What is an ejector pump? Is it important? An ejector pump is a device that pushes waste from the plumbing that exists below the city’s sewer line up to the main sewer line. It’s located wherever there is plumbing below the main sewer or septic line flowing from the house. The ejector pump is what forces the wastewater out so it can flow out. Gotelli Plumbing is here to help you understand what an ejector pump is and how to take care of it.
Ejector Pumps In Your Home
Ejector pumps are common in basements, laundry rooms and bathrooms in homes. When the sewer lines that run to the street are higher than the plumbing fixture, the ejector pump pushes liquids and solids into the sewer line. Ejector pumps are also prevalent in septic drain-field systems. For example, in rural areas where the septic tank may be higher than the plumbing fixtures.
Sewage pumps sit in the sump basin. A sump basin is a low space that collects liquids and manages surface runoff water. They are common in low places like basements. They can collect and hold on average 30 gallons of waste for a moderate home. The drain lines slope down into the sump basin, and when the water levels reach a certain height, afloat on the ejector pump will start the pump. The liquids are then pushed out of the basin and to the level of the sewer line. Once the water levels drop, the float drops and the sewage ejector pump will stop pumping.
Ejector Pump System Requirements
What is actually needed for ejector pump systems? These systems need a vent for a sewage ejector pump installation to equalize pressure and provide an outlet for any sewer gasses and waste. That vent needs to come out of the sump pit to connect to another vent stack or through the roof. The outlet pipe is usually about two inches in diameter and it connects to a three-inch sewer line. There is always a check valve to make sure that nothing drains back into the sump basin. It is usually between the pump outlet point and the junction of the main sewer line.
Take Care of Your Ejector Pump!
Due to the nature of the job of ejector pumps, they often work in harsh places. Because of this, they are subject to a lot of breakdowns and failures. One common problem that your ejector pump may experience is a broken switch. Other problems could include clogs or obstructed discharge lines. An even messier issue could be sewage backups, but those can be easily resolved if handled early by calling a plumber. A lot of these issues pop up because the ejector pumps were either installed wrong or are the wrong size. Whatever it may be, Gotelli Plumbing can handle the repair, maintenance, and replacement of your sewage ejector pump.
Call Gotelli Plumbing!
If your home has a basement or even something as common as a washing machine, your home also has an ejector pump. If you’re in the Marin or Sonoma counties and are having issues with your sewage ejector pump, contact Gotelli Plumbing.
