactly what was said. Apparently is has to be dealt with by a plumber who actually knows what the issue is, but I need to know so I can tell him/her first, so they don't spend days figuring it out. PHEW!!! THANKS FOR READING

 

[Twowaxhack]

So the problem is when you use a basement shower that drains into an ejector basin, the pump turns on and then you get bubbling in a toilet upstairs presumably closest to the pump and you call this toilet the powder bath toilet.

Is this correct ?

Do you get bubbling in the toilet when the other fixtures are used in the basement and the pump discharges ?

 

[RS]

They are commonly called sewage ejector pumps. I see you are in Canada, if it gets real cold that can frost up a vent, it sounds like you have inadequate venting, but it could only be frost in the vents. Another thing, if you go for some time without using the sink or shower the water can evaporate out of the trap, and then you will have sewer gas smell.

 

[KatieF]

So the problem is when you use a basement shower that drains into an ejector basin, the pump turns on and then you get bubbling in a toilet upstairs presumably closest to the pump and you call this toilet the powder bath toilet.

Is this correct ?

Do you get bubbling in the toilet when the other fixtures are used in the basement and the pump discharges ?

I get bubbling only in that toilet when either the washer or toilet (occasionally) drains or is flushed. Probably directly over the basement ejector basin.

 

[Twowaxhack]

@RS mentioned the vent could be closed off by frost.,

Do you have this problem in Summer ?

When you get the bubbling will the toilet that’s bubbling flush great ?

Your problem can be caused by improper venting, a partially full drain pipe that’s backing up and burping air, or improper connection to the plumbing system with the pump discharge line.
The ejector should have its own vent.

 

[KatieF]

I get bubbling only in that toilet when either the washer or toilet (occasionally) drains or is flushed. Probably directly over the basement ejector basin.

Never the sinks. They’re not an issue.

@RS mentioned the vent could be closed off by frost.,

Do you have this problem in Summer ?

When you get the bubbling will the toilet that’s bubbling flush great ?

Your problem can be caused by improper venting, a partially full drain pipe that’s backing up and burping air, or improper connection to the plumbing system with the pump discharge line.
The ejector should have its own vent.

the summer/warm weather was a good question. I can’t remember but think so. Technically I’ll have to wait till warm weather another couple of months, but think it does it then too.
is there an easy way to tell if the pump has its own air vent? I’m guessing by looking on the roof. it’s pretty high. At least this is enough for a
Local plumber to go
On. I hope.

 

[Twowaxhack]

To check for its own vent you would need to disconnect the vent from the pump basin and then flush the toilet upstairs and see if you hear the toilet flush through the vent pipe you just disconnected that extends upwards

The idea is to separate the vent from the basin. Then if other fixtures are utilizing this vent, you will be able to hear them operate by the sound of flowing water. Especially so when you flush toilets.

 

[Jeff Handy]

Edit
Ignore.

 

[hukre]

One of the most used and reliable pumps are by the French called Saniflo.