One of the most common reasons a septic tank pump will fail is because, over time, it has become clogged with debris or grease from the septic tank. Pumps that become clogged will cease to work. This could mean that electricity is not being delivered properly to your pump, there could be a number of reasons for this.
- When a septic pump will not start, there are three main areas to check for problems: the electrical system, the pump itself and the controls. Electricity can be very dangerous, so always use caution when working with electricity and turn off power supply breakers when testing components within the electrical system.
What would cause a septic pump to stop working?
If the pump uses a float to detect sewage levels, that float can become stuck or damaged, in which case the pump will not run. Usually you can adjust the float or otherwise fix it to float normally, but you may need to replace the float entirely for more serious problems.
How do I know if my septic pump is working?
To test if the pump is working, first turn the pump on by turning the second from the bottom float upside down. While holding that float upside down, turn the next float up (that would be the second from the top), upside down. You should hear the pump turn on.
Why is my septic tank full again?
There may be several reasons why you have an overfilled septic tank. An overfilled septic tank is often a signal that your drain field is malfunctioning. The water flow backs up when your drain field floods, causing the water level in your septic tank to rise. Other common issues are plumbing and excess water use.
How do you reset a sewer pump?
Follow these 5 simple steps to reset your sump pump:
- Disconnect the power.
- Take the sump pump out of the basin.
- Clean out the sump pump.
- Return the sump pump to the basin and restart the power.
- Reset the sump pump.
How long should a septic pump last?
These pumps move solid waste from your toilets and sinks to a point in your plumbing system where gravity can take over. This is achieved using powerful water jets that break up the waste and then force it up and into your septic tank or sewage system. A good sewage ejector pump should last at least 7-10 years.
How much does it cost to pump a septic tank?
How much does it cost to pump out a septic tank? The average cost is $300, but can run up to $500, depending on your location. The tank should be pumped out every three to five years.
How often do septic pumps need to be replaced?
Inspect and Pump Frequently Household septic tanks are typically pumped every three to five years. Alternative systems with electrical float switches, pumps, or mechanical components should be inspected more often, generally once a year.
How to Fix a Septic Tank Pump That Is Not Working
- Rubber gloves, a water hose, safety goggles, and a face mask are all recommended.
A properly functioning effluent pump is important to the successful operation of a septic system. Effluent pumps are the beating heart of any well functioning septic system. When material washes into the pump chamber from the main septic tank, it might cause clogging of the effluent pump. In order to protect the pump chamber of the septic tank from pump debris, baffles are installed just above the outflow openings. These baffles can be broken by septic tank corrosion or by overzealous pumping firms, allowing dirt, grease, and oils to flow into the pump chamber and into the pump.
Pump Removal and Cleaning
At your home’s electrical panel, turn off the breaker that controls the septic pump.
Step 2
The effluent pump should be unplugged from the electrical outlet.
Step 3
Remove the manhole cover from the pump chamber of the septic tank and place it somewhere safe.
Step 4
Discover and disconnect the union that separates the septic pump from the rest of the plumbing system in your home.
Step 5
Lift the pump out of the tank with the help of the lift rope linked to the pump and place it on the ground.
Step 6
Invert the pump and remove any debris that has accumulated on the impeller. Using a water hose, flush the impeller housing to eliminate any leftover debris that may have accumulated.
Pump Replacement
The lift rope is used to lower the pump back into the tank.
Step 2
Reattach the union on the pump assembly so that it is secure.
Step 3
Connect the pump to the electrical panel and turn on the breaker at the panel.
Step 4
Locate the “On/Off” switch in the pump tank and raise it to the vertical, or “On” position by lifting the switch.
Step 5
Check to see if the pump is working by keeping an eye on the level of the water in the tank.
Tip
Allow a septic system maintenance firm to pump out the tank before working on the pump to make the removal process simpler to notice while working on the pump
Warning
Working near a sewage tank is quite unsafe. Wearing protective equipment such as goggles, gloves, and a face mask is recommended.
How to Troubleshoot a Septic Tank Pump (and When to Call on the Pros)
The difficulty with which you’ll be able to repair your septic tank pump will be determined on the source of the problem. There might be a variety of reasons why your pump isn’t performing properly. One of the most typical causes for a septic tank pump to fail is that it has grown clogged with debris or oil from the septic tank over the course of time. Pumps that become blocked will no longer function properly. The majority of rural homeowners are aware that they should not flush anything down the toilet other than toilet paper, but others are not.
It is possible that the problem is not with the pump itself, but with the sensors that the pump relies on to function.
Finally, it’s possible that the problem isn’t mechanical at all, but rather electrical in nature. This might indicate that the power being sent to your pump is not being delivered properly; there could be a variety of causes for this.
