Generally, an ejector pump should be replaced every 10-15 years depending on usage, conditions, and installation. Because pumps are typically located in a pits or pits of waste, they may require maintenance or replacement more frequently.
Emergency-level pumps that are activated due to sump water rising should be inspected annually to ensure proper operation. An ejector pump should also get replaced if it has developed a noise, starting and stopping problems, or if the pump has failed to clear the basin of the water a few times.
Additionally, regular pump maintenance is recommended to extend the life of the pump and prevent excessive wear and tear or failure.
Do ejector pumps require maintenance?
Yes, ejector pumps do require maintenance. As with any mechanical system, regular maintenance is essential to ensure that the pump is operating at its optimal performance level. Regular maintenance tasks should include inspecting the pump and testing its performance, checking the electrical components, lubricating moving parts, inspecting the seals, replacing any worn or damaged parts, and checking the pressure, temperature, and flow of the pump.
Additionally, you should check for any potential blockages, debris, or other irregularities that could affect the operation of the pump. Properly maintained ejector pumps can help to avoid costly repairs down the line and prolong their overall lifespan.
How do you maintain an ejector pump?
Maintaining an ejector pump is an important part of keeping it in good working order. Here are some tips for maintaining an ejector pump:
1. Check the ejector pump regularly – Inspect your pump’s components periodically for wear and damage, including the impeller, volute, casing, and discharge pipe. If any parts show signs of damage, replace them immediately.
2. Clean the ejector pump regularly – When removing debris from the basin of your pump, use a non-metallic brush to clean the pump. Doing this will help to maintain optimum performance and will prevent the pump from clogging.
3. Observe proper water levels – Make sure the water levels in both the sump basin and the ejector pump are where they should be. Low or high water levels can put unnecessary stress on the ejector pump and cause it to overwork.
4. Monitor the pumps pressure levels – Monitor the pressure levels in your pump as it runs. Unusually high or low pressure levels can indicate something is wrong and that the pump needs to be serviced.
5. Seal any leaking connections – Apply plumber’s tape to any loose connections to ensure an airtight seal on the ejector pump and its discharge pipes.
6. Check the float switch – Make sure the float switch is working properly. A malfunctioning float switch can cause the ejector pump to turn on and off unexpectedly.
Following these tips can help ensure your ejector pump runs efficiently and reliably for many years to come.
What causes an ejector pump to fail?
Many of which relate to malfunctioning mechanical or electrical components. For instance, if the impeller blades of the ejector pump are damaged or corroded, they may not be able to provide enough pressure or suction power, leading to pump failure.
Similarly, dirt, sand, and other debris can accumulate within the pump over time and reduce its efficiency, as can instances of improper installation. Additionally, if the electrical timer or controls become corroded or worn due to age, it can cause the pump to malfunction.
Other symptoms of ejector pump failure include loud or strange noises, water backed up in the tank, and the pump not turning on or off at the desired times. Therefore, it’s important to routinely check and maintain your ejector pump in order to prevent failure.
Can toilet paper clog an ejector pump?
Yes, toilet paper can clog an ejector pump. In particular, if too much toilet paper is flushed, it can create a blockage in the pump. This blockage is often created from the build-up of large amounts of toilet paper, which clogs the impeller and causes it to fail.
Additionally, if the toilet paper is too thick or not broken down into smaller pieces, it can also lead to a clog in the pump. To prevent clogs, it is important to make sure that the toilet paper is flushed in small amounts and is broken down into small pieces.
Additionally, regularly cleaning and maintaining the pump can help with preventing clogs.
How often should you clean an ejector pit?
An ejector pit should be cleaned out at least once per year, but it may be necessary to clean it more often if it is subject to high levels of use or is prone to becoming blocked. It is also important to clean out the ejector pit when there is a change of season, as this will help to remove any debris that may have built up over the colder months.
Additionally, it may be necessary to clean out the ejector pit whenever the pump is serviced, as this may uncover any blockages or other issues with the pit itself. Finally, it is always a good idea to monitor the ejector pit for any signs of unusual activity or buildup and to clean it out as soon as possible if anything is noted.
How much does a sewage ejector cost?
The cost of a sewage ejector can vary depending on factors such as size and type. Generally speaking, smaller residential sewage ejectors will cost around $1000 while larger sewage ejectors can cost up to $3000 or more.
It is important to note that besides the initial cost of the ejector, installation costs and any additional parts or accessories needed can increase the overall price. Additionally, if you are having a professional install the ejector, you may need to pay for labor, which could increase the total cost.
In order to get a more accurate estimate for the cost of a sewage ejector, it is best to contact a local plumber for an accurate quote.
What is the difference between an ejector pump and a sewage pump?
An ejector pump, also known as a Macerator pump, is designed to pump wastewater away from a specific area that can’t be connected to the sewer system. The pump grinds up waste, like waste from a sink, toilet, and washing machine, and then pumps it out, usually through a hose or pipe.
A sewage pump, also known as a sewage lift station, is designed to pump wastewater from one area to another location. It does not grind up waste, but rather pumps the raw wastewater from one area to a sewage connection or treatment plant.
