A sewage pump pulls waste from the basement or home below your sewer lines into the septic tank.
Whether installing a new sewage pump or repairing an old one, it’s essential to know what you’re doing. This can save you from costly mistakes and avoid future problems.
Know Your Pump
If you have a sewage pump or you’re in the market for one, there are a few things you need to know about the process. This will help you choose the suitable model for your needs, avoid costly mistakes, and ensure that you get a pump that performs as it should for years to come.
Sewage Pumps are designed to push sewage out of your property away from gravity-based waste systems. They’re also sometimes used to force sewage out of a basement or crawl space area susceptible to flooding.
A sewage pump is typically installed in an ejector pit, with a cover bolted down and sealed to prevent odors or sewer gas leaks from escaping the building. To remove the pump, disconnect the check valve.
Know Your Pipes
Whether installing a new sewage pump or replacing an old one, there are some essential things you need to know about sewer pipes. The pipes carry wastewater from your home to the main sewer line or septic tank.
Sewer pipes can be made of plastic or clay. These are both inexpensive and easy to work with.
They resist tree roots and are watertight at the joints when appropriately glued.
Before placing the basin in the hole, cover its exterior base with filter fabric to prevent silt from clogging the motor. Next, tuck several layers of gravel inside it and place a stone paver on top to protect the bottom from damage and provide a firm platform for the pump.
Know Your Electrical Connections
When installing a sewage pump in your home, you must know how to wire it. It would help if you used the proper power cables that are rated for the capacity of the pump you’re installing.
You also need to be aware of the voltage. This is because a sewage pump can be pretty powerful, and it’s essential to have a power circuit capable of handling it.
The wiring from your control center box to the pump tank should be run in a metal or PVC conduit. This prevents moisture and corrosive gases from entering the tank through the conduit.
Know Your Sewage Alarms
A sewer alarm is a great way to protect your home from sewage backups and basement flooding. These are two of the most common problems homeowners experience, which can be very expensive to repair.
When choosing an alarm, look for one that is responsive and durable. It should also be easy to install and maintain so you can use it without a hassle.
Sewage alarms come with floats or level monitors that allow you to see if the water in your pump tank is rising or dropping too much. They also typically have an audible warning that alerts you if the sewage alarm sounds.
Know Your Vent Outlet
Every sewage pump, whether above or below ground, needs a vent outlet. This outlet equalizes the pressure and ensures the pump can’t create a vacuum when it doesn’t have to. It also provides a path for sewer gasses to leave the house. This is important, as it prevents the backflow of wastewater into the home’s plumbing system. It’s best to install a vent outlet at least a few feet away from the pump, so it doesn’t get clogged with debris. This will make maintenance in the future easier. It’s also a good idea to install a check valve at the outlet, so it can’t be opened while the pump runs. This will prevent a possible drain line leak and water from flowing up the pump and down the main sewer line.
