We have all enjoyed the privileges of modern plumbing systems and main drain lines every day of our lives. The convenience that their invention brought to our lives has been immeasurable, and we have one important tool to thank: The Best Sewage Pump. It’s what makes the impossible, possible. As opposed to the old plumbing systems that rely on gravity (which didn’t work that well, evidently), sewage pumps, defy the laws of physics (well not really, but that sounds cooler) and drag wastewater up to get them to the main drain line. We know this isn’t exactly the hottest topic ever, but we are going to talk about the different types of sewage pumps, their functionalities, and the factors you need to consider when it comes to picking one.
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Sewage pump systems might not be glamorous, but they are a necessary part of a functioning home. As we learn more about them, you are going to understand that there is no one-size-fits-all option, but depending on your specific needs and plumbing situation, you can make the best possible decision to satisfy your needs.
To understand sewage pump systems, first you need to understand what they are made of. Several main components are almost always present in these systems:
As the heart of the system, the sewage pump is responsible for pumping wastewater uphill to connect it to the main line. Depending on the model and the features, they can also grind the waste for easier pumping purposes.
A watertight container that collects the wastewater from the fixtures.
A sensor inside the tank that triggers the pump when the wastewater level reaches a specific point.
It’s the pipe carrying the pumped-out wastewater to the main drain line.
An essential part installed on the discharge pipe that opens from the side of the pump while waste is getting pumped out but not the other way around. This prevents the waste from flowing back into the tank afterward.
A feature some sewage pumps have, they will alarm you of potential problems like pump failure or high water levels.
These are the parts that make up a typical sewage pump. But what are the main sewage pump types? (Note that we are going to talk about them in length, but we are going to mention them to give you an idea of what types there are)
With so many options, how will you choose the right pump? Well, there are certain things you need to consider while making the choice:
If your fixtures (sink, bathroom, washing machine) are below the main drain line, it may be better to go with a sewage ejector pump.
Normal sewage pumps may struggle a bit with wastes that contain solids (like food scraps or else) so you may need a grinder pump to help you shred the waste before pumping to prevent clogs (also available in the submersible pump models).
If space is limited (or for any reason you just don’t want to use a lot of space for your sewage pump), ejector pumps offer an advantage.
Even though submersible pumps might be a bit cheaper for lighter uses, ejector pumps can be more effective in the long run due to less wear and tear.
The noisiest member of the sewage pump family (…there have been better families) is the submersible pump since it’s directly placed in the wastewater.
As is tradition for all tools, every sewage pump you get will need maintenance, but ejector pumps may require less maintenance.
The last factor is the most important one, and it’s the first thing you need to decide when you are trying to get a sewage pump:
As you probably already know, horsepower is another word for the power of the engine. It’s the rate at which a pump works, and you should choose the HP that is appropriate for your application. Higher HP means more power, the ability to work with larger volumes, and a greater vertical lift (the distance wastewater needs to be pumped). Lower HP means the exact opposite, less powerful, handling less volume, and shorter vertical lift. It also generally means shorter discharge pipes.
As you’ve noticed, there is no single “best” sewage pump system. You should just understand your needs and think about the factors we’ve mentioned, and choose a sewage pump system that matches your requirements best.
Ejector pumps can be lifesavers when it comes to residential basement plumbing. It plays an important role in many homes and workplaces to let them enjoy the benefits of a good drain system. So let’s get to know them and how they work!
The working mechanism of the sewage ejector pump is fascinating. There’s a small, sealed tank beneath the basement. Wastewater from the basement fixtures (like sinks, toilets, and washing machines) flows into the tank. When the waste reaches a certain level, a float switch inside the tank activates the ejector pump. The pump is usually outside of the tank, in a dry component. A chamber inside the tank is pressurized with air or water (depending on the model), and the pressurized air/water pushes the wastewater out of the tank and takes it to the main drain line. After the waste is pumped out, the pressure releases, the float switch deactivates, and we are ready for the next round!
There are three general benefits to sewage ejector pumps:
So, now that you know how sewage ejector pumps work and what their advantages are, it’s time we start the picking process! When it comes to choosing the best sewage ejector pump, there are several things you need to consider:
Well, now you’ve gotten familiar with what sewage ejector pumps do and how helpful they can be when it comes to basement bathrooms or small office basements.
What do you think makes these pumps different from the rest? The built-in grinding mechanism (surprising!). This mechanism allows the pump to shred various types of solids, including:
By grinding these materials, the sewage grinder pump turns solids into a finer consistency so the pump has less of a challenge with pushing them up.
