Septic / Sewage Grinder Pump Damage Repair FAQs

Q&A on Damage or Clogged Sewage Septic & Grinder Pumps

What's a usual sewage pump life expectancy?

Tip: to maximize the life of your septic or sewage pump see the advice at SEWAGE PUMP MAINTENANCE

Would you be so kind to advise the life expectancy of a sewage pump for a residential home? Is the homeowner responsible for the repair/replacement of same? Would this be covered under homeowner insurance when malfunctioning? Just had to replace mine for $3400.

I was not quite ready for such an expense (who is?). Just making sure I am covering all bases. My home is nine years old and is only occupied by myself. I most appreciate your advices (Sept 30, 2011) Red

Reply: septic pump warranty period (1 year to "lifetime") is not the same as typical septic pump life (7-10 years)

Red, if we take a look at the warranty period for sewage pumps as a way to see how long the manufacturer promises that the pump will last, we see warranty periods that are typically much shorter than the actual probable pump life.

A typical warranty period may be just 12 months.

FloTec pumps have varying warranty periods but their Sewage Ejector (Model FPSE3601A) has a lifetime warranty.

That's consistent with my experience: properly installed and used as directed, sewage ejector pumps that are 15 or even 20 years old are not unusual to find still chugging away.

But a widely accepted generic septic pump life expectancy is 7-10 years, with warning that the pump quality and usage and exposure to hard-to-pump materials (wipes, tampons, etc) affect its life.

Also see SEPTIC LIFE EXPECTANCY for other factors that affect both septic system life and the life of septic system components such as the sewage pump.

Followup by Red

Thanks so very much. I will have to look into the model. I would venture to say that a builder does not use the most efficient product. Nothing personal about my builder, I think highly of him. I appreciate the opportunity to have a web site to use for people, as I who are not savvy on these topics. Best regards

What's the typical sewage ejector pump life? We keep burning out our pumps

We have a basement bath (shower, toilet, sink) and an ejector pit to pump the waste into the sewer line. Both were installed approximately 7 years ago when we added on to our house. Unfortunately, we have burned out 3-4 pumps since completing our addition, usually right after an overnight guest has been using the bathroom.

Use at other times is infrequent and limited to the toilet and sink. Most guests stay for a week or less and with the exception of one guest, I know that nothing unusual is being put down the toilet but still the pump burns out.

The last time was just after Christmas and we ended up with a basement flooded with contaminated water!

We have now replaced the pump (again) so we are good until the next guest comes to stay but this is getting old.

What is causing this and, more importantly, what can we do to solve the problem?

One plumber told us that there isn't a long enough run between the shower/toilet and the ejector pit but I don't know why this should make a difference or what we could do to fix it.

The only other thing going into the ejector pit is waste from a sink in an adjacent sewing room but again, the flow is minimal. (Jan 5, 2015) Vicki

Reply:

Vicki

An ejector pump should last for some years.

1. are we sure you're buying and installing the right kind of pump: a sewage grinder pump not a sump pump?

2. is the pump running abnormally long when it cycles, suggesting a blockage or drain line problem

3. what is the lift requirement in height and how does that compare with the pump specs?

4. is there a check valve that's not working, causing the pump to cycle repeatedly when it should not have to do so?

5 Is the pump protected from clogs from stuff that shouldn't be flushed down drains such as dental floss, tampons, etc?

Watch out: if you are not choosing the proper type of pump then you may indeed have too-frequent pump faiilures. For example a simple wastewater ejector pump lacks the grinder feature that allows it to handle solids.

Why are my sewage ejector pumps failing so often?

I have had to replace my septic ejector pump 4 times in 10 years. What would make these pumps fail so quickly. I thought they should last at least 7 years. It cost about $1000 each time I have to have them replaced? On 2019-07-10 by Michelle

Explanation by (mod) - replacing an ejector pump every couple of years probably meanswrong pump type.

Michelle

I agree that replacing an ejector pump every couple of years means something's wrong.

