Sewage & Septic System pump FAQs, set #3:

Questions & answers about buying, installing, or troubleshooting & repairing sewage & septic pumps & how they are maintained.

This article series explains the differences between and gives installation and maintenance advice for Sump Pumps, Sewage Ejector Pumps, Septic Grinder Pumps, Sewage Pumping Stations, & Septic Pump Alarms. We discuss sewage grinder pump types, sizes, voltages, horsepower, installation and maintenance.

Page top photo: Zoeller 260 series sewage pumps discussed below on this page.

Q&A-3 Sewage Ejector Grinder Effluent Septic Pumps

Questions & answers on how to buy, install, inspect, & maintain Septic tank pumps, septic grinder pumps, septic effluent pumps.

These questions and answers were posted originally at SEWAGE EJECTOR / GRINDER PUMP FAQs (Q&A set #1) or at SEWAGE EJECTOR / GRINDER PUMPS - home - be sure to review that article.

[Click to enlarge any image]

 

On 2019-01-14 by (mod) - can sewage grinder pumps handle tampons?

Tony

The answer of whether or not a sewage pump can handle tampons and sanitary napkins and wet wipes is model dependent.

Generally you should keep such products out of toilets and sewage pumps as they risk pump clogging and damage. But some commercial pumping station sewage grinders can handle such materials.

Please see details at

SEWAGE PUMP DAMAGE & REPAIR

On 2019-01-14 by Tony

Is a grinder ejector pump effective in preventing tampons and other feminine products from clogging the pump?

On 2018-07-26 by (mod) -

Does the pump run?

On 2018-07-26 00:33:27.980566 by Matt

My grinder pump is filling to top with poop and over flowing. I wait a day it goes halfway down. But I take one shower it's over flowing again. What could be the problem

On 2018-07-16 23:48:40.402667 by (mod) -

Usually I find that the pump is failing, with a tight bearing or a jamming impeller, drawing high current and tripping the breaker. Some pumps might also overheat when running dry and that overheating could also seize a bearing and draw current and trip the breaker.

On 2018-07-16 20:01:32.188181 by Robbie

Pump works sometimes and sometimes it doesn't. When it doesn't work normally a breaker is tripped, but I can not find what maybe be the breaker to trip. Any ides?

On 2018-05-27 15:48:26.266766 by (mod) -

If the green line that was repaired in fact was not successfully repaired, or is broken or cracked or leaking elsewhere along as route that certainly could explain the wait area that you described.

On 2018-05-27 15:09:20.144060 by Michelle

Hello, Recently the alarm went off on my grinder pump. A plummer said the exit pipe had broken and he replaced it.

I noticed the side walk nearby was wet but I thought it was from the air conditioner.

Well the water has gotten worse and now I realize it is from the grinder pump. There is no oder and the alarm is not going off. I checked the circuit breaker and it was fine. Could this be something to do with the pipe that was repaired?

On 2018-05-22 22:41:28.982332 by (mod) -

Chris

I think you're asking if a sewage ejector pump can be set down into an indoor slab and used for a graywater sink. That's a common application, pumping up from the reservoir to a drain line, with proper check valve, venting &c.

However you do want to choose the right pump. You won't need a true grinder pump if processing only graywater.

Help me out if I've misunderstood. Sewage pumps and ejector pumps commonly pump water up from a low point to a drain line that is at a higher level.

Of course you don't pipe such that if a check valve fails the main drain flows into the ejector pump, you pipe up, then down into the drain.

Details are at SEWAGE EJECTOR / GRINDER PUMPS https://inspectapedia.com/septic/Grinder_Pumps.php

On 2018-05-22 21:49:20.772965 by Chris

My G.C. Asked if sewer injection systems could be used in a slab indoors for sinks.

I’ve been plumbing a long time and have never seen this application. Has anyone heard of this or any kind of thing like this on Texas or California.

I’m open for new technologies, but again I know it goes against health codes.

Maybe I’m not being open minded on the situation. Has anyone heard of anything like this?

Pumping sanitary sewer above head is not sanitary if it breaks, but again maybe there’s something out there that will satisfy my curiosity!