So, why should you pick one of these up?
They can handle waste from various fixtures, including toilets, sinks with garbage disposals, and washing machines. They also offer more flexibility in the plumbing design, since gravity isn’t a hurdle anymore.
Grinding pumps reduce the risk of clogs, saving from headaches and expensive repairs.
Many of them have compact designs which makes them great for limited spaces.
Those were the benefits, and if they made you interested in buying one, these are the things you need to consider:
Everything we’ve already said about the connection between the HP and sewage pumps also applies here, but also, the horsepower affects the ability to grind tougher solids.
There are different grinding capabilities based on the models. But there are two main types of sewage grinding based on their mechanism:
They are generally the most popular type of grinder models. An impeller spins to create a centrifugal force and move the wastewater through the pump. There are blades in the housing of the impeller that shred the waste as it passes through. They are often used for residential areas since they are not as strong as our next contenders.
These pumps use a rotating macerator to grind and push the waste through the pumping system. The grinding mechanism is a stainless screw that rotates inside a rubber stator and creates a shredding action to soften the waste. They are more effective than centrifugal pumps (since they are much stronger) and are often used in commercial applications because of their larger volumes and larger solids.
Match your discharge pipe size to the pump’s specifications to prevent flow restriction and pump strain. (Not fun to get the right pump with the right HP and right grinding mechanism and still have problems because of the pipe!)
Pumps made from high-quality materials (like cast iron) last longer.
Sewage grinding pumps are typically louder than the normal type since the action of grinding makes a lot of noise, so be aware of that.
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Sewage grinding pumps are practically superheroes when it comes to challenging wastewater removal. They help with a lot of the things that normal sewage pumps may not be able to do, and that’s why we love them!
Submersible pumps are placed directly within the wastewater tank. As opposed to their ejector cousins that push out waste while sitting outside the tank, submersible pumps get their hands dirty (well, technically their impellers) pumping the waste out. They can also grind the solids depending on the model.
Read More: The Best Submersible Pumps: Silent Strength, Powering Your Needs
Submersible pumps are one of the most popular sewage pumps out there, and for good reason too:
Submersible sewage pumps directly interact with the waste, and that means there’s no need for separate pressurized tanks and chambers. They also directly grind solids if they have the feature.
They are generally simpler to install, and they’re less expensive than ejector pumps.
Since submersible sewage pumps are directly in the waste, they can handle larger volumes of it, and more efficiently at that!
These are the things that make this type of pump shine amongst the other ones. But there are things you need to consider before picking a submersible pump:
It feels like the importance of this factor cannot be overstated (that’s why we are going to talk about it more later in the article), and everything said before is still true for submersible pumps.
Grinding mechanisms are not exclusive to grinding pumps, submersible pumps can also have grinding features which you can look for.
Some submersible pumps have float switches that turn them on automatically when the waste reaches a certain level, while others need to be activated manually. The automatic ones are much more convenient and they prevent overflows.
These are the things that are similar in most sewage pumps. If you want a durable pump it should be made from cast iron (or plastic if you want something lighter and less expensive), the discharge pipe size should match the power and the use of the pump, and an alarm system can help out with preventing accidents from happening.
Submersible sewage pumps are great options to go for if you are looking for something that will save you from those basement bathroom problems. Keep in mind that although they are not as noisy as grinding pumps, they are still noisier than ejector pumps, and since they are inside the tank, accessing them may be a bit difficult.
We’ve talked about it before, managing sewage in your home or workplace settings can be hard. When selecting the best sewage pump, multiple factors come into play, but brand trust is THE thing for your peace of mind. Here are some of the best brands in the sewage pump industry:
Each of these brands has its unique strengths and drawbacks, from advanced technological features to strong housings that are designed for longevity. Even after knowing that these brands are trustworthy and the best in the market, you still need to choose the right model knowing everything we’ve talked about so far.
Now, after everything, let’s talk a bit more about horsepower, and what are the ideal powers you should be looking for.
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As discussed before, the horsepower directly affects the amount of volume and pressure the pump can handle. So, higher HP -> larger volumes, longer distance, against greater resistance and vice versa for lower HP. But how much HP does your pump need exactly?
Good enough for most homes with a limited number of fixtures and a low lift height.
Liberty LE40-Series 4/10 HP Sewage Ejector Pump is the best we can recommend as a low-range but still powerful pump for your home needs. It can move about 100 gallons per minute (GPM) and it’s made of cast iron. The Liberty pump also has a mechanical float switch to automate your pumping tasks.