We need to know what kind of failure occurred - motor burnout, mechanical damage, control failure - as that's diagnostic.

And critically, we need to know the brand and model of pump installed and exactly what are its pumping conditions.

The most common reason that ejector pumps fail is that the wrong type of pump is installed for the application. So if the pump has to handle string, dental floss, tampons in addition to solids and if the wrong pump is selected, it's not going to last.

Maximize Septic Pump Life Q&A

I just had to replace the sewage ejector pump for the 3rd time. How do I get more pump life?

I put a full bath in the basement 8 years ago and I just had to replace the sewage ejector pump for the 3rd time.

I do have well water, but I would like to know the cause of this? Thank you. On 2018-02-23 by Leila -

Suggestions by (mod) - Be sure to choose the proper type of sewage pump (septic systems) or grinder pump (municipal systems)

Leila

I like to help but what I can offer is limited since I have no information about your home the plumbing or the pump that was installed.

However the first thing I would check would be the type of pump that was installed to be sure that it's the correct one.

Some people install a sump type pump that isn't designed to handle bathroom waste. Secondly I would check that there's a proper check valve installed on the outlet line so that the pump is not working overtime pumping the same water more frequently than it should.

lastly I would take a close look at the pump it was removed to see if we can diagnose the cause of its failure.

For example if someone was Flushing sanitary napkins or tampons or string into the system and clogging the pump.

by Leila - here is my old sewage pump - Rigid 1/2HP half-inch solid handling sewage pump Model SEP-500

 

Old sewage pump is shown above, a Rigid 1/2 hp capable of handling half-inch solids.

by Leila - here is my new sewage pump - Everbilt 1/2 hp

I posted a picture of the area as well as the tag of the old pump and the box of the new pump. I don’t know if this helps to clarify for you. Thanks for your help!

Below: New sewage pump: Everbilt 1/2 hp sewage pump

Below: my sewage ejector pump system showing the pumping chamber.

Installed Everbilt ESE50W-HD Sewage Pump - what's its life?

First, thank you so much for insight! Truly amazing. The Everbilt sewage pump that was just installed is from Home Depot, model #ESE50W-HD.

It states that it handles waste with up to 2” solids, pumps 7800 GPH, can lift sewage greater than 25’ and has a split capacitor design. This has to last more than a few years right? It’s the basement bathroom so it’s not used very regularly. On 2018-02-24 by Leila -

by (mod) - how to choose a replacement for a sewage pump that keeps burning out

Your Everbilt sewage pump has a three year warranty.

Beyond that, the biggest factor in pump life is choosing the right type for the application; if the pump is getting clogged by what's flushed down drains it's not going to last, and it's probably the wrong type. Otherwise the main factor in sewage pump life is regular inspection, cleaning, and maintenance.

by (mod) - Everbilt 1/2HP pump but that LOOKS like a sewage EFFLUENT Pump

Leila

I'm not certain because I don't have the exact model for your old Everbilt 1/2HP pump but that LOOKS like a sewage EFFLUENT Pump, not a sewage grinder pump. If that's the case, the pump would be likely to suffer recurrent clogging.

There are some sewage pumps that can handle solids up to 2", feces, toilet paper, with no trouble, but are not "grinder pumps". That type of pump would work OK for you.

What won't work "OK" is a pump that's intended only to handle "effluent" - basically water and very fine particulates but no solid materials.

Take a look at SEWAGE EJECTOR / GRINDER PUMPS - home inspectapedia.com/septic/Grinder_Pumps.php where we describe different sorts of pumps for this application.

Also, be sure to read my Q&A note to Al - posted below your message - where I describe types of pumps and which is appropriate for which application.

by (mod) - use a 2-inch solid handling sewage pump when connecting to a private septic system, eg. Powerhorse Cast Iron Sewage Pump

Here are some alternative sewage pump models of varying type and capacity

1. Recommended for your application, a sewage pump capable of handling 2 inch solids, not a grinder pump (if you are connected to a septic system you should not use a grinder pump)

Powerhorse Cast Iron Sewage Pump - 4180 GPH, 1/2 HP, 2 inch Ports, Port USC37W

This Powerhorse Cast Iron Sewage Pump has the power and durability for handling up to 2in. diameter solids.

