Recommended every four years

Does your home’s septic system include a SEWER EJECTOR PUMP?

Sewer ejection pumps are typically installed in basements that have bathrooms or laundry rooms below the sewer line.   They pump waste into the main septic line.  Your owner’s manual is a good resource, and a licensed professional should check your sewer ejector pump regularly.  There are a few things that you can do to help extend the life of your sewer ejection pump.   The top of the sump basin should be sealed properly so that no waste or smell can be emitted.  If the seal is not tight and effectively sealed, please consult with a professional.

Sewage Ejector Pump Maintenance

• Venting: Presence of adequate tank venting. Openings in the tank itself may discharge odors, dangerous sewer gases, or even bacteria and sewage backup into the room. If a vent is omitted, when the pump is running it will create an unwanted vacuum in the sewage reservoir.
• Presence of each of the components shown in the sketch above
• Evidence of leaks, exposed wires, unprotected openings into the pit
• Evidence of backups or overflows which may show recent failures
• Pump operation: turn on a nearby plumbing fixture to fill the reservoir tank, observe the pump operation, turning on and off normally
• Damaged ejector/grinder pump reservoir or basin: the fiberglass or plastic container should be intact, with no cracks, breaks, improper holes, or other damage. Some basins are made of cast iron and use a cast iron lid. The lid should fit securely, be of the proper material, and not be leaking.
• A check valve on the discharge line is needed at the discharge line (as we show in the right hand photo above). Unless a check valve is installed, when the septic pump motor turns off you’ll hear a large volume of water running backwards into the pumping chamber from the discharge line, causing the pump to turn on again too soon or even to cycle continuously.