A sewage pump (also called a wastewater pump) is a device that helps move sewage and wastewater — including solids and debris — from one place to another. It’s especially useful when gravity alone isn’t enough to do the job, like in basements or properties located below the main sewer line.
Sewage pumps help transport wastewater (including toilet waste and toilet paper) from a home or building to the main sewer system or a septic tank when gravity can’t naturally pull it down.
These pumps sit in a tank or basin (also called a wet well) that collects sewage. Once the sewage reaches a certain level, the pump turns on and pushes the wastewater up and out to where it needs to go.
There are different kinds of sewage pumps, each with a specific job:
Submersible pump with vortex impeller – also known as non-clog impeller, these are the best for sewage transfer but have limited pressure head (lift) capability.
Sewage pumps are found in:
Homes with basements or properties below the main sewer line.
Commercial buildings.
Industrial facilities.
Sewage pumping stations, which move wastewater from homes and businesses to the main sewer system or treatment plant.
Sewage pumps play a crucial role in keeping plumbing systems working smoothly. They help prevent backups, overflows, and sanitation issues, making sure wastewater gets where it needs to go safely and efficiently.
For most homes, you’ll need either a solid-handling pump or a grinder pump, depending on whether you’re using a septic tank or pumping sewage straight into the sewer. Here’s a quick breakdown to help you choose the right one:
Solid-Handling Pumps – These pumps can move raw sewage, including solids, straight to a sewer or septic tank without breaking it down.
Grinder Pumps – These pumps chop up solids into a fine slurry before pumping, making it easier to move sewage, especially over longer distances.
Effluent Pumps – Used with septic tanks, these pumps handle mostly liquid waste since solids break down inside the tank.
Twin pump systems are best for whole-house use because they provide a backup if one pump fails.
Single pump systems work well for smaller setups, like an extra bathroom or an outbuilding with a toilet.
For most commercial properties, you’ll need either a solid-handling pump or a grinder pump, depending on whether you’re using a septic tank or pumping sewage straight into the sewer. Here’s a quick breakdown to help you choose the right one:
Solid-Handling Pumps – These pumps can move raw sewage, including solids, straight to a sewer or septic tank without breaking it down.
Grinder Pumps – These pumps chop up solids into a fine slurry before pumping, making it easier to move sewage, especially over longer distances.
Effluent Pumps – Used with septic tanks, these pumps handle mostly liquid waste since solids break down inside the tank.
Twin pump systems are best for whole-house use because they provide a backup if one pump fails.
Single pump systems work well for smaller setups, like an extra bathroom or an outbuilding with a toilet.
A sewage pump helps move wastewater from a home or building to the main sewer line when gravity alone isn’t enough. It collects sewage in a tank and, once the level gets high enough, the pump activates to push the waste uphill until gravity takes over.
Collecting Wastewater – Sewage flows into a tank or basin, known as a “wet well.”
Detecting the Level – When the sewage reaches a certain point, float switches or sensors activate the pump.
Pumping the Waste – A motor-powered pump (usually a centrifugal pump) spins an impeller to create pressure, pushing the wastewater out.
Moving It Uphill – The pump sends the waste up to a point where gravity can take over and carry it into the main sewer line.
Preventing Backflow – A special valve (non-return valve) stops wastewater from flowing back into the tank after pumping.
Grinding (Optional) – Some pumps have built-in grinders, like waste disposals, that break down solids to prevent clogs.
Keeping It Running Smoothly – Regular maintenance, like cleaning and checking for leaks, keeps the pump working efficiently and helps prevent issues.
With the right setup and proper care, a sewage pump ensures wastewater flows smoothly without any mess or trouble!
A sewage pump helps move wastewater and solids from a home’s collection tank or basin to a sewer line or septic tank—especially when gravity alone can’t do the job.
Sewage pumps are useful when:
The main sewer line is higher than the sewage collection point.
There’s a lot of wastewater, and a gravity-based system can’t handle it efficiently.
Wastewater flows into a tank or basin.
When it reaches a certain level, the pump automatically turns on.
