Septic pumps & grinder pumps:

How to inspect sewage grinder pumps or septic pump installations for proper installation, operation, and testing.

This article gives inspection and maintenance advice for Sump Pumps, Sewage Ejector Pumps, Septic Grinder Pumps, Sewage Pumping Stations, & Septic Pump Alarms.

FAQs on Sewage Ejector Pump Inspection

These questions and answers about septic pumps, grinder pumps, sewage pumps and their inspection and repair were posted originally at SEPTIC PUMP INSPECTION & MAINTENANCE - be sure to reveiw the advice organized there.

On 2018-01-10 by (mod) - requirements for septic inspector licensing or certification

Ruth,

The requirement for licensing and "certification" of technicians or others to install, service, or repair septic systems, including sewage grinder pumps depends on the country, state or province, and possibly city where you live.

Typically in the U.S. state building codes require that an installer be licensed (licensed plumber or licensed septic installer or licensed professional engineer) or "certified" though just what is involved in a certification program varies significantly.

Licensing: here is an example from Erie County in New York State

As of July 1, 2012, if you are in the process of constructing a new home in Erie County that needs to have an onsite wastewater treatment system (OWTS),

then you must hire a licensed design professional (i.e. a licensed professional engineer, a registered architect, or a licensed land surveyor with an exemption certificate (Section 7208n of New York State Education Law)) to design the appropriate system to serve your residence.

The design professional will create an engineer’s report and plans that must be submitted to the Erie County Department of Health (ECDOH) along with an Application for a Construction Permit for an Onsite Wastewater Treatment System for Residential or Commercial Lots Prepared by a Design Professional and a $300 fee. ... here [is a] a list of licensed engineers (a complete list can be found in the phone book). - http://www2.erie.gov/health/index.php?q=onsite-wastewater-treatment-system

Some U.S. states require special certifications, (licensing fee, training and an exam) for specific septic system types such as aerobic systems and drip irrigation systems.

Fewer U.S. states also require that a septic system or tank installer have a business license.

Nearly all U.S. states require a plumber's license, though some jurisdictions may permit the plumbing work to proceed by any contractor provided proper permits and approvals are obtained.

In addition, most jurisdictions require a permit and approval of septic system design before a system can be installed, a permit to install a septic tank and absorption field, and a building permit for significant plumbing system installation and possibly renovation. Those steps provide additional protection for homeowners.

An example of a manufacturer's septic or sewage grinder / ejector pump certification program that at least claims to be thorough is provided by a maker of grinder pumps and sewage systems equipment:

Environment One Corporation, 2773 Balltown Road, Niskayuna, NY 12309-1090 T: 518.346.6161 Website: https://www.eone.com

Excerpt:
What is required to become certified?
Personnel

Annual Evaluations — technicians must pass a rigorous examination about all aspects of grinder pump service, and must be re-certified each year.

Level-based Certification

Level I — field troubleshooting, site inspection, startup

Level II — pump diagnosis, failure analysis, repair

Level III — Certified training, the same training you receive from an E/One factory technician

On 2018-01-10 by Ruth

For servicing and replacement of commercial Septic Sewage Grinder-Ejector Pumps, which 'certifications' are necessary? e,g, master/journeyman plumber, etc..

On 2017-03-23 by (mod) -

IF the odor is coming from a sewage ejector pump in your basement you'll want to

1. check for leaks

2. be sure that the sump or pit cover is both safe against fall-in and sealed against gas leakage

3. ask your plumber to confirm that the plumbing system is properly vented

On 2017-03-23 by patty nolan

My pump is in the basement. How do I get rid of odor

On 2014-07-09 by (mod) -

Re-posting without advertising link

Michael WIlliams said:

I wondered over the years of what it takes to be able to repair the sewer. It seems like it would take a long time, and to have to go down under there, I don't know if I could do it. I learned a lot, thanks for sharing.

On 2014-01-29 by (mod) -

Pete, I'm guessing that the pump motor failed and you are seeing pump lubricants in the basin. Certainly a washing machine motor and transmission also contain oil. We've seen oil inside the cabinet or even on the floor beneath a failed washing machine.

But how oil from components that are below the washer tub (the tub bearing, pump or transmission) enters the washer tub and from there would be pumped to a drain is more interesting.

A bad seal on a top loading or front loading washing machine tub may allow bearing lubricant into the washing water. I've seen this show up as surprising new black or dark brown stains on clothes that have ploveed through a wash cycle. A washing machine "hub and seal kit" can often repair this problem that may also show up as squeaks and squeals when the washer is running.

Conversely, I think that most transmission oil leaks (from a washing machine) drip to the space below the appliance. On some washer transmissions such as Whirlpool, there are two transmission seals, a top transmission cover seal and an input shaft seal - both of which can be replaced.

Some washing machine transmissions have a fitting through which transmission oil can be added, but doing so without fixing the transmission oil leak would be pointless IMHO. Replacing an entire washing machine transmission is possible (I've done it in the past) but the cost can be about half the cost of a new machine.

If you are not a do-it-yourself'er (or maybe even if you are) you may still be able to diagnose this problem far enough to decide whether or not to call an appliance repair person.

Look at the floor beneath your washing machine, look inside the washing machine body at the upper surface of its bottom floor (more trouble), and look in the washer as well as on clothes that went through the washer for signs of oil or grease stains.

Since we're talking about your sewage ejector pump basin, keep in mind that any oil source in the building would end up there. But the washing machine is a good start. Keep us posted.