In addition to a cast iron housing and impeller, this pump features a piggyback tethered switch for automatic operation.

2, Solid Handling in.

2, Seals Mechanical, Pump Housing Cast iron, Power Cord ft. Total Head ft. 18,

Impeller Shaft Stainless steel, HP 1/2, Discharge Port in.

Handles up to 2in. diameter solids

1/2 HP motor Cast iron construction for durability

Piggyback tethered switch for automatic operation Model Number: USC37W.

by (mod) - RIDGID 47298 1/2 HP Sewage Pump handling 1/2" solids

Leila

Here is the current Rigid pump model that would be appropriate for a home pumping sewage into a septic tank.

Other sewage pump brands and models can handle larger solids up to 2 inches and might be better for you.

RIDGID 47298 1/2 HP Sewage Pump. This Pump is loaded with high-quality features that include a rugged cast-iron construction body, a 1/2" solids-handling capacity and 20? piggyback power cord to easily remove grey water from septic tanks, sump pits or laundry tray systems.

This RIDGID 47298 1/2 HP Sewage Pump with Advantext also comes equipped with a 11" footprint, a carbon/ceramic shaft seal for longer life, and upper and lower sealed ball bearings.

The RIDGID 47298 1/2 HP Sewage Pump is fully covered under RIDGID's 3 year warranty, giving you the peace of mind that comes with the quality of all RIDGID products.

by (mod) - 3/4 hp Bur-Cam 400700 Sewage Grinder Pump suitable for public sewer connection

2. Example of a grinder pump, applicable for buildings connected to a public sewer, here is the 3/4 hp Bur-Cam 400700 Sewage Grinder Pump

This BurCam Cast Iron Grinder Pump is ideal for residential sewage applications, lift stations and light commercial applications.

Shreds solid materials, including rags and towels.

Rugged pump features a hardened steel cutter blade that grinds the solids and a Noryl vortex impeller that propels material out of the pump.

\Volute Cast iron, Volts 115, Thermal Overload Protection Yes,

Solid Handling in. 2, Seals Stainless steel, Pump Housing Cast iron, Power Cord ft.

Total Head ft. Heavy-duty cast iron construction Automatic, adjustable vertical float switch SUS440C stainless steel grinder impeller Stainless steel mechanical rotary seal Model Number: 400700P.

Watch out: do not connect a sewage grinder pump to a private on-site septic system. The macerated solids risk clogging the absorption bed / drain field.

by (mod) - Zoeller 260 series sewage pumps handle 2-inch solids

3. Another Example of a sewage pump, not a grinder pump, capable of handling 2-inch solids and also suitable for de-watering applications. Zoeller 260 series sewage pumps:

The "Waste-Mate" series of submersible pumps is designed for use in residential or light commercial dewatering and wastewater applications and can be used to transfer groundwater, effluent or raw sewage.

The innovative vortex impeller design reduces the risk of clogging and allows each pump to pass 2" (50 mm) spherical solids.

These durable cast iron pumps include a powder coated epoxy finish to prevent corrosion and are designed to provide great heat dissipation from the motor, ensuring a long service life.

As with every Zoeller pump, each one is 100% pressure-tested, submerged and run to ensure quality and reliability for years of trouble-free performance!

This pump is also suitable for use with privat on-site septic systems.

by (mod) - Rigid SEP-500 residential sewage pump

Finally,

The Rigid SEP-500 residential sewage pump that you say you've installed appears to be a discontinued model.

But it is described as capable of handling 2-inch solids.

At Amazon I found several reviews, all discouraging, claiming that the pump had a short life and that there was difficulty obtaining repair parts. Check to see if this is the pump you've installed.

