A brand new grinder pump starts at just $300, but these are more affordable models with plastic cutting blades. The price range for a conventional grinding pump is
$1,000 to $2,500
.
How long does a grinder pump last?
You can expect a sewage grinder pump to last
6 to 16 years, with an average of 9 years
. A grinder pump is installed along the drain line to a municipal sewer system or private septic tank when the pipe slope is not enough to flow by gravity.
What happens when a grinder pump fails?
Blockage:
Grease and dirt can build up in the grinder pump, and create blockage
. If you notice slow drains or a large number of clogs—or sewage backs up into your home—then call immediately for professional plumbers. Clots: A large enough item becoming stuck inside the pump will then allow smaller items to build up.
How often do grinder pumps need to be replaced?
Grinder pumps average
eight years
between service calls, so minimal regular maintenance is required when operated under normal conditions.
How do you maintain a grinder pump?
- Inspect oil level and check for contamination in septic grinder pump motor chamber.
- Inspect pump impeller and body for any clogs or clotting (buildup).
- Inspect pump motor and bearings. …
- Inspect grinder pump motor seal for wear and possible leaks.
Should I buy a house with a grinder pump?
The standard home is built higher than the sewer line so that gravity will draw wastewater from the sewage system. Not all homes are in this position, and for those homes,
it’s necessary to have a grinder pump
. Otherwise, the wastewater will back up and contaminate the house.
How long does it take to replace grinder pump?
Sewage system specialists cost $75 to $100 per hour, and installing a grinder pump takes anywhere from
six to 10 hours
of work. You’ll save money if you try and tackle this project on your own, but you may lose out in the long term if you miss a crucial element during the installation process.
How do you unclog a grinder pump?
Is Drano safe for grinder pumps?
Protect Your Pump
However, several chemicals and materials should never enter the grinder pump sewer system. Note how small the path is for the wastewater in the diagram! –
Strong chemicals, toxic, caustic, or poisonous substances
(this includes Drano, Mr. Plumber, etc.)
Can you have a garbage disposal with a grinder pump?
When a residence is at a lower elevation than the sewer main, it requires the use of a pump to force the wastewater up to the gravity sewer main.
A grinder pump works like a garbage disposal
– it grinds up wastewater from a home (i.e. toilet, shower, washing machine) and pumps it into the public sewer system.
Are grinder pumps common?
Grinder pumps are the most common method to power a pressure sewer system
.
Do grinder pumps make noise?
If your pump is making a strange, whirring noise when it’s activated, this could be a sign of clotting
. Clotting occurs after larger pieces of debris get caught and stick to the inner workings of the pump. This debris accumulates over time and can expand within the pump.
How do you change a sewer grinder pump?
How do you change a grinder pump?
- Locate Your Grinder Pump. …
- Purchase the Replacement Pump. …
- Disconnect the Electricity. …
- Remove the Old Pump. …
- Install the New Alarm System. …
- Install the New Pump.
What causes grinder pump alarm to go off?
If there is too much flow going into your grinder pump unit, the high sewage level will automatically trigger an alarm horn and light to alert you of the problem
. In many instances, the problem could be an excessive amount of flow to the grinder pump.
Do grinder pumps need to be cleaned?
We recommend several things to keep your grinder pump operating properly for as long as possible. Have your grinder pump checked to make sure it was originally installed properly.
Clean your basin and floats every 6 months
. (We provide this service.)
How do I know if my grinder pump is working?
E/One grinder pumps come with an alarm panel. If your grinder pump is working properly, you shouldn’t notice it at all —
the pump will turn on as needed and pump down the tank; its noise level is similar to that of a washing machine
. The pump will turn off after a few minutes.
Do grinder pumps smell?
Normally functioning grinder pumps do make some sounds when they turn on, but it should not be disruptive.
They also emit minimal, if any, odor
. You should notice only a slight increase to your electric bill since the pump should only be running a few times a day.
Do I need a sewage pump or grinder pump?
We recommend you install a grinder pump if you need to pump sewage to a pressurized sewer main
. If you are pumping to a septic tank or a gravity flow sewer main, you are much better off with a sewage ejector pump.
What is the difference between a sewage pump and a grinder pump?
Some sewage pumps are grinder pumps, but not all.
Grinder pumps are a subtype of sewage pumps
. Generally speaking, sewage pumps that are not grinder pumps can move sewage solids up to two inches in diameter that are easy to break down or dissolve.
What is the difference between a grinder pump and a sump pump?
Can grinder pumps freeze?
It’s important that you are aware of how deep frost can reach in your area; thus ensuring that you have the pump buried deeper.
Freezing also damages pipes
, thus the need to take care of the plumbing system leading to and from the grinder pump.
How does a sewer system with a grinder pump work?
When water is used in the house, wastewater flows into the basin. When the wastewater in the basin reaches a pre-set level, the grinder pump automatically turns on, grinds the waste, and pumps it out of the tank via the discharge line and into the public sewer system.