Troubleshooting Tips
As a first step, you should turn off the electricity to your pump before attempting any type of repairs to avoid shocking yourself in the process. After you’ve completed this step, you may examine to see what might be causing the problem to occur. As previously said, some of the issues that may emerge with your pump will be rather simple to resolve. In the case of your septic tank pump, for example, if you discover that one of the float controls has gotten restricted or obstructed by debris, simply reposition the float until it is in the proper position once again.
After you’ve unplugged the pump from the electricity, you’ll need to unhook it from the remainder of the piping and remove it from the storage tank.
Unless you have a lot of previous expertise with septic tank repair, this may be a difficult task, and you might be better off hiring a professional.
When to Call the Pros
It might be tempting to try to save some time and money by attempting to complete the essential septic tank repairs on your own time and expense. It is possible, though, if you are not familiar with the procedure, that you will wind up causing even more harm than was originally present. In order to avoid this, we recommend that if you’re not certain how to fix anything, it’s always preferable to consult with an experienced specialist. This is especially true when it comes to electrical concerns, as it is quite possible for someone who is not educated to inflict lasting damage to the system or, even worse, to harm themselves significantly if they are not careful.
Keep in mind that you should never enter a septic tank.
Tips to Keep Your Septic Tank Pumping Well
The fact is that your septic tank pump can fail at any time for a variety of reasons, but there are certain preventative measures you can take to reduce the likelihood of this happening. Our website’s blog Ensure that the inspection and maintenance of your septic tank are performed regularly. This will keep your septic tank working smoothly and will increase the likelihood that any issues will be discovered early on, before they cause a failure. Recognize when it is time to replace your pump.
Keeping this in mind, it is possible that a failing pump will need to be replaced rather than just fixed.
Don’t be embarrassed to get the help of a professional!
We provide a variety of services and specialize in septic system design.
With more than 30 years of expertise under our belts, you can be certain that your septic system is in good hands. Concerning UsIf you have any questions about your septic system, give us a call now to see if we may be of assistance. Check out our testimonials at 403-899-8992.
Does Your Septic System Require A New Pump?
A septic tank’s waste and sewage are evacuated from it and discharged into a drain field, either by gravity or with the assistance of a septic system lift pump. In most cases, a septic pump is not required if the waste can flow at a rate of at least two feet per second through the system using gravity alone. Pumps are typically required for septic tanks that are located lower than the drain field and for which gravity is unable to transport and/or force the effluent out of the tank due to its location.
Know If Your System Uses A Septic Effluent Pump Or Septic Grinder Pump
Knowing what sort of pump your septic system is equipped with is critical to the overall operation of the system. A septic effluent pump is a device that transfers waste from a septic tank to a drain field. A septic grinder pump is responsible for the grinding and movement of human waste and toilet paper. Septic tank businesses in Gainesville, FL such as Jones PlumbingSeptic Tank Service can help if you’re not sure what sort of pump the system is using or where it’s located in the system. Our professionals will identify the pump and check the septic system in order to notify you of the procedures that need to be taken in order to keep all components in proper operating order.
How Septic Pumps Work
A septic pump is a sort of submersible pump that is installed in either the last chamber of the septic tank or in a separate chamber outside the main tank of the system. As waste builds up in the chamber, it activates a float switch, which then activates the septic pump. After that, waste is forced up the outflow pipe and into the drain field by an impeller. Installing a septic tank pump alarm is an excellent strategy to avoid having to clean out your septic tank on a regular basis. One of our professionals will connect the float switch to an alarm panel, which will sound if the pump fails for any reason during the installation.
This alarm will ring and notify you if there is a sewage backup in your home.
Maintenance For A Septic Pump
The upkeep of a septic pump goes hand in hand with the upkeep of a septic system in its whole. Never drain or flush any of the following common home objects to avoid the need for emergency septic service and to ensure the pump’s long-term functionality:
- Baby wipes
- Cat litter
- Fats, oils, and/or grease produced by or utilized in the preparation of meals
- Dental floss
- Personal hygiene products
- And Q-tips or other cotton swabs are all recommended.
In addition, avoid using the garbage disposal because this can cause the septic tank to fill up more rapidly and force water into the tank, among other things. If there is an excessive amount of water entering the septic system, it can cause sediments to enter the septic pump, resulting in a probable blockage in either the pump or the drain field. If or when this occurs, contact Jones PlumbingSeptic Tank Service for prompt and dependable septic tank repairs.
Common Septic Pump Issues
Even with proper maintenance, a septic pump can develop a variety of problems over time, including the following:
Noise Or No Noise
There are occasions when it is possible to hear the septic pump operating within the chamber itself.
Do not hesitate to contact us for septic service if it appears that the pump is having difficulty or is failing to transport waste effectively.
Leaking Into The Septic Tank
The septic pump is equipped with a check valve, which provides a pressure gradient in order to keep the waste flowing through the pump and into the drainage system. Whenever the valve wears down or breaks, waste is forced back into the septic tank, causing the tank to overflow and back up into the pipes.