At the Rigid company website I could not find information on specific sewage pump models.

Rather one can find that information in product specification sheets and installation manuals provided for these sewage or septic pumps by vendors and plumbing suppliers.

Septic or Sewage Pump Life Research

• Bloch, Heinz P., and Allan R. Budris. Pump user's handbook: life extension. River Publishers, 2021.
• Hunger, R. F., and Grant M. Olewiler. "Experiences with Sewage and Sludge Pumping Equipment." Sewage Works Journal (1935): 1109-1127.
• Korving, Hans, François HLR Clemens, and Jan M. van Noortwijk. "Statistical modeling of the serviceability of sewage pumps." Journal of Hydraulic Engineering 132, no. 10 (2006): 1076-1085.
• Korving, H., M. Geise, and F. H. L. R. Clemens. "Failure of sewage pumps: Statistical modelling and impact assessment." Water science and technology 54, no. 6-7 (2006): 119-126.
  
  Abstract:
  
  Sewage pumping stations are directly responsible for affecting performance, i.e. failing pumps may result in combined sewer overflows or flooding. However, failures of sewage pumps are not yet incorporated in sewer assessments due to lack of knowledge and data.
  
  This paper presents the analysis of pump failure data provided by two sewer management authorities in The Netherlands. Pump failures have been studied accounting for the nature of the failures, the operation and maintenance procedures of the management authority, the ageing of the pumps and the changes in the environment of pumps.
  
  The analysis shows that sewage pumps fail relatively often due to the composition of sewage and the discontinuous operation of the pumps. The interarrival time and the duration of failures are highly variable and independent of the pump type and the specific function of the pump.
  
  The results also indicate that the serviceability of sewer systems is significantly affected by failing pumps. As a consequence, part of the environmental damage due to CSOs (combined sewer overflows) can be avoided by improving maintenance of pumping stations.
• Korving, Hans. "Impact of failures of sewage pumps on serviceability of sewer systems." In 17th European Junior Scientist Workshop, Dresdner Beiträge zum Stadtbauwesen, Lehrstuhl Stadtbauwesen, Technische Universität Dresden. 2003.
• Lassaux, Stephane, Robert Renzoni, and Albert Germain. "Life cycle assessment of water from the pumping station to the wastewater treatment plant." (2007): 118-126.
• McKee, Kristoffer K., Gareth Forbes, Ilyas Mazhar, Rodney Entwistle, and Ian Howard. A review of major centrifugal pump failure modes with application to the water supply and sewerage industries [PDF] In ICOMS asset management conference, vol. 32. QLD, Australia: Gold Coast, 2011.
• Moloshnyi, O., P. Szulc, G. Moliński, S. Sapozhnikov, and S. Antonenko. "The analysis of the performance of a sewage pump in terms of the wear of hydraulic components." In Journal of Physics: Conference Series, vol. 1741, no. 1, p. 012015. IOP Publishing, 2021.

Will "Bubble bath" cause damage to the septic pump ?

My Husband seems to think that "Bubble bath" will cause damage to the pump..We have a "Soaker Tub" shower, Toilet and sink in a basement area...We use NO Powder Detergents..

I was wondering, will using body soap, bubble bath or this type of Liquid soap damage the "Grinder Pump"? On 2017-03-28 by Mary Newton

by (mod) - no

No, Mary, not from any of the research I"ve read nor problem reports I've fielded - that is, as long as the soap or bubble bath is either in liquid product form OR if using a powder or granulated form, as long as it is completely dissolved into the bathwater.

What can be a problem, showing up with over-dosing with powdered laundry detergents, is that too much powdered soap that doesn't dissolve into water can downstream clog drains or pump inlets.

I have a similar, un-tested, opinion about over-use of bath salts: those too dissolve in water but if a lot of undissolved salts got into a trap it could slow drainage and might take some time to dissolve from that spot.