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Blockage: Grease and dirt can build up in the grinder pump, and create blockage. If you notice slow drains or a large number of clogs—or sewage backs up into your home—then call immediately for professional plumbers. Clots: A large enough item becoming stuck inside the pump will then allow smaller items to build up.
How do I know if my grinder pump is working?
If your grinder pump is working properly, you shouldn’t notice it at all — the pump will turn on as needed and pump down the tank; its noise level is similar to that of a washing machine. The pump will turn off after a few minutes.
How long do grinder pumps last?
You can expect a sewage grinder pump to last 6 to 16 years, with an average of 9 years. A grinder pump is installed along the drain line to a municipal sewer system or private septic tank when the pipe slope is not enough to flow by gravity.
Can a grinder pump get clogged?
You can also have blockage problems due to careless dumping of waste into your pipes, such as oil, paint, kitty litter and any other insoluble items. You will have these items building up at the bottom of your tank before they clump together with debris and jamb the sump pump.
How much does it cost to replace a grinder pump?
The average cost for installing the grinder pump is approximately $4,000-$5,000, but varies per property. The cost for electricity to the grinder pump is similar to that of a 40-watt light bulb, which is about $15 to $20 per year. This is in addition to the connection fee of $2,530.
Do grinder pumps need maintenance?
Your septic grinder pump is responsible for grinding and pumping waste from water-using household appliances into a septic tank or central sewer system. Septic grinder pumps don’t require much maintenance, which makes your job easier as a homeowner.
How often should a grinder pump run?
The pump is programmed to operate in cycles, rather than continuously. Cycles are determined by the amount of water used. Usually after 20 gallons have entered the tank, your grinder pump will turn on. On a typical day, this cycle will repeat itself 10 to 20 times.
Is Drano safe for grinder pumps?
Protect Your Pump However, several chemicals and materials should never enter the grinder pump sewer system. – Strong chemicals, toxic, caustic, or poisonous substances (this includes Drano, Mr. Plumber, etc.).
Should I buy a house with a grinder pump?
The standard home is built higher than the sewer line so that gravity will draw wastewater from the sewage system. Not all homes are in this position, and for those homes, it’s necessary to have a grinder pump. Otherwise, the wastewater will back up and contaminate the house.
Can you have a garbage disposal with a grinder pump?
Grinder pumps work like a garbage disposal for your sewer. Most homes and businesses don’t need a grinder pump because they are situated in such a way that gravity pulls the wastewater out of the plumbing system and into the city sewer system.
What causes grinder pump alarm to go off?
If there is too much flow going into your grinder pump unit, the high sewage level will automatically trigger an alarm horn and light to alert you of the problem. In many instances, the problem could be an excessive amount of flow to the grinder pump.
Why would you need a grinder pump?
When a residence is at a lower elevation than the sewer main, it requires the use of a pump to force the wastewater up to the gravity sewer main. A grinder pump works like a garbage disposal – it grinds up wastewater from a home (i.e. toilet, shower, washing machine) and pumps it into the public sewer system.
What does red light on grinder pump mean?
Your grinder pump station will provide a visual flashing red light alarm anytime the level of storage tank is higher than normal level. If you find your pump station with this condition stop water use immediately and call your homebuilder as soon as possible.
Can a grinder pump be repaired?
We can repair any failing pump and determine if your failure is covered by a warranty. Genuine E/One Parts — not all grinder pump parts are equal. If you have a service issue with any our products or someone else’s pumps or controls call us 800.295.
Why does my grinder pump keep running?
If the pump cycles too frequently: The soil treatment area may be saturated – In situations where the drainfield is saturated and not taking effluent, the pump line may not be delivering a dose. Check for excessive ponding in the soil treatment area.
What happens if septic pump fails?
Most septic systems fail because of inappropriate design or poor maintenance. Failure to perform routine maintenance, such as pumping the septic tank generally at least every three to five years, can cause solids in the tank to migrate into the drain field and clog the system.
How do you winterize a grinder pump?
For an entire season: Flush entire system with clean water. Press and hold “run” button on the control panel for 30-60 seconds to pump the unit down. Add 10 gallons of non-toxic antifreeze (the same type of anti-freeze normally used for RV or home plumbing winterizing) to the pump chamber.
Can a grinder pump handle tampons?
A sewage grinder pump can easily handle 2 inch solids, and will also be able to handle difficult artificial solids, like feminine hygiene products (pads, tampons, etc), rags, towels, diapers, diaper wipes, napkins, underwear, and a range of other things that shouldn’t be flushed down toilets but often are.
Do grinder pumps smell?
Normally functioning grinder pumps do make some sounds when they turn on, but it should not be disruptive. They also emit minimal, if any, odor. You should notice only a slight increase to your electric bill since the pump should only be running a few times a day.