Faulty Float
Floats can become stuck open or closed, or they might become damaged as a result of material entering the septic tank. Depending on the extent of the damage, a professional from Jones PlumbingSeptic Tank Service may be able to remove the debris or may need to replace the float entirely.
Burnt Out Motor
If the motor within the septic pump burns out or fails, the pump will be unable to transfer waste, even if the energy is still being supplied to the device, since the waste would be trapped. In most cases, replacing the pump will address the problem.
Installing A New Septic Pump Or System
Jones PlumbingSeptic Tank Service will replace your septic tank if it is essential, and they will also install a new pump. Everything begins with an application, which is needed by the Florida Department of Health. We will always assist you in filling out the application and applying for any permissions that may be required. Our professionals will be pleased to walk you through the procedure and answer any questions you may have along the way.
Septic Tank Service
Jones PlumbingSeptic Tank Service can solve any septic issue, regardless of whether your sewage system currently has a pump or if you’re interested whether installing a pump will increase the system’s overall efficiency. When performing septic tank repairs in Gainesville, our specialists take into consideration the demands of the family or company. Call Jones PlumbingSeptic Tank Service immediately to make an appointment for septic service!
What are the Common Problems of a Lift Pump?
You must maintain the lift station in your septic tank operational if you want to keep your tank operational, however lift station difficulties might occur in your tank for a variety of reasons. Examine a few of the most frequent issues you could experience with your lift station, such as the following:
Common Problems of a Lift Pump
- Clogging of the lift pump is one of the most prevalent issues encountered. Once the pump has been paused and is unable to run at the same time, it must have been blocked. It is necessary to remove the obstruction in order to resume operation. The pump’s wastewater may seep back into the septic system if the valve breaks, causing the wastewater to overflow into the system. In other words, the pressure is insufficient to drive the waste to the drain field or mainline. Problem with the float detector in your lift pump– If you are utilizing a float detector in your lift pump, it is susceptible to damage, which may result in the pump not running. It is necessary to repair or replace the float detector in order for the pump to work properly. Problems with the motor and wiring– When the pump is not operating and has been checked several times with no success, it is possible that there is a problem with the electrical wiring. When troubleshooting, it is necessary to examine the wiring and the circuit breaker. Repairing or replacing the broken line might be one of the viable alternatives for getting the pump back up and running again. If the wiring is repaired but the pump still does not operate, it is possible that the motor has failed. Find a septic repair firm that can assist you in getting your motor to operate again or replacing it. Poor Alignment – A lift station must be correctly oriented in order for the sewage to be pushed freely into the tank. If the pump and the lines that link to it are not correctly aligned, the effluent may not flow smoothly into the tank. As a result, the lift station will experience a bottleneck, which may result in sluggish drains or even a sewer backup in your home. Your repair technician can swiftly determine whether or not all of the lines are correctly aligned to ensure the optimum possible flow.
- Wear and Tear – The normal wear and tear on the numerous components within the lift station can cause significant damage. Leaks can occur when seals and washers fail, causing them to fail. It is possible that the pump will fracture or begin to fail. Make an appointment for a yearly check so that worn components may be changed before they cause the complete lift station to malfunction. Keep in mind that if the station does not properly transport the effluent, it is extremely probable that sewage will back up into your drains. Leaking or Cracked Pipes –Pipes deteriorate with time and as a result, they become more prone to cracks and leaks. The location where the pipes run close to the motor is the most susceptible to breaking. This is due to the fact that the continual vibration from the motor puts additional stress on the pipes. Aside from that, damaged pipes allow sewage to seep into your backyard. Make certain that any pipes that are exhibiting indications of deterioration are replaced before they begin to leak. Continual ground movement is a concern, particularly when you have had a particularly rainy or exceptionally cold year, since the earth around your septic tank and lift station shifts over time. It is possible that this movement will put stress on pipes and joints, particularly at the joints, causing them to widen apart.
Troubleshooting Tips
In order to avoid accidently harming yourself while performing any type of repairs, you’ll want to unplug the electricity to your pump before beginning any work. After you’ve completed this step, you may examine to see what might be causing the problem to occur. As previously said, some of the issues that may emerge with your pump will be rather simple to resolve. Suppose you realize that one of the float controls on your septic tank pump has gotten constrained or obstructed by debris; all you have to do is just reposition the float until it is in the right position once again.
After you’ve unplugged the pump from the electricity, you’ll need to unhook it from the remainder of the piping and remove it from the storage tank.
Examine the propellers for any obstructions and rinse them well with water to eliminate any leftover material. Unless you have a lot of previous expertise with septic tank repair, this may be a difficult task, and you might be better off hiring a professional.
Contact West Michigan’s Most Trusted Septic System Service Provider
It is important to note that if you rely on a septic system, or if your septic system is now displaying indications of breakdown, you have arrived at the correct location. When things appear to be hopeless, you don’t always require a completely new system. In fact, it’s likely that you don’t. This post is about how I fixed my extremely ill septic system on my own, without the assistance of a professional, and how I’ve assisted hundreds of other people in doing the same thing. The photograph below depicts my failing septic system at its most critical stage of collapse.
