A septic ejector pump, sump pump or grinder pump is a system designed to remove effluent and solid waste from a home when plumbing fixtures, such as a toilet or sink drain, are below the grade of the septic tank or sewer line.
What kind of pump do I need for my septic tank?
Q. What size sewage pump do I need? A home sewage pump must have the capacity to handle 2-inch solids. Beyond that, most homes need a 1⁄2-horsepower sewage pump that can pump about 5,000 gallons per hour to the height of the main sewage line or septic tank.
Can sump pump drain into septic system?
A: No. If you have a septic system, under no circumstances should the sump be pumped into the basement floor drain. ... Adding to the flow with a sump pump can damage the septic system. Even if you are connected to a public sanitary system, the sump should not be pumped into a floor drain.
How much is a sewage ejector pump?
An ejector pump costs between $300 and $800 . However, most people will pay around $450 on average. The price you pay depends on the strength of your pump and how many gallons of waste it moves per hour.
What is the difference between a sump pump and a sewage pump?
A. Sump pumps are used in basements to collect excess and unwanted water. Sewage pumps are used with bathrooms to force out both fluids and liquids to either a septic tank or other sewage system .
What causes septic pump failure?
Most septic systems fail because of inappropriate design or poor maintenance . ... Failure to perform routine maintenance, such as pumping the septic tank generally at least every three to five years, can cause solids in the tank to migrate into the drain field and clog the system.
Can I use a sump pump for GREY water?
The most common and trouble-free method of collecting gray water is from the washing machine drain. ... Once the basin is full, the sump pump will turn on, channeling your gray water through an exterior distribution pipe. Divert your washer’s drain water into a sump pump well.
Where should a sump pump drain to?
The discharge point should be at least 10 feet away from your foundation , but 20 feet is better. Otherwise, the water will reabsorb into the soil, and your pump will need to remove it again. A constant flow of water damages your foundation, contributes to erosion, and quickly wears out your sump pump.
What is a septic sump pump?
A septic ejector pump, sump pump or grinder pump is a system designed to remove effluent and solid waste from a home when plumbing fixtures, such as a toilet or sink drain, are below the grade of the septic tank or sewer line.
What happens if ejector pump fails?
One of the most catastrophic plumbing failures happens when an ejector pump or its drainage lines become clogged with debris . If the pump can’t push water up and into the sewer lines, the waste water flows back into your home. Your basement or lower level can quickly be soaked with raw sewage and other waste materials.
How long does an ejector pump last?
While most sewage ejector pumps are designed to withstand at least 7 to 10 years of use, with some even lasting much longer, occasionally problems do arise long before the pump has reached the end of its life span.
How much does an ejector pump cost to replace?
On average, plan on spending anywhere from $750 to as much as $1,900 for an ejector pump for a professional install for a simple swap and replace. Now, if the contractor needs to cut out a slab for the pump, install new drain lines and needs to re-concrete the area, the costs could be in the $2,500 to $4,500 range.
Can you use an ejector pump as a sump pump?
Ejector pumps are similar to sump pumps in appearance and are also installed in a sump basin on your basement floor. However, the task an ejector pump performs is different from a sump pump and is generally used to remove sewage from your home .
How do you test a septic pump?
To test if the pump is working, first turn the pump on by turning the second from the bottom float upside down . While holding that float upside down, turn the next float up (that would be the second from the top), upside down. You should hear the pump turn on.
Can a lot of rain cause septic problems?
Yes! Heavy rain and other water sources that oversaturate the soil around your septic tank can cause your tank to flood. This can be a serious and delicate issue, so be sure to contact a septic tank professional when your system is flooded.
How do you know if septic pump is bad?
- 4 Symptoms That Your Septic Pump Needs Service. Septic system failure can be caused by anything from flushing solid materials like feminine hygiene products and diapers, to using a garbage disposal, to using certain water purification systems. ...
- Bad Smells. Follow your nose... ...
- Pooling Water. ...
- Slow Drains. ...
- Sewage Backup.