Zoeller 267- Submersible Sewage Pump is one of the best in its range. It’s a bit expensive compared to other 1/2 pumps, but the heavy-duty cast iron construction and the performance of the motor make it worth. It also has a float switch and automatic shut-off which is great for the times you may forget to turn it off and it runs dry!
Mid-range sewage pumps can move higher volumes of wastewater, and they are ideal for home basements with multiple fixtures.
Liberty LE70-Series is made of cast iron and can move around 160GPM which is a great number for a pump this size. It also has a float switch (getting a bit repetitive here but it’s a very convenient feature) These factors make the Liberty pump a great choice for those looking for a mid-range pump.
These are generally used for commercial and workplace settings, large homes with extensive plumbing, or mostly for situations with extreme vertical lift heights. They can also be used for long discharge pipes.
The GPT 5HP Submersible Sewage Pump is a great choice for these heavy-duty plumbing tasks. It has an amazing 533GPM and a thermal motor protector to prevent over-loading and overheating. It also has double mechanical seals and a float switch for your peace of mind.
There you have it! You’ve gotten familiar with different sewage pump types and their important factors. You should keep in mind that the pump you choose is specific to your situation, and it may still be in your best interest to talk to a plumber about your choice. Good Luck!
FAQ:
No single best pump, consider factors like location, waste type, space, budget, noise, maintenance, and horsepower. Guide details help you choose the right type (submersible, ejector, grinder).
Depends on your needs. Consider size, horsepower, material, grinder vs non-grinder, check valve, and ejector pits. Liberty LE40-Series is a good option for homes.
If you're new to effluent pumps, they're used to pump "greywater," which just means "dirty water" with limited solids.
This includes laundry water, limited septic fluids, and other wastewater. Effluent pumps are typically used to pump grey-water from a septic tank to a leach field.
For raw sewage, a sewage pump or grinder pump is recommended to prevent clogging from handling solids larger than 3/4" in width.
Effluent pumps are available in a variety of different housing materials, depending on your preference. Stainless steel and brass pumps can be found on the market, but the most common are cast iron and thermoplastic.
Cast iron housing offers rugged durability and added weight, whereas thermoplastic offers affordability and lighter weight. Cast iron effluent pumps are built to last and can stand up to heavy-duty use. They're a must-have in commercial applications, and the desired style for homeowners looking for longevity.
Thermoplastic pumps hold up well against corrosion, and they're also more affordable. They're ideal for less demanding applications if you're looking for a more economical choice. They're also easier to install or remove because they weigh less.
If you're replacing an old effluent pump, you can typically use the same horsepower that you had before. That said, you should also pay close attention to the GPH or gallons per hour rating as they can vary by horsepower. If your pump wasn't keeping up, you may need to upgrade to a higher horsepower so it can keep up.
Below is a table that can help give you a basic idea of the horsepower you need in a pump, based on the most common characteristics of a septic system.
If you were able to get several years of service out of your old pump, chances are that it's the right horsepower to choose. If your previous pump stopped working after a couple of months, you may want to consider a different horsepower. It's possible that your old pump may have been too weak or too strong for your application.
You'll notice that names for types of pumps are used interchangeably across the web, and the applications specific to effluent pumps may get confusing. The best way we can explain the difference between a sump pump, sewage pump, and an effluent pump is dependent on the material that it's pumping, and where that material is being sent to.
The main difference between an effluent pump and a sewage pump is that effluent pumps are meant for pumping grey water with minimal solids, preferably smaller than 1/2" in diameter, whereas sewage pumps are designed to handle human waste-solids and sewage materials up to 2" diameters.
Sewage pumps are also more powerful and generally pump water at a higher GPM (gallons per minute). Grinder pumps operate much like a sewage pump, with the addition of rotating blades at the base of the pump that tears up solid materials into a fine slurry before shooting through the pump and discharge pipes. Grinder pumps are usually used in commercial applications in restaurants, bars, hotels, or rental properties.
You do not want to use an effluent pump in place of a sewage or grinder pump when the application involves sewage water, waste solids, or passing solids larger than 1/2" in diameter. You may risk the pump burning out prematurely, clogging, or sewage backups.
Effluent pumps are used in greywater applications where gravity is not enough to send water to the home's drainage system. Common effluent pump uses are for a laundry drain pump system or a remote sink drain system.
Effluent pump systems are also perfect when adding a wet bar, sink, or laundry room in the basement that sits below the home's main drainage lines. The best applications for effluent pumps are laundry tub drain and discharge applications, dishwasher and remote sink drainage applications, and sometimes, sump pit applications when there is no risk of having larger solids become trapped in the pit.
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