- My septic system was checked by a professional septic system installer, who determined that it was unsalvageable.
- However, even though it was declared dead and unsalvageable by an experienced septic specialist, my efforts to resuscitate the system with no special equipment and minimal interruption were successful.
- There are millions of individuals who rely on septic systems to handle their home waste water, and all of these systems are a costly time bomb just waiting to go off.
- If you get your system flushed out every two or three years, this is still the case.
- If your septic system starts backing up, the real question is what you should do about it.
A Bad Day for My Septic System
On the 17th of June, 2011, the septic system time bomb exploded at my residence. As you can see in the photo above, the sewage had risen far past the top of the tank due to the removal of the primary access door. The problem is, the solution I came up with for getting my system back up and running turned out to be far less expensive, simpler, and less disruptive than I had anticipated. As of March 2021, my system is still operational and doing properly. In fact, it’s in like-new condition. So far as I’m aware, the longest operating life of a septic system has been reported to be 39 years.
Mine finally gave up the ghost (literally) after 22 years of service, but since I entirely resurrected it, we’re currently in our 31st year of operation.
Despite the fact that the specifics will not be pleasant to read, this information is extremely important if you have a septic system in your home or business.
To view and learn more, please click on the link below. To get a video tour of how septic systems function, please click here. Here are the fundamentals.
How Septic Systems Work
On June 17th, 2011, a time bomb in my septic system exploded at my house. According to the images above, the sewage was well above the top of the tank, which was discovered when the primary access door was removed. Fortunately, no one was injured. Actually, the method I discovered for getting my system back up and running was far less expensive, simpler, and less disruptive than what I had anticipated it would be. My system is still in fine functioning order as of March 2021. In fact, it’s in like-new condition.
Only 5 years separate them.
To grasp the significance of the fact that the typical septic system fails within a short period of time (and how this can be different for you), you must first comprehend how these hidden and mysterious sewage systems function, why they are prone to failure, and what you can do to avoid or eliminate grief when it does occur.
To view and learn more, please click on the link provided below: Septic systems are explained in detail in the video below.
Grinder Pump Not Working – Helpful Troubleshooting Guide
On June 17th, 2011, a time bomb in my septic system exploded at my residence. As you can see in the photo above, the sewage had risen far past the top of the tank, which was due to the removal of the primary access door. The problem is, the solution I discovered for getting my system back up and running turned out to be far less expensive, much simpler, and considerably less disruptive than I had anticipated. It is now March 2021, and my system is still operating well. In fact, it’s in like-new condition.
The smallest time span is five years.
To grasp the significance of the fact that the typical septic system fails within a short period of time (and how this can be different for you), you must first understand how these hidden and mysterious sewage systems function, why they are prone to failure, and what you can do to avoid or eliminate grief when it occurs.
To see and learn more, please see the video below.
The fundamentals are as follows.
How Does a Grinder Pump Work?
For many households, the grinder pump is an important component of the sewage system. Grinder pumps are often housed in a tank that is mounted on the outside of a residence and buried underground in an easily accessible area of the homeowner’s land. The tank has a wastewater holding section, which fills up with the wastewater generated in your house from items like the toilet, shower, washing machine, sinks, dishwasher, and other sources, as well as from the tank itself. When the wastewater level in the holding container reaches a certain level, the grinder pump will automatically activate.
It will take a few minutes for the grinder pump to operate while the cutting blades crush the trash into tiny particles in the same manner that garbage disposals do.
The wastewater is forced out of the tank by the pump and into a pressurized city sewage main by the motor. As soon as the amount of wastewater in the tank has been depleted, the grinder pump will be turned off automatically.
Why Is My Septic Pump Not Working?
The grinder pump, like any mechanical item located in and around your house, is susceptible to faults and failures. You may see a list of five of the more frequent problems that you can encounter with your grinder pump below.
Electrical
Check to see that the outlet that supplies electricity to the grinder pump is operational. Disconnect the grinder pump from the electrical socket and put in a lamp or another electrical device to ensure that there is still electricity. If the equipment turns on, you can be certain that the problem is with the pump; however, if the device does not come on, you can be certain that there is a problem with the power connection. In order to determine whether or not a fuse has been tripped, check both the fuse box in your house as well as the one located within the septic alarm panel.
Float Switch
If your ejector pump is equipped with a float switch, you may test it by extending out a coat hanger and dropping the hook side of the hanger downward into the tank. Make a loop around the float switch and try to get the pump to start up using the hook. If the pump does not start, you may require a new pump or a new float switch to be installed. Before acquiring a new pump, you might want to consider obtaining a piggyback switch, which will allow you to bypass the onboard switch on the existing pump.
- (click here for current price).
