Living with a grinder pump

LIVING WITH A GRINDER PUMP

A grinder pump is a pump located in a tank that receives wastewater from your home. The pumps send the wastewater to either a pressure sewer line or a gravity sewer line at the street.

If there is a grinder pump failure the tank which contains the pump will become too full.

You should:

·       Discontinue water use to prevent overflows

·       Wait fifteen minutes before taking further action. A high level of water usage will sometimes cause the alarm to come on. This situation is self-correcting. If the pump is operating correctly, the wet well will automatically be pumped down and the alarm light will turn off.

·       If the alarm light is still on after fifteen minutes, call a plumber

·       Never attempt to open the tank cover or the electrical panel box. CAUTION: Electrical shock or damage to the system may occur.

The grinder pump can handle any wastewater that is normally discharged to the sewer from the kitchen, bathroom or laundry. Some chemicals and materials may cause operating problems or safety hazards. It is advisable to check labels on chemicals prior to their disposal. Never connect a sump pump to the grinder pump.

CAUTION: Never put any of the following materials into sinks, toilets or drains:

·       Glass, metal, wood, seafood shells

·       Diapers, socks, rags or cloth of any kind

·       Plastic objects (toys, eating utensils, etc.)

·       Any strong chemical, toxic, caustic, or poisonous substance

·       Degreasing solvents

·       Any explosive or flammable material

·       Gasoline, kerosene, fuel oil, paint thinner, antifreeze

·       Lubricating oil or grease

·       Cooking fat (lard, oil, grease)

·       Hair clippings

These materials may clog your home system or create unsafe conditions in your lines and tank. By following these guidelines, you can ensure that your low pressure system will provide many years of safe, reliable service.

In Case of Power Failure
If there is a power failure which affects your home, your grinder pump will also experience a loss of power and not be able to operate. The grinder pump tank has a certain amount of holding capacity, but interior water use should be severely limited until power has been restored.

While on Vacation
If you are going to be away from home for more than seven days, the following steps should be taken to minimize any stagnating odors. First, run water from an inside tap long enough for the grinder pump to begin working. After the pump turns on, turn the water off. The grinder pump will run until the tank is empty and will shut off. This process will cleanse the pump and leave it filled with a minimum of clean water. Always leave the electrical power on.

During low temperatures, make sure to check your pumps for freezing. In order to prevent freezing, be sure to cycle your pumps frequently by running your faucet or flushing your toilet to allow the pump to cycle through several times a day. This will prevent the pump and lines from freezing.