On 2014-01-29 by Pete

My ejector pump went out and the basin was filled with oily water. Why? Where did that oil come from? The broken pump? which I replaced. Could my washing machine water which drains into the basin, have oil in it? Could that mean my washing machine is about to break down? Where did that oil come from?

On 2013-02-24 by Melisa

How do I add oil to the Zoeller M267 pump, I see two holes so which hole do I add it to?

On 2013-01-22 by socal

I get a buildup on the inside of the tank and the float device. What can I do

On 2012-12-31 by bill

I found a septic grinder and tank alongside a garage and want to know if it pumps directly to the drainfield or does it pump to a septic tank? If to a drainfield is there a possible problem with drainfield pipes being plugged with sludge instead of flowing with affluent?s

On 2012-10-18 by Patt

Our plumber was here today, as we've been having issues with our ejection pit overflowing into the basement.

When he opened the cover, there were large chunks of "white stuff" floating around. He thinks that is what caused the pit from not ejecting~~the float was probably stuck by one of these chunks.

Anyway, he seems to think that the chunks were soap debris. I don't throw any grease or oil down my drains. We use Angel Soft toilet tissue which seems to dissolve rather quickly. Do you have any idea what the white debris might be and if you do, how I can prevent it from occuring again.

On 2012-10-18 by Bryan

My sewage ejector pump pit smells. It has been caulked extensively to seal in smells, but the basement (and particularly the closet where the pit is located) has a constant smell.

I wonder if there is some sort of chemical I can flush down the toilet that feeds the pit to suppress the smell? It is tied to a sewer system, not septic tank. Thanks.

On 2012-10-13 by john

hello - when my basement ejector pump goes off, water (and other stuff) is coming up into the sink on the main floor? Causes-fixes? Thanks!

On 2012-09-28 by (mod) -

Chuck
I'm not sure. I would check the pump motornitself but also check for loose plumbing lines or even a check valve problem. Perhaps start b confirming where the noise originates.

On 2012-09-21 by Chuck

I am getting a humming and vibration through out the house several times a day. When I flush a toilet it stops. I have an Environment One pump that is 7-8 years old. Is this a float or clog problem or a sign that the pump is beginning to fail?

On 2012-08-23 by Andy

my septic alarm came on last night. septic light indicates that its running but the pump itself is not. pump is 3yrs old barnes submersible grinder/effluent.

the tank was pumped clean 42days ago. wiring to the pump is 20yrs old. could it be wiring? something jammed? any help/guidance anyone could provide me would be fantastic!! thank you

On 2012-07-19 by (mod) -

Randall, use the CONTACT US link at page top or bottom to send some sharp (if icky) photos, and perhaps if you can add the manufacturer name and model number of your system we can ask the manufacturer what's going on. Include some more distant shots showing how the plumbing is arranged.

Normally I expect a grinder pump to have enough pumping force to draw all of the waste down and into the unit - perhaps on a rarely-used system things are not moving through the little holding tank and are coagulating?

On 2012-07-16 by Anonymous

Hi Dan its Randall. thank you for the info. the grinder pump will pump out solid waste and toliet paper. the only thing is that it seems as if the toliet paper that doesnt pump out sits in the holding tank and gets hard over a period of about six months of on going use.

when i clean it out i get clumps out bigger than softballs and as hard as a rock. thats a problem, and it sticks to the float switch and holds it in the down position. do you have an email adress where i can send you some pics of when i open it up this evening so youll understand?

On 2012-07-16 by (mod) -

Randall,

Let's start by making sure that you have the proper type of sewage grinder pump installed. I ask because these pumps and their controls are designed to handle toilet paper as well as solid waste (feces) by grinding that waste and sending it out the outlet line.

You should not have to put any additive or chemical into the grinder pump to avoid a clog problem, and worse you risk contaminating or damaging a septic or sewer system if you do so.

Check the brand and model of your pump and then take a look at the manufacturer's literature to see what that pump is intended for. Or tell me that information and I'll research it as well.

On 2012-07-16 by Randall

What can i use to prevent toliet paper from clotting up and sticking on the float switch holding it in the down (off) position? the toloet paper is getting very hard as well. is there an additive i can flush down the toliet to stop this?

On 2012-07-15 by (mod) -

Allen, it sounds as if the float switch inside the unit is stuck or defective. Check first outside the unit for loose electrical connections.

On 2012-07-15 0 by Allen

My sewage pump won't kick on, unless i jiggle the ejector pipe. I got it from lowes, and its less than a year old. Any suggestions?

On 2012-06-09 by (mod) -

John

If I have the correct understanding of your case, the grease trap is usually located quite close to the commercial kitchen sink itself in order to avoid clogging downstream piping & equipment.

If you have to pipe kitchen waste to a more distant drain where the grease trap is installed, check with your pump supplier to be sure to choose the proper pump type that can handle food waste; an ordinary "sump pump" is used for moving water only, not food waste and grease.

On 2012-06-06 by John

Can a sump pump be connected for a commercial kitchen line that is run to a grease trap?

On 2012-05-02 by (mod) -

Charlene, most grinder pumps do not run every time the water is being used but rather are turned on and off by a float control inside the receiving tank. If your pump is running constantly the float switch needs repair or replacement.

On 2012-05-01 by Charlene

Are these pumps supposed to run all the time or just when water is being used?

...

Continue reading  at SEPTIC PUMP INSPECTION & MAINTENANCE - topic home, or select a topic from the closely-related articles below, or see the complete ARTICLE INDEX.

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