- If the float switch is not operating properly, the float should be replaced.
- You might also try cleaning the float and rod off with a garden hose, followed by filling the tank with water to check if the float turns on properly.
- If this is the case, you will need to replace the float immediately.
Clogged
A clog in the impeller of a pump is one of the most prevalent causes of the pump’s inability to function properly. Clogs are typically created by flushing materials down the toilet that are not intended to be flushed, such as paper towels. While it may be true that disposable baby wipes may be flushed down the toilet if your sewer system relies on septic pumps or grinder pumps to remove waste, you should never flush them down the toilet since they can clog the pump and cause it to stop working properly.
It is necessary to work harder when your pump becomes clogged because the start capacitor in the pump must work harder, which causes the motor to heat up and finally burn out.
When your pump becomes blocked, you may find yourself having to replace the entire unit nine times out of ten. First, make sure that the power has been switched off, and then double-check with a voltmeter to make sure that it hasn’t been accidentally left on.
Blockage
The fact that grease will occasionally find its way into the holding tank, regardless of how diligently you clean and maintain your pipes, will cause a clog inside the pump. Not just oil, but also dirt, coffee grounds, baby powder, pancake mix, and other similar substances. All of these factors might cause the pump to get clogged and eventually malfunction.
Frozen Pump
During the winter, grinder pumps are placed below below the frost line to prevent them from becoming frozen. However, it is possible that a pump is not buried deeply enough, and when this occurs, the wastewater contained within the pump freezes, causing the pump to cease functioning. You will need to bury the tank and pump the water further into the earth in order to resolve this issue.
What Happens When a Grinder Pump Fails?
When the grinder pump fails, an alert will be triggered on your septic system’s alarm panel, which will cause it to sound. The red light at the top of the panel will illuminate, followed by a beeping noise that is intended to draw your attention to the situation. A hush button is usually located on the panel, which may be pressed in order to turn off the beeping sounds, however the red light located on top of the panel will remain illuminated. Another possibility if your grinder pump breaks is that your tank may overflow into your lawn or that it will back up into your home through sinks and toilets.
Human excrement and toilet paper are the only things that should be flushed down the toilet, not anything else.
Avoid flushing these common household objects.
- The following items are prohibited: paper towels
- Feminine hygiene products
- Diapers
- Baby wipes
- Grease or fat
- Coffee grinds
- Dental floss
- Strong chemicals
- Disposable diapers Plastics
- Metals
- Rubber gloves
- Q-tips
- Dirt/dust
- Cat litter
- Cotton swabs
- Cigarettes or cigarette butts
- Hair (human or animal)
- Kleenex
- And other household items
Keep in mind that the above-mentioned list is not intended to be comprehensive; rather, it is intended to provide you with an idea of the kind of goods that should never be flushed down the toilet or down the drain.
What Does a Red Light On Grinder Pump Mean?
When the red light illuminates, it indicates that there is an excessive amount of water in the pump tank. In addition to the red light, a beeping sound should be used to draw your attention to the situation. Generally speaking, if the float isn’t operating correctly, or if the pump has stopped working due to a blockage, or if it’s time to repair the pump, the water level in the tank will rise to an unsafe level. Unusually high water levels are also caused by an excessive amount of water being forced through the septic system, which is another prevalent cause.
Heavy rains might potentially cause the levels to rise if rainwater manages to find its way into the tank in some way.
The reason you would want to restrict how much wastewater is introduced into the drain field is that too much wastewater can cause damage to the drain field, and the timer is meant to prevent this from occurring.
If your alarm is activated, immediately turn off all water faucets, flush all toilets, and turn off all washing machines and dishwashers to assist prevent a sewage backup.
Proper Grinder Pump Maintenance
As the property owner, it is your obligation to ensure that the septic system on your property is in proper functioning order at all times.
Pump maintenance
Although the grinder pump itself should not require any preventive maintenance, if your grinder pump relies on floats to detect the amount of wastewater, the floats are susceptible to grease build-up, which might impair the pump’s ability to function. Also possible is that toilet paper will make its way onto a float and weigh it down, preventing the pump from coming on when it should. You may clean the floats with a garden hose once or twice a year if you have the time. You may help your pump out by making sure that you only flush human waste and toilet paper down the toilet, as this will help to extend its life.
Tank Maintenance
Septic tanks will ultimately get clogged with sludge and will need to be drained and cleaned. It is in your best advantage to contact a professional because they are appropriately qualified to handle the trash and disposal of the materials. When, on the other hand, should you call them to pump the tank? The answer to that question is that it is dependent on the situation. Allow me to explain why this is the case. In the tank, wastewater spontaneously divides into three distinct layers as a result of both biological activity and retention in the water.
- The fact that your tank is not dividing the waste into these layers indicates that there is something wrong with your tank and that it is not functioning properly.
- Solids and grease are trapped within the tank’s interior walls.