The pump pushes the sewage uphill to the main sewer line.
From there, gravity takes over, moving it to the main sewer or septic tank.
Grinder Pumps – These have a built-in grinder to break down solids and prevent clogs.
Non-Grinder Pumps – These don’t grind solids and are best for situations where clogging isn’t a concern.
Single-family homes typically use a one-tank system.
Flats may have two-tank systems for backup and reliability.
Sewage pumps help prevent backups and keep wastewater flowing properly, ensuring a clean and sanitary environment.
Sewage pumping stations store and manage wastewater with automatic controls that activate the pumps, moving sewage to the nearest sewer or manhole.
Pump stations lift and distribute wastewater when gravity can’t naturally move it away from a location.
With the right sewage pump system in place, wastewater management becomes smooth and worry-free!
You might need a sewage pump if your home’s plumbing is below the main sewer line—this is common in basements or homes built on sloped land. Since gravity alone can’t move wastewater in these situations, a pump helps push it upward into the sewer system.
Your Home’s Location Matters – If your house sits on a slope or has plumbing below the main sewer line, a sewage pump is likely needed to move wastewater uphill.
Basement Bathrooms – If you have a bathroom in the basement, you almost certainly need a sewage pump since it’s lower than the main sewer line.
The main difference between a drainage pump and a sewage pump is what they handle. Drainage pumps move clean or slightly dirty water, while sewage pumps are built to handle wastewater with solids and debris.
Purpose – These pumps are used to remove excess water from places like basements and around foundations to prevent flooding and water damage.
Fluid Type – They handle clean or slightly contaminated water, like rainwater, groundwater, or water that’s seeped into a basement.
Design – Drainage pumps are typically smaller, lighter, and less powerful than sewage pumps, with simpler designs that don’t handle solids.
Examples – Sump pumps are commonly used in basements to pump out extra water.
Purpose – Sewage pumps move wastewater, including human waste and other solids, from places where gravity can’t push it to a sewer or septic system.
Fluid Type – These pumps handle wastewater with solids, like toilet waste, greywater, and other household wastewater.
Design – Sewage pumps have stronger motors and impellers to handle solids. Some even have grinders to break down solids before pumping.
Examples – Sewage ejector pumps are used in homes with basements or areas below the sewer line.
Each pump does a specific job to keep your home safe and dry!
To keep your sewage pump running smoothly and prevent blockages, follow these simple steps:
Pick an impeller like a screw channel or chopper pump, which are less likely to clog compared to traditional types.
Let everyone know what they should and shouldn’t flush! Remind them to avoid flushing things like wipes, sanitary products, nappies and too much grease.
Check the pump station regularly and remove any floating solids that could get sucked into the pump and cause problems.
Make sure to rotate the pumps so they’re all used evenly. This prevents solids from building up in one pump and keeps everything running smoothly.
Have a regular service plan where we will clean and check the pumps to stop solids from building up and causing blockages. Call us to book a service, repair or maintenance 08000 433866.
Listen for strange sounds or notice if the water flow slows down—these could be signs of a blockage.
If fat build-up is an issue, think about installing a fat trap, using a vacuum tanker for regular cleaning. We can help you with vacuum cleansing your system – call us on 08000 433866 for more information.
By following these steps, you can help prevent blockages and keep your sewage pump working well!
If a sewage pump stops working, wastewater can back up, causing big problems like overflowing toilets, bad smells, and potential health risks. Here’s what can happen if your sewage pump fails:
Sewage Backups – The biggest issue is that wastewater can’t be pumped out, so it backs up into toilets, sinks, and other drains.
Flooding – If the backup is bad enough, it could flood your basement or other areas with sewage.
Bad Odours – Standing sewage smells awful and can make the area unliveable.
Health Hazards – Contact with raw sewage can spread harmful bacteria and viruses, creating serious health risks.
Environmental Harm – If a pump station fails, raw sewage could end up in the environment, harming wildlife, including fish.
Property Damage – Sewage backups can damage your home’s floors, furniture, and electrical systems.