On 2018-05-17 14:05:28.148323 by (mod) -

Teresa

With no information about just what kind of sewage pump installation you have, I can only offer a wild arm-waving guess as follows:

A sewage ejector pump in a typical ejector pump basin or pit will run less than 5 minutes at a time

An effluent pump in a typical septic effluent tank pumping effluent up to a drain field will run less than 20 minutes at a time

An aerobic aerator pump in an aerobic septic system runs continuously in most systems

An aerobic septic system effluent dispersal pump runs at intervals that may be 20 minutes or more.

On 2018-05-17 02:38:36.167830 by Teresa West

Question outside sewage pump wiring accidentally cut and re wired how long should pump run before shutting off

On 2018-04-04 00:32:05.818628 by (mod) -

Use liquid dish soap and laundry detergent as often it's powdered detergents (used to excess) that's to blame for white crud clogging up plumbing equipment.

If you're not using powdered detergents then I'd look for a problem dumping fats and oils down the drains.

On 2018-04-02 15:48:55.614528 by Andie

How do I keep the white residue from building up on my Liberty pump and causing the float switch to fail?

On 2018-03-26 20:01:26.209678 by Anonymous

Trying to pull out a g to grinder pump that's on Rails and it won't move how can I get it out?

How to choose a sewage pump that will last

On 2018-02-24 21:35:49.560771 by Leila -

First, thank you so much for insight! Truly amazing.

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

I think your Everbilt sewage pump has a three year warranty

On 2018-02-24 by Leila - installed Everbilt ESE50W-HD Sewage Pump

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 (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.

On 2018-02-24 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.

On 2018-02-24 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.

On 2018-02-24 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.

On 2018-02-24 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.

On 2018-02-24 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.

On 2018-02-24 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.

[Click to enlarge any image]

On 2018-02-24 by Leila - here is my new sewage pump

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.

On 2018-02-23 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.

On 2018-02-23 by Leila - I just had to replace the sewage ejector pump for the 3rd time.

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.

Laundry sink backs up when the sewage pump cycles on

On 2018-02-26 by (mod) - laundry sink backs up when the sewage pump cycles on

That sounds to me as if there is either a blocked drain line or improper plumbing and a missing check valve.

On 2018-02-26 by Victoria

I have a guest house 50 feet from the main house. Every time the ejector pump shoots the waste/waste water through the pipes on the way to the septic tank in the yard my utility sink in laundry room has water back up into it. Do I have a drainage problem or the ejector pump problem?

On 2017-08-22 by (mod) -

Rafael,

Bottom line: probably not harmful, almost certainly not needed, and never a substitute for proper maintenance (pumping).

at SEPTIC TREATMENTS & CHEMICALS you will see that treatments are not effective, don't help, and can harm the environment in general (though I think enzymes are probably among the least harmful) and that treatments are illegal in many jurisdictions. There are important exceptions to that rule: some aerobic system manufacturers may specify specific chemicals or treatments or of course disinfectants for their system.

On 2017-08-18 by Rafael

Is it ok to put solid eating enzymes into a sump pump septic system like regular septic tank? Will it help the grinder or will it damage the motor?

On 2017-05-13 by (mod) -

Deb

No. There are plenty of "use very month" septic additives and chemicals that are not needed in a properly designed and maintained conventional septic system and that in fact can be harmful to the system and that in fact too are illegal in many jurisdictions.

If you've been replacing your septic pump start by finding out if the proper pump type has been installed. A sewage grinder pump is NOT the same as a simple sump pump. The latter will clog and fail quickly when used to pump sewage.

On 2017-05-13 by DebB

Is there a monthly solution I can use in my toilets to help keep unclogged that's safe for sump pump. I've been thru three replacentabin 10 years already

On 2017-04-07 by (mod) -

Dan you may have to remove the cover, but pumping chambers are usually steel in older installations or plastic/fiberglass in newer ones; on occasion I've found home made pumping chambers of concrete, concrete block (bad), and for sump pumps even plastic joint compound buckets.