- When the scum and sludge layers together account for 25 to 33 percent of the liquid depth of the tank, it is necessary to pump the tank.
- According to industry standards, your septic tank should be cleaned and emptied once every two to four years.
- The tank will need to be pumped more regularly in larger families than in smaller households.
- An inexpensive equipment available for purchase is a “Septic Core Sampler,” which allows you to obtain a cross-sectional view of the contents of your septic tank.
- To have a firm come out and pump your tank, it might cost anywhere from $250 to $1,000 or even more.
As a result, it is preferable to know when the tank has to be pumped rather than having to guess. Calling at least three different firms for estimates is something I would recommend. When it comes to lifespan, a septic tank should last anywhere between 25 and 40 years before it has to be replaced.
How Long Does a Grinder Pump Last?
The grinder pump, like any other piece of equipment, will eventually cease operating and will need to be replaced with a new one. A grinder pump has an average life expectancy of eight to 10 years, depending on the model. With good maintenance and care, you may get fifteen years out of a single automobile battery pack. This is dependent on what you are flushing down the toilet as well as the sort of dishwasher and washing machine detergent you are employing at the moment. Yes, washing detergents have been shown to shorten the life of a water pump.
We recommend that you take a look at what you are flushing down the drains if your pump is not lasting at least eight years.
Perhaps the pump cannot reach the public sewer system because it is too far away, or the tank is too huge for the size of the pump you are using.
How Much Does It Cost To Replace a Grinder Pump?
Pumps for grinders are not inexpensive. The first thing that you will notice when looking for a new grinder pump is the price tag attached to the item. A decent, dependable household grinder pump can cost you anywhere from $800 to $2500, depending on the brand and type you choose. The distance you must pump the waste to reach the public sewer system, as well as whether you must pump the garbage uphill at all, are all factors to consider. The amount of horsepower required by the pump has a significant impact on the cost of the installation.
If you’re purchasing a replacement pump, this is something that you could do yourself if you’re handy.
Troubleshooting Septic Systems
Problems might arise from time to time.
- Keep meticulous records
- Make a drawing of the area where you’re going
- Keep track of any repairs, maintenance, and pumping for your own reference as well as in case you decide to sell the property.
Some of the issues that might arise are as follows:
- The following issues: slow drainage, tainted drinking water, wastewater appearing in the yard, aromas, and pipes freezing
The following issues: slow drainage, tainted drinking water, wastewater appearing in the yard, aromas, and frozen pipes
Septic and Drainfield Troubleshooting
Drainage from fixtures that is sluggish or non-existent, or a backup of wastewater into the home, may be caused by:
- A system that has been inadequately designed and/or implemented
- Excessive water entering system because of improper plumbing in the house
- Blockage in the house plumbing because of improper appliance functioning a clog in the sewage pipe connecting the residence to the wastewater treatment system
- Inadequate heights in the wastewater system If the system is not gravity flow, a pump failure or inappropriate operation may occur. a clog in the wastewater pipe that runs between the house and the septic tank
- The sewage tank is clogged up
- Blockage in the pipe between the septic tank and the drainfield
- A clog in the distribution box, drop box, or pipe The presence of a blockage at the drainfield/soil treatment interface, where wastewater enters the soil
It is possible that contaminated drinking or surface water is the result of the following:
- Wastewater treatment system that is insufficient or inadequately built and/or installed It is too near to the water supply well for the wastewater treatment system. wastewater should be discharged directly into surface or groundwater
- Improper water supply well construction or a water supply well that has been compromised
- A water supply pipe that has burst
- Sewage pipes that have burst
- Septic tank that is leaking
- A source other than the system of the owner
It is possible that sewage scents are emanating from within the home as a result of:
- Inadequate plumbing and ventilation in the home
- Traps that have not been filled with water
- Back-up of wastewater into the residence
- In the yard, there is wastewater surfacing. Pump for ejecting effluent that has not been sealed
Among the causes of sewage odors outside are:
- Untreated wastewater surfacing in the yard
- Faulty plumbing and ventilation in the house
- A vent from the pump station or an inspection pipe that is too near to the home
- Inspection pipe caps that have been damaged or broken
- Back-up of wastewater into the residence
- A sump pit for the wastewater ejector that is not sealed
- A source other than the owner’s system is used.