Both pumps can be used to prevent wastewater from backing up into an area, but require different installation and maintenance. An ejector pump is generally simpler to install than a sewage pump, but requires more frequent maintenance and a powerful enough motor to grind up solids.
A sewage pump, on the other hand, is more complex to install since it involves connecting the pump to a sewer line, but it does not require frequent maintenance and is typically more powerful.
Can ejector pump handle toilet paper?
Yes, an ejector pump is designed to handle the waste material from a toilet and some commonly used toilet paper styles and brands are designed to break down in water quickly. Ejector pumps are built to handle all types of material not just liquid, including toilet paper.
However, if the toilet paper clumps and backs up in the pump or pipes it can be difficult to clean and will sometimes require a pump replacement. It’s recommended to avoid using thick, durable toilet paper and flush only one sheet at a time.
Flushing anything other than toilet paper, such as paper towels, should also be avoided. These items don’t dissolve, clump together and can cause major damage to the pump. Keeping the pipes and ejector pumps clean and functioning properly will help to prevent any clogging issues.
Does a sewage ejector need its own vent?
Yes, a sewage ejector needs its own vent. The purpose of the vent is to allow sewer gases to escape from the house and to prevent the formation of a vacuum that could draw sewage and water from the plumbing fixtures back into the ejector pump.
A sewer ejector pump typically includes two ports for a discharge and a vent. The vent is typically a 1-1/2” pipe, and it should be installed from the top of the ejector pump to a tank or to the outdoors, discharged at a point higher than the elevation of the ejector pump.
It is important to ensure that the correct size pipe, material, and components are used in all foul-weather vent, and any installation should be in accordance with all applicable codes.
Is Breathing in sewage smell harmful?
Breathing in sewage smell can be harmful in some cases. Sewage can include bacteria, viruses and other hazardous materials, as well as noxious fumes from decaying matter. These particles, when inhaled, can lead to respiratory irritation, infections, allergic reactions and even more serious health issues, such as lung disease.
Long-term exposure to sewage can have more serious effects, including increased risk of asthma, coughing, and decreased lung function. Additionally, these hazardous materials can be absorbed through the skin, nose and eyes, leading to health risks such as skin rashes, eye irritation, and head and throat infections.
It is important to avoid any direct contact with sewage, as well as to avoid breathing in air that is contaminated with sewage or its odor. If you suspect that your home or workplace contains some sort of sewage contamination, you should contact a professional to assess the situation and determine the best course of action to ensure the safety of those in the area.
Can I pour vinegar in my sump pump?
No, it is not recommended to pour vinegar or any other acidic or caustic substance into a sump pump. Vinegar is acidic and can corrode the seals and electrical components within the sump pump, as well as the outer parts.
Additionally, acidic substances can interact with debris and sediment already present in some sump pumps, creating a noxious odor or even releasing hazardous gases. Best practice is to keep all acidic substances away from sump pumps, and to use only water or a pump-specific lubricant.
Additionally, use a submersible pump-specific additive to prevent any potential debris or sediment in the water from corroding your pump.
How do I know if my ejector pump is bad?
The best way to determine if your ejector pump is bad is to inspect it for any signs of visible damage or wear and tear, such as frayed wires, corroded parts, cracks in the housing, or loose connections.
You should also check the water level in the sump basin to ensure that it’s not overflowing, as this is an indication of a faulty pump. If the pump is vibrating more than usual, then this could also be a sign that it’s malfunctioning.
Additionally, if you hear gurgling or rattling noises from the pump or notice that the water is not being pumped out of the basin quickly enough, then it could be an issue with the ejector pump. If you believe that your pump is bad or malfunctioning, you should contact an experienced contractor to have it inspected and possibly serviced or replaced.
Why is my ejector pump alarm going off?
The first is that the basin may be full and unable to hold any more liquid, causing the alarm to sound. This can be caused by a clog in the system, a malfunctioning float switch, or a faulty check valve.
Another common reason is that the impeller may be jammed or clogged, preventing it from turning and forcing the water to be pushed out with more pressure than the pump can handle, causing the alarm to sound.
Additionally, sometimes the motor can fail or freeze up, also causing the alarm to sound. It’s important to address the issue quickly, as an ejector pump can quickly become overwhelmed with water and cause flooding in the area, leading to costly and time-consuming repairs.
How do I stop my ejector pit from smelling?
To stop your ejector pit from smelling, you’ll need to identify the source of the odor and take steps to address it. One of the most common causes of odor from an ejector pit is sewer gases. If the odor is coming from the pit, it could be caused by a few different things: a clogged line, a broken seal, or a leak.
You can check for clogs by using a plunger to press down and see if it clears the blockage. If the odor persists, there may be a broken seal on the inlet pipe, outlet pipe, vent pipe, or pump that needs to be replaced.
Additionally, it is possible that there may be a leak in the ejector pit itself, due to cracks or breaks in the walls. If you suspect that this is the case, you’ll want to call a professional to inspect, and possibly perform a video camera inspection.
If a leak is indeed causing the odor, it will need to be repaired to prevent future odors. Lastly, you can also install an air circulation fan in the pit, to help keep the air fresh and reduce odors.