On 2017-04-07 by Dan

sorry for posting at both sites wasn't sure how to do this. also would it be possible to correspond thru email as I have a few more questions and do not want to tie up this post. if you would contact me at getch357@hotmail.com I would greatly appreciate it...thank you

so how can I tell what kind of container it is??the reason is this cover is very old looking and has bolts around the lid but looks like if I take the cover off I'm going to have to replace it

Which is o.k by me but there is no markings on it anywhere I can see and would like to order a new cover as this 1 is definitely past time to replace. and would I be better off replacing the barrel also?

rather than trying if the barrel is cracked or something to repair it?? I've never ever had 1 of these till now so I'm not really sure which one I would need how can I get that information such as are they all the same or are there different styles to fit different needs. any information you can give I would really appreciate it and A BIG THANKS FOR ANSWERING ME!! :)

On 2017-04-05 3 by (mod) -

Dan

Smart guess: I suspect that there is snowmelt leaking into the sewage grinder/ejector pump basin. IF that's happening it's not normal nor proper.
We might indeed pump groundwater out from under a building using a sump system to reduce basement water entry but we would not, in most communities, dump that water into a septic or sewer system.

Sewage pumping and groundwater pumping are usually kept separate to avoid overloading (or ruining) a septic or sewer system.

Another possibility is a stuck or failed checkvalve on the seweage pump outlet line.

It ought to be easy to diagnose this by opening the cover to see what happens at the end of a pump cycle.

If you see wastewater flowing back into the basin through the pump bottom then the checkvalve is bad.

If you see water flowing into the pump basin from its bottom or sides - not from a waste exit or pump-out line - then the basin is leaking both into and out of itself ( depending on season and water levels in the ground)

If you see water flowing into the pump basin from the house drains then a toilet is running or some fool routed drainage into the house DWV system.

Keep me posted

On 2017-04-05 by Dan

Hello, I bought a home 1.5 yrs ago and in the basement it had 2 rooms and a full bath. the grinder pump looks old but seemed to work fine. recently the person who was staying there left and in the past 2 days we have had a lot of snow melt and rain.

The pump started turning on and off (3xs) within a 24hr period with no one introducing water into it. I am assuming that all my waste water goes straight to the septic from upstairs and the downstairs due to the height to get to septic is using grinder/lift pump.

also my toilet upstairs after fill the level drops a little. so what I am wondering is could ground water be seeping in? and also what do I have to do to keep pump in working order down there? should I run water by flushing into it so it doesn't go dry? and is this normal for ground water to enter it?

also the pump is extremely loud when discharging and shakes the house it does not seem to be secured in any way pipes go straight up to main discharge into septic system...any help would be greatly appreciated. - See more at: https://inspectapedia.com/septic/Sewage_Pump_FAQs.php#sthash.xkuTfVyX.dpuf

On 2017-03-18 by (mod) -

I don't understand, Roxanne. The motor is the pump - or operates it. I don't see how the pump could be "off" but the pump motor "on"

Are you sure of what you're hearing?

Could a check valve have failed so that you're hearing drain-back into the sewage ejector pit?

On 2017-03-18 by Roxanne

We have a SP40 Submersible sewage ejector pump. The problem we are having is that when the system is done, the pump kicks off but the motor still runs for a bit now. It never used to do that. we are wondering if it is the switch?

On 2017-01-30 by Mike S

I have read about using lemon juice in sewage ejector pumps. The quantity I've seen is two cups... but no one ever gives a recommendation on the frequency!
I recently had a plumber replace a sewage ejector pump in our new (20 year old) house.

I had never lived in a house that had this type of pump and was completely unfamiliar with them. After getting an expensive education from the plumber, I have tried to learn what I can do to "maintain" the pump along the way.

I'm well aware of the "Do Not Flush" list and it is followed strictly. (I have no way of knowing whether the former owners followed the rules... but that pump's gone now anyway.
So. In addition to wondering how often to use the lemon juice, I am curious as to any other suggestions for maintenance as well.

On 2017-01-29 by Shoe

We have an old house, ~60 years old. We have a sewage ejector pump sunk into our basement. We've maintained the sewage ejector pump well, and it keeps working.

At any point will the iron tank need to be replaced? We've replaced various parts, but the tank is the original.

On 2016-12-05 by Bob

If an order comes out of the grinder pump hole in the basement. can you put some bleach and water mixture through the system?

...

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• SEWAGE EJECTOR / GRINDER PUMPS - home
• SUMP PUMPS

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