Plumbing Shutdown – A failed pump can shut down your whole plumbing system, leaving you without running water or the ability to flush toilets.
Look out for these issues that might signal the pump is malfunctioning:
Unusual Noises – Strange squeals, bangs, or grinding noises could mean something’s wrong.
Gurgling Sounds – If you hear gurgling in the pipes, it might be a sign that the pump isn’t working right.
Pump Runs Nonstop – If the pump keeps running without stopping, it could be a sign of a malfunction.
Motor Issues – The motor might fail due to electrical problems, overheating, or wear and tear.
Overheating – If the pump overheats, it can get damaged and stop working properly.
Float Switch Problems – A faulty float switch can stop the pump from turning on or off when needed.
Blocked Impeller – A blocked impeller can cause the pump to overheat or fail to work properly.
Damaged Pipes – Broken or corroded pipes can also cause problems with your pump.
If you notice any of these signs or a pump failure, it’s important to get it checked out quickly to avoid bigger issues like damage or health risks!
A sewage pump usually lasts around 7 to 10 years, but this can change depending on a few things like the pump’s quality, how often it’s used, and how well it’s maintained.
Average Lifespan – Most sewage pumps last about 7 to 10 years.
Pump Quality – High-quality pumps with features like corrosion resistance and efficient motors tend to last longer.
Usage Frequency – The more the pump is used, the quicker it might wear out.
Maintenance – Regular cleaning and inspections can help the pump last much longer.
By taking good care of your pump, you can get the most out of it!
Sewage pumps, help move raw sewage from your home to a septic tank or sewer system. They’re built to handle sewage over short distances (up to 228.6 metres) and can move large amounts of waste (up to 757.082 litres per minute).
These pumps are designed to move raw sewage from your home to a septic tank or gravity sewer system.
Distance: Sewage ejector pumps are great for shorter distances, usually under 228.6 metres.
Volume: They can handle large amounts of sewage, with some models moving up to 757.082 litres per minute.
Grinder pumps also move raw sewage, but they’re built to handle longer distances—sometimes over thousands of metres. They grind up sewage to make it easier to pump over greater distances.
Sewage pumps use an impeller to create head pressure, which helps push the sewage upwards. The height that the pump can move the sewage is called total dynamic head or simply “head.”
When picking a pump, consider:
The amount of sewage you need to pump
Where it needs to go
How far it needs to travel
It’s a good idea to talk to a professional to find out which sewage pump is best for your home. So just give us a call and we will guide you.
To figure out if you have a sump pump or a sewage pump, here’s a simple way to tell:
Sump Pump: This is used to remove water from your basement, usually to prevent flooding. It pumps out clean water, like rainwater or groundwater, to keep your home dry.
Sewage Pump: This handles wastewater and sewage, including things like toilet waste or kitchen water. It’s used when gravity can’t carry the waste to a sewer or septic system, like in basements or lower areas of a home.
So, if it’s moving clean water to prevent flooding, you likely have a sump pump. If it’s moving wastewater, then you probably have a sewage pump
When it comes to sewage pumping, the most common types are submersible pumps and centrifugal pumps, with centrifugal pumps being the most popular because they are easy to use and can handle a lot of sewage at once.
These pumps work by using a rotating impeller to push sewage through the pump and out the discharge pipe. They’re known for their high flow rates and simple design.
“Free passage” pumps are a type of centrifugal pump that lets solids pass through without getting clogged, which is really important in sewage systems.
These pumps are designed to be fully submerged in the liquid they’re pumping. This makes them great for sump pits or tanks where you need to pump wastewater.
They’re often used in packaged pump stations when gravity alone can’t do the job.
Grinder Pumps: These break down sewage to be moved over longer distances, great for areas with low flow rates.
Chopper Pumps: These are built for tough conditions and can handle a lot of fibrous materials.
Sewage pumps help move wastewater and soft solids. Their special design makes sure solids can pass through without causing clogs, which is key to keeping the system running smoothly.
