Basement Bathroom remodel- adding a tub

[mrsozzy]

Wow! Read some other threads and y'all scare me! We bought a house two years ago and gutted to the studs. It is what we call up north a bi-level or raised ranch. So, the downstairs was gutted to the concrete. There was a toilet and sink there, so the plumbing is already set-up and ready to go- I think.
However, I am planning to add a soaking tub. There is a big fat drain pipe that every other pipe in the house leads into that goes outside to the cesspool. My question is... can we just add a drain pipe to the tub and have it go to that same big fat pipe? Also, should we attempt to raise the tub and angle the drain so it doesn't flow back, or is there some wonderful product out there to do that? I ask here first so I know what I will be looking at even if I need to call a plumber in. Thanks for any input.

[Pulpo]

The tub drain has to go to the big fat drain pipe. I don't know if you have to raise it but it has to have a slight angle to it.

[shacko]

We will be drunk by the time we figure this out , what do you call a soaking tub? , just because you have a big fat drain pipe doesn't mean you can tie into it

" My question is... can we just add a drain pipe to the tub and have it go to that same big fat pipe? Also, should we attempt to raise the tub and angle the drain so it doesn't flow back"

Without knowing exactly what you want to install that can't be answered .

You have to tell me WHAT you want to install!.

I'm getting drunk! , more information

[mrsozzy]

LOL Okay, a soaking tub is a non-motorized, big deep bathtub. I have purchased a drop-in style tub that is about 72"l x 36"w x 24"d for my soaking pleasure. At this point, all of the pipes are exposed, including those for the upstairs bathroom. All the bathroom and kitchen drain pipes lead into the fat pvc pipe that lead into the fat metal pipe that leads out of the house into the septic system. I can certainly figure out the sink and toilet- I've done those a few times before, but never a sub-level tub. I am just concerned that if I hook up the tub, there may not be enough "gravity" (I guess) to drain properly, or that the pipes above could potentially drain into the tub. That said, I was wondering if I should build the tub up some and try to angle the PVC pipes down to the big fat PVC pipe to drain it out of the house. Since yesterday, I have done some research and wonder what y'all think of the Saniflo systems, too. Necessary? Good? Here, more beer!

[lefty]

Water won't flow uphill. You need 1/4" per foot of fall in the drain line. If there was a toilet sitting on the floor in the bathroom already that was flowing by gravity, the tub should be able to as well.

[shacko]

If you already have plumbing under the concrete thats where you should be tying into, (if its deep enough). You have to realize that all plumbing on that level will have to have a trap and vent. If you have to raise your tub you will still need the trap and vent.

The Saniflo pump system is not something that I would use unless you have no choice; I don't believe in using pumps when gravity will work, your call.

If you would post the exact model of your tub, I might be able to come up with more ideas.

[lefty]

Shacko & I are thinking alike, based on what you have told us about this project so far. Cutting a little bit (or even QUITE A LITTLE BIT) of concrete and using gravity is going to be less expensive than a pump system. And gravity has no headaches associated with it. A pump system is beyond any DIY'er who doesn't happen to be a licensed plumber.

[mrsozzy]

The drain pipe to the septic system is at/below concrete level. That said, I think your suggestions will work. I am planning to run the drain pipe with gravity on my side. I am now confident that will work. Y'all are the best! Here's another for your troubles!