Grinder pumps typically have a storage tank, an alarm panel and a level sensor. If the level of waste rises above a certain point, the pump will turn on and grind the waste into a fine slurry.
What is a Grinder Pump?
A grinder pump is a device that grinds up waste from your home’s plumbing system before it reaches the nearest sewer line. It also helps pre-treat wastewater before it travels through a municipal sewer line.
A grinder pump can be located anywhere in your property. To find it, look outside for a submerged holding tank with a cover. The cover typically is a hard green plastic disk roughly the width of a volleyball.
The grinder pump will grind and pump waste uphill to the sewer line. This is done so that your sewage doesn’t have to pass through more miles of pipe than it would without the grinder pump.
Grinder pumps are designed to handle low volumes of sewage and are ideal for moving sewage from a private property to the nearest sewer line. They are most common in residential sewage systems.
Some homeowners use a grinder pump to move wastewater to a septic tank, while others use them for other purposes. Regardless of the type of grinder pump you choose, it should be used only when an ejector pump would not be sufficient.
As with any sewage system, the components of your grinder pump will require some occasional maintenance. Inspecting your unit on a regular basis will ensure that it works properly and extend its lifespan.
The pump should be inspected on a semi-annual basis for any signs of damage that could lead to failure or clogs. If you notice any of these issues, contact a licensed plumber to have your pump repaired or replaced.
In addition, it’s important to know what materials your pump can and cannot handle. For example, you should never pour cooking grease down your drain, feminine hygiene products or sanitary napkins down the drain, diapers, kitty litter, paint or oil (both motor and cooking oils) down the drain.
In most cases, a grinder pump will not need much maintenance at all, but it’s recommended that you take steps to prevent clogs and other issues with the pump. You can do this by cleaning out the tank and ensuring that the level sensor doesn’t get clogged with grease. You can also remove the cover from your pump and hose out the inside of the tank to clear it out.
How Does a Grinder Pump Work?
A grinder pump is a type of sewer system that is used to treat waste from homes and businesses. They are usually installed in areas where a gravity sewer system isn't practical. These include homes that are set on slopes or that are situated below a dead-end street.
In these types of situations, a grinder sewage pump is used to pump waste from the home uphill and into the city sewer system. This helps to keep the sewage from backing up into homes and causing damage to property.
Grinder pumps work by collecting wastewater from a house and then grinding it up into a slurry. Once the slurry reaches a certain level in the tank, it will turn on and begin to pump the sewage into the municipal sewer system.
The slurry is made up of waste solids from the drains, dishwasher, and washing machine. All of the waste solids will be ground up to a very fine slurry that can easily pass through the pipes and into the sewer system.
When the slurry reaches a certain pre-set level, it will trigger an internal float switch that turns on the grinder pump. If the float switch becomes blocked or doesn't work properly, it can cause problems with your sewage system.
To ensure that your sewage system is working properly, it's important to know how to care for your grinder pump. The most common problems with a grinder pump are:
Blockages
If a large piece of debris gets caught up in the pump, it can cause it to stop working. This type of blockage requires manual removal and can be quite a job.
Chemicals
Several chemicals and materials should never be discharged to the sewer by a grinder pump, including feminine hygiene products, diapers, paint, oil (both motor and cooking oils), and powdered soap scum. These items can cause the rubber pump stator to swell and may cause other parts of the pump to fail.
Another issue that can affect your grinder pump is a buildup of grease in the reservoir. This can cause the float switch to malfunction and cause the sewage to back up into your home. To help prevent this from happening, it's important to hose down the floats regularly.
What is the Difference Between a Grinder Pump and a Sump Pump?
Despite what many plumbing contractors may say, a grinder pump and a sump pump are not the same thing. Both are important pieces of equipment for homes, but they serve different purposes.
A sump pump, for example, removes seepage water from a home’s basement or crawl space. This water can come from a variety of sources, including groundwater and storm-water.
This uncontained water can cause damage to a home, so it is typically pumped away from the building by a sump pump. A sewage ejector pump, on the other hand, works to move wastewater from basement bathrooms or other plumbing fixtures up to the main sewer line.
Both types of pumps need to be sized properly for their application, and they can last 10 to 15 years with regular use and maintenance. However, harsh conditions and careless usage can significantly reduce the lifespan of either type of pump.
The Lifetime Guarantee on a Grinder Sewage Pump
If you need a reliable, long-lasting pump that will keep your sewage system running without clogging, a sewage grinder pump is a good option. They cost less than a grand and can last up to 25 years.
They also do a much better job at handling the toughest solids, such as feminine hygiene products, towels, rags, and wipes. So if you’re concerned that your family, tenants, or employees and customers may be flushing down products that could easily clog or choke a regular sewage ejector pump like the Zoeller M267 or Liberty Pumps LE41A, you might want to consider upgrading to a dedicated sewage grinder pump.
The Liberty Pumps PRG101A is a great choice for this job, but you can find similar models from other manufacturers. If you’re unsure which type of pump to buy, a plumber can help you decide.
The best way to ensure that your grinder sewage pump is functioning at peak efficiency is to have a plumber inspect your septic system regularly for blockages. Then, they can replace the pump if necessary. This can save you money in the long run, as it will keep your septic system from having to work harder to pass sewage solids.
How Do I Know if I Need a Grinder Pump?
If you have a home that has toilets and other plumbing that is below the sewer line, it may need a grinder pump. This type of pump will grind up the sewage and pump it uphill into the nearest municipal sewer line.
Grinder pumps are typically installed underground or in a hole in the foundation of a home. They can be difficult to locate and are usually installed by a professional plumber.
A grinder pump works by collecting the wastewater in a holding tank, and then grinding it up into a slurry before pumping it out. The slurry is then pumped into the public sewer system so that it can be treated at a wastewater plant.
You can tell if you have a grinder pump by looking for any sewage leaking into your yard or water pooling around the area where the pump is located. If you notice any of these things, it is probably time to have your grinder pump inspected.
If you need a new grinder pump, it can cost anywhere from $2,000 to $5,000, depending on the brand and size of the pump. The cost of installation varies, as well, so you will want to contact a plumber for an estimate.
During installation, you will need to make sure that the pressure sewer connection route is as direct as possible. This will help avoid damage to your pump, underground electrical or piping systems. Also, avoid planting flowers or shrubs near the pump site as these can interfere with the operation of the pump.
After the grinder pump is installed, you will need to inspect the pump on a semi-annual basis. This will help to extend the life of the unit and give you an opportunity to detect any problems that may have arisen.
Another thing you can do to keep your grinder pump functioning is to be careful about what you flush down the toilet. Cooking grease, large food scraps, cat litter, diapers, feminine hygiene products, birth control medications and other items can clog your sewage pump.
If you think you have a problem with your grinder pump, it is best to call the manufacturer for assistance. The manufacturer will have a technician contact you for more information and can assist with any issues.