Wastewater surfacing in the yard may be caused by the following factors:
- Excessive water entering the system, clogging of the drainfield/soil treatment interface, where wastewater reaches the soil
- And a clog in the distribution pipeline Drainfield was built at an incorrect elevation. Flow via the distribution box, drop box, or drainfield has been restricted or hindered, and Drainfield that is undersized as a result of design or construction
- Failure of the pump or inappropriate functioning of the pump System that has been inappropriately or incorrectly built and/or implemented
excessive water entering the system, clogging of the drainfield/soil treatment interface, where wastewater enters the soil No flow through a distribution pipeline. Drainfield is not at the correct height. Flow via the distribution box, drop box, or drainfield has been restricted or hindered. Design or construction flaws result in an undersized drainfield. Failure of the pump or incorrect operation of the pump. System that is insufficiently or incorrectly designed and/or deployed
- Construction that is not up to code
- The check valve on the pump that lifts wastewater to a tank or effluent to a drain is not functioning properly. Flows through subterranean pipes (drainfield, pipe to drainfield, and so on)
- A low rate of wastewater flow
- A lack of application
Review of Septic System Operation and Maintenance
- It is your obligation to keep your septic system in good working order. Maintain the tank by having it pumped on a regular basis. Conserve water and distribute its consumption across time
- Solids should be managed. Keep potentially dangerous items out of the system. Allow the system to operate in its native state
- It is important not to compress the drainfield. Excessive water should not be introduced into the drainfield. The drainfield’s structural integrity must be maintained. Maintain a replacement drainfield area for usage in the event that a replacement drainfield is required. Maintain records, drawings of the surrounding region, and a pumping schedule.
How to Check Your Septic Panel and Pump Chamber
It is recommended that you inspect your pump chamber once a year to ensure that everything is in proper working order. Follow the 11-step procedure outlined below to complete this task on your own! (Do you require further assistance? Alternatively, you may watch our instructional video below.)
1. Let’s start by inspecting the panel. Make sure the power is on by verifying the power switch to the panel is on.
The following items should be included in this general overview: The electrical box may be seen in the lower left corner of the image below, starting at the bottom of the image. Check to verify that all of the cables are firmly connected before using it. Next, take a look at the lower right corner of the shot, where you can see the discharge pipe for the pump. Check to see if it is operational (valve should be lined up with pipe). It’s now time to have some fun!
FIRST.PUT ON GLOVES!That is one step you DO NOT want to miss. Remove the float tree (the pipe with a pvc handle located upright left in our picture) and pull up the alarms.
*Please keep in mind that these instructions are for a 4-float system. Some systems contain only two or three floats.
If you don’t hear an alarm, this is cause for concern. Starting at the top, I will explain the floats and how to ensure each one is working.
NOTE: If your water supply is depleted, you may need to replenish it. Fill it up a little with water from a yard hose.
7. Continue testing.
Check that the pump is operating properly by flipping the second float from the bottom upside down and then turning it back around. With your other hand, turn the next float up (which would be the second from the top) upside down while still holding the first float. You should be able to hear the pump start up. As soon as you have confirmed that the pump is operational, just release these two floats. There’s one more float to go. The top float serves as an alert in case of high water. Turn it over down to see whether this is the case.
8. Now is the time to inspect the power cords.
Check to see that everything is securely tied to the float tree and not just hanging free. Zip ties can be used to reattach any stray cables.
9. Securely return the float tree to its holder and coil any dangling cords so that they are out of the water.
The septic tank in your home is the most crucial portion of your plumbing system if your home is not linked to city sewers. Septic tanks are responsible for the proper treatment of all of the wastewater that you generate at your home. Your septic system becomes ineffective when it is unable to properly dispose of all of the wastewater generated in your house. That implies it will return to you untreated and in a dangerous state. Septic tank failure is a very significant (and frequently extremely expensive) problem that affects thousands of people every year.
Fortunately, if you take care to prevent the following issues, you won’t have to worry about it!
Lack of Maintenance
In order for your septic system to function, all of the wastewater you generate must be sent into the septic tank. Heavy pollutants separate from the water and sink to the bottom of the tank, where they are known as sludge. Light contaminants, such as oil and grease, float to the surface of wastewater and form scum on the surface. It is only after the sludge and scum have been separated that the water is discharged into the drainfield by the septic tank. The scum and sludge remain contained within the tank, preventing them from contaminating groundwater.
Pumping out your septic tank at least once every three years is necessary to eliminate built-up sludge and scum from the system.
Eventually, they will take up too much space and may even begin to flow into the soil along with the processed water, causing flooding. When this occurs, it will not be long before the tank’s ability to function is completely lost.
Excessive Water Use
It is the restricted capacity of septic tanks that is their most significant drawback. A septic tank is only capable of processing a particular amount of wastewater at a given point in time. Your house’s septic tank was built to manage a specified flow rate of water, which was determined by the size of your home. Generally speaking, your septic tank should release wastewater at a pace that is equal to or greater than the rate at which it takes in water. When it needs to take on an excessive amount of water, it is unable to do so, and you have a problem.
Because the surplus water cannot be absorbed by the full tank, it must be disposed of in another manner.
This is mainly due to the fact that your septic tank is either either small or too large for your requirements.
Damage
A number of factors can cause substantial harm to a septic system. Four major components make up a septic system: the pipe that connects your home to the tank, the tank itself, the drainfield, and the soil surrounding the tank. If something happens to any of these four components, the septic system may become inoperable. The septic system is affected in a variety of ways by different types of damage. Most of the time, a small amount of harm that appears to be trivial eventually develops into something more serious.
