Table of Contents
Why do I need a sewage ejector pump?
A sewer ejector pump is designed to pump sewage uphill as necessary in order to reach the sewer main. It is installed in the sewer line, and when it senses sewage flowing into the line it activates to propel it into the municipal system.
What is the difference between an ejector pump and a sump pump?
While the sump pump manages groundwater, the ejector pump moves wastewater from basement toilets and greywater from basement sinks, appliances, and floor drains uphill to the main sewer line. The ejector pump basin should be covered with a sealed lid.
How do I know if I have a sewage ejector pump?
What is an Ejector Pump? If the pump has two pipes and is an ejector pump, you can identify that by the sealed lid, 2 pipes penetrating the lid, discharge pipe attached to the main sewer and the pipes will be at least 2 inches inside diameter.
What happens when a sewage ejector pump fails?
When Your Sewage Ejector Pump Fails When this happens, toilet, sink and shower wastes will pool up in the bottom of a drain system until pressure builds up so much that a line bursts and you have massive leakage waste-polluted water in your basement or lower floor.
What does a sewage ejector do?
A sewage ejector pump, also called a pump up ejector system, is necessary when any type of plumbing fixture is installed below the main sewer or septic line. The sewage ejector pumps liquids and solids up into the sewer or septic line.
How much does it cost to replace a sewage ejector?
So, it is best to consult with a knowledgeable handyman or plumber before you buy your pump. Installation for your sewer pump will run you another $650 to $1,800 with the national average for parts and labor being $1,200.
Why does my house have an ejector pump?
A sewage ejector pump is plumbing equipment that removes wastewater from below-grade areas. In most homes, this applies to basements where laundry or bathrooms can be found. That’s why a sewage ejector pump is needed to force that wastewater up and to either the municipal sewer main or your septic tank.
Do all homes have an ejector pump?
While not all houses with basements require ejector pumps, they are essential because they prevent toilets (especially), sinks and bathtubs from backing up due to an excess of wastewater. Here is why the toilet ejector pump is important for a newly built house.
Are sewage ejector pumps reliable?
When properly maintained, a good sewage ejector pump can last about 8-10 years, though in all many cases, you’ll be able to get possibly 20-30 years of reliable service! Some homes are built using an ejector pump to handle all the waste and other ejector pumps are used have if you have a bathroom in your basement.
Do you need an ejector pump for a basement bathroom?
An ejector pump must be installed by a professional to ensure your basement plumbing fixtures function properly. Once installed, a sewage pump should continue to work without additional issues. Bottom line: Finishing your basement? If it includes a laundry room or bathroom, contact AAA Service at (303) 622-3449.
How long does an ejector pump last?
A good sewage ejector pump should last at least 7-10 years. However, with proper installation and routine care, your pump can last 30 years or more. A common reason people need to replace their sewage ejector pumps is due to faulty installation where plumbers cut corners or used the wrong sized pumps.
Can I use a sewage pump as a sump pump?
You can use a sewage pump in a sump pump application if your sump pit often fills with small debris and your system can manage significant horsepower (HP) and gallons-per-hour (GPH) loss.
Do I need a sump pump or sewage pump?
If you’ve recently finished your basement or are considering finishing it—and adding a bathroom, bar or laundry room, then yes. Although, if your main sewage line exits down through the concrete floor, then you very likely do not need a sewage pump.
How do you maintain a sewage ejector pump?
How to Maintain Your Ejector Pump: Clean and prepare the pump. Turn off the circuit breaker and water source to the pump so it doesn’t turn on while you are working. Check the oil. Inspect pump impeller. Tighten connecting elements. Assess bearing damage. Ensure your seals remain tight. Clean your vents.
Is it OK to unplug ejector pump?
Most sewage ejector pumps and some sump pumps have a floating ball attached to the pump by a separate electrical cord—if you see two cords coming out of the basin, you have a float switch. If they’re OK, unplug the pump from the back of the piggyback plug and plug it in directly.
How often should you change your ejector pump?
You’ll likely need to change your sewage ejector pump every seven to 10 years, but if you maintain it properly and have it inspected annually, it may last up to 20 years.
How often should sewage pump run?
Assuming your sump pump is in good normal operating condition, it should only run when the water level activates that float switch. Depending on your location, it’s not unusual for your pump to kick on two or three times a day.
How much does a ejector pump cost?
How Much Does a Sewage Ejector Pump Cost? Expect to pay between $300 and $800 for a sewage ejector pump. You’ll also need to hire a local plumber for installation. Plumbers generally charge by the hour, and the cost to hire a plumber per hour varies between $45 and $200.
Do sewage ejector pumps smell?
When property owners complain they have sewer gas smells by a sewage ejector or grinder in the basement or by their pump tank, you should take that complaint seriously. Hydrogen sulfide is dangerous even at low levels. Even if the smell comes and goes, it needs to be addressed.
How far can a sewage ejector pump?
Sewage ejector pumps are designed to pump raw sewage from your home into a septic tank or gravity flow sewer main. For this reason, they can only pump to distances under 750 feet. However, a benefit of sewage ejector pumps is that they are built to move up to 200 gallons per minute of raw sewage.
