Sewage Sump Systems Explained
Sewer Pumps in Homes
Most commonly, sewer pumps are used in homes with basement bathrooms or laundry rooms. Not all basements require them, but when the municipal sewer lines running to the street are at a higher level than the fixture, the sewer pump serves to pump both liquids and solids up into the sewer line so it can flow properly. Sewer pumps are also very common in septic drain-field systems, such as are found in rural locations where the septic drainage field or holding tank may be considerably higher than basement plumbing fixtures.
Sewage ejector pumps are meant to sit in a sump basin that is cut and dug into the ground below grade. This sump basin collects and holds about 30 gallons of waste, on average, for a moderate-sized home. The drain lines from the various fixtures in the basement area are sloped down into the side of the sump basin, and when the level of wastewater in the sump basin reaches a certain height, a moveable float on the sewage ejector pump starts the pump. The wastewater is then pumped out of the basin and up to the level of the sewer or septic line. Once the level in the basin goes down, the float drops back down and turns off the pump until the next time the basin fills.
System Requirements
A vent is required for a sewage ejector pump installation to equalize pressure during pumping and to provide an outlet for sewer gasses. The vent comes out of the sump pit and is either connected to an existing vent (soil) stack or runs up and through the roof.
The outlet pipe leaving the sewage ejector pump is usually 2 to 4 inches in diameter, connecting to the 3- to 6-inch main sewer line. Between the pump outlet point and the junction with the main sewer line, there is always a check valve to make sure that nothing drains back into the sump basin after the wastewater is pumped out. When it is installed properly, the top of the sump basin is sealed so that no waste or smell can come out of the top of the basin.
Why is My Septic Tank Alarm Going Off?
The alarm monitors the septic system to warn you when the water level within the tank where it is installed has risen too high or has dropped too low. There are many types of tanks, and which type you have will determine why your alarm is going off. Some septic systems alarms sound if the level in the main tank gets too high (like in a tight tank system), and others are designed to alarm if the water level is reaching a level that may damage other components of your septic system like a pump.
All septic systems with pumps will normally have some sort of timer installed to manage intervals when the pump will pump wastewater into the drain field. The system works at key times during the day to protect the drain field from becoming potentially harmed in times of higher water levels.
Do’s and Dont’s of Sewage Sump Systems
DO - Wear adedquate PPE when working on pumps or piping that have been exposed to waste water. Sump and sewage pumps often handle materials that can transmit illness or disease upon contact with skin and other tissues
DO NOT - Enter a sump basin after it has been used. Sewage and effluent can emit several gasses that are poisionous
DO - Have pump inspected and tested yearly for corrosion and wear
DO NOT - Flush feminine products, trash or disposable wipes. These items will burn out pump motors if flushed and lead to costly repairs
DO - Have sump basin drained and cleaned periodically as required
What to Do If Your Alarm Goes Off?
Silence Alarm
Reset alarm panel and check for error code according to owners manual
Stop using any fixtures or drains that go into the sump
Make sure sewage is not backing up into affected fixtures
If required, contact electrician to confirm electrical panel and relays are working as required
Arrange to have sump basin evacuated and cleaned
Once electricial components have been confirmed ok and wastewater evacuated from sump, your electrician or handyman can continue to troubleshoot basic issues like hung-up floats & clogged pumps
If further troubleshooting is required contact your service plumber