On rare occasions, tree roots will penetrate the septic system and cause it to malfunction.
In addition to blocking drain lines, roots may cause damage to the pipe and tank as well as clog them.
You should try to prevent straining the drainfield surrounding your septic system if at all feasible.
Improper Installation
Even if your tank is the correct size, it will not function effectively if it has not been properly fitted. To be effective, septic systems must be placed at an exact depth in a certain kind of soil. To be honest, your drainfield’s soil composition is one of the most significant components of the overall system. It is in charge of absorbing, processing, and finally distributing wastewater in an environmentally friendly manner. If the soil in your drainfield is not suitable for septic usage, it will be unable to perform its function correctly.
The result will be that sewage will reach groundwater while it is still tainted.
The same care must be used with the installation of every other component of the system.
You should hire a professional to inspect your septic system if you are concerned that it was not installed properly.
Our technicians can evaluate your system, detect any issues that may arise, and then resolve them as fast and effectively as possible. Whatever your septic tank issue is, simply call The Pink Plumber and we’ll come up with a solution for you.
What Happens When Your Aerator Isn’t Working?
Even if your tank is the suitable size, it will not function effectively if it has not been properly fitted. Soils for septic systems must meet strict specifications regarding depth and kind of soil used in their installation. To be honest, your drainfield’s soil composition is one of the most critical components of the overall system. It is in charge of absorbing, processing, and finally distributing wastewater in an environmentally friendly manner. Your drainfield will not function correctly if the soil in it is not suitable for septic tank use.
- Groundwater will instead be polluted by sewage as soon as it enters the system.
- It is also necessary to properly install each and every other component of the system.
- A professional should be called if you have concerns that your septic system was not properly built.
- It is possible for our professionals to check your system in order to discover problems and to provide prompt and efficient solutions.
How Septic Aerators Work and What Happens When They Don’t
First and foremost, comprehending how your aerator works is essential to determining why it isn’t functioning properly. The design and purpose of aerators in an aerobic septic system have been discussed previously, but in a nutshell, aerators accelerate the process of solids breakdown in your system by adding oxygen, which encourages the growth of bacteria that breaks down and digests the wastewater in your holding tank. We’ll go over the specifics of how aerators work in more detail later. A higher concentration of these beneficial, natural bacteria in your septic system translates into a more efficient system that cleans wastewater more quickly and completely than a lower concentration.
The failure of the aerator in your septic system will cause your system to naturally transition from an anaerobic environment to another anaerobic environment, which will result in a much slower and less efficient environment for breaking down the particles in your septic system.
For this reason, and due to the fact that aerator septic systems often have smaller secondary treatment systems (and occasionally none at all), your system will either begin releasing raw sewage straight into the environment or into the secondary treatment system.
The most telling symptom that your aerator has failed is an overpowering foul stench emanating from the point at which your system discharges, whether it is into a secondary treatment system or straight into the atmosphere.
Aeration System Problems
If there is a problem with your septic aerator, the first sign that anything is amiss is usually the sound of the system alarm. Unfortunately, there are a variety of reasons why your alarm may go off, not all of them are directly related to the aerator. The septic alarm is analogous to the “check engine” light on your automobile, and, like with your car, determining the source of the alarm sometimes necessitates the assistance of a specialist. Although not all of these are related to the aerator, the following are the most often encountered reasons of septic alarms:
- The loss of power is one of the more straightforward concerns to resolve. A tripped circuit breaker is frequently the source of this problem. But if this problem continues to manifest itself, it is indicative of a more serious electrical problem that should be addressed by us as soon as possible. sewage pump failure: If your sewage pump fails, the water level in your system will increase, which will activate your septic alarm. sewage pump failure The sewage pump in your system may require replacement or repair in order for it to work properly again. Inadequate Air Pressure: In order for your aerator to properly oxygenate your system, it must have sufficient air pressure. This frequently indicates that the aerator in your system needs to be replaced or repaired
- However, this is not always the case. Breakdown of the Timer: The timer in your aerobic system guarantees that water is not released until the effluent is clear and clean enough to be transported to the next phase of your system, whether it is immediately discharged or moved to a secondary treatment system. Clogged Diffuser: Because the diffuser serves as the system’s outlet, if it becomes clogged, the system will be unable to discharge the fluids that have accumulated in the system.
It is important to mute your sewage alarm and quickly examine to see whether the problem is merely caused by an overloaded circuit breaker. It is necessary to have your system repaired as soon as possible if this is not the problem or if the breaker continues to trip. It is important not to put off calling if you are experiencing problems with your aerobic septic system. In Northeast Ohio, Supeck Septic is the only septic service company that has its own independent aerator repair shop, allowing us to handle all brands and models of aerators, with most faulty devices being repaired within a week.
Is your system in desperate need of repair or maintenance?
