I have a question about draining a washing machine below grade.
Currently since my washing machine is on the opposite side of the
basement as my sewer pipe (sewer outlet is in a small utility closet
in finished portion of basement), it drains into an under sink utility
pump by WaterAce (basically a sump pump in a plastic tub). This pump
receives waste water form the kitchen sink upstairs above it, the
washing machine, and a laundry sink (right next to the washing
machine). Here's my problem/question.... There's a filter basket
thingy right at the inlet (to stop solids from entering the pump
basin). The washing machine water leaks out the access hatch that is
used to access the filter basket. It seems like the filter does not
allow the washing machine water through quick enough (only if the
filter basket is completely empty is there no problem). Now I have a
few questions......

1.) Is there something I can install inline to buffer the washing
machine drain pressure?

2.) Do I need the basket thingy? Would anything the washing machine,
kitchen sink, or laundry sink be large enough to clog the pump?

3.) I know some people will use a laundry tub to drain their washing
machine into. How common/acceptable is this? Anything I should be
careful for? Would this be the best (most commonly used) solution?

4.) As a work around, I've found that putting a weight (brick) on the
access hatch creates a seal strong enough to prevent water leaking.
This of course is fine, but looks odd. I think if a could find some
sort of foam rubber sheet or the like to put between the plastic cover
and pump base it would create a good seal (tough to explain).
Basically what I want is to buy a sheet of may 1/4 - 1/2 inch foam
rubber, any ideas?


I ask this because we're getting ready to put the house on the market
and want to have things set up "best practice" (for what we have
anyway). Thanks!!