Yes, sewage pumps need regular maintenance to keep working well and avoid breakdowns. This includes cleaning, checking parts, and replacing anything that’s worn out. Here’s why and how to take care of your sewage pump:
Sewage pumps deal with wastewater, which can cause clogs, rust, and wear over time. Regular maintenance helps catch any problems early, saving you from expensive repairs and environmental issues.
Monitor Performance: Keep an eye on things like flow rate, pressure, and energy use to spot problems early. Call us to book a service or maintenance appointment.
Weird sounds like squeals, bangs, or grinding.
Slow drains.
Bad smells.
Sewage backups or overflows.
Dirty water.
Pump won’t start or is struggling to start.
The pump runs constantly.
Keeps things flowing smoothly.
Helps avoid mechanical breakdowns.
Prevents sewage backups and plumbing issues.
Saves you money in the long run.
Extends the life of your pump.
Submersible pumps are designed to work underwater and are great for jobs like pumping water from wells, draining flooded areas, and handling wastewater.
Getting water from wells: These pumps are perfect for drawing water from deep wells or boreholes and moving it to storage tanks or water systems.
Irrigation: They can supply water from lakes, reservoirs, or other sources for watering crops and gardens.
Removing floodwater: Great for clearing water from flooded basements, sump pits, or low-lying areas.
Lowering groundwater: Used at construction sites to prevent water buildup.
Draining ponds or pools: Helps empty unwanted water from ponds, pools, or other water bodies.
Wastewater treatment: Moves wastewater through treatment systems.
Sewage transfer: Helps transport sewage from one place to another.
Industrial pumping: Handles various liquid-pumping needs, including thick slurries.
Oil and gas industry: Used in oil wells to help extract oil efficiently.
Mining: Helps remove excess water from mines.
Why Choose a Submersible Pump?
The biggest advantage of a submersible pump is that it works directly underwater, making it compact, efficient, and easy to install—without the need for extra pipes or housings.
Compact & Efficient – Since the motor and pump are housed together in a waterproof casing, there’s no need for extra suction pipes, making the system simple and effective.
Easy to Install – Just drop it into a well, sump, or tank, and it’s ready to go! No complicated setup is required, which helps save time and money.
Versatile Use – These pumps work well in many situations, including wells, sumps, tanks, and even industrial applications.
Safe & Reliable – Because the motor is submerged, it stays cool, reducing the risk of overheating or electrical hazards.
The main difference between a drainage pump and a sewage pump is what they handle. Drainage pumps move clean or slightly dirty water, while sewage pumps are built to handle wastewater with solids and debris.
Purpose – These pumps are used to remove excess water from places like basements, crawl spaces, and around foundations to prevent flooding and water damage.
Fluid Type – They handle clean or slightly contaminated water, like rainwater, groundwater, or water that’s seeped into a basement.
Design – Drainage pumps are typically smaller, lighter, and less powerful than sewage pumps, with simpler designs that don’t handle solids.
Examples – Sump pumps are commonly used in basements to pump out extra water.
Purpose – Sewage pumps move wastewater, including human waste and other solids, from places where gravity can’t push it to a sewer or septic system.
Fluid Type – These pumps handle wastewater with solids, like toilet waste, greywater, and other household wastewater.
Design – Sewage pumps have stronger motors and impellers to handle solids. Some even have grinders to break down solids before pumping.
Examples – Sewage ejector pumps are used in homes with basements or areas below the sewer line.
Each pump does a specific job to keep your home safe and dry!
A sewage pump alarm is a handy warning system that lets you know if there’s a problem with your sewage pump—like rising water levels or a pump failure—so you can catch issues early and avoid messy backups or overflows.
A sewage pump alarm keeps an eye on your pump system, which moves wastewater from lower areas (like basements) to the main sewer line.
Inside the pump tank, there’s a float switch that triggers an alarm (a loud noise or flashing light) if the water level gets too high.
The alarm gives you a heads-up before things get worse, helping prevent sewage backups, bad odors, and even potential health hazards.
High Water Levels: Too much water use, a clog, or a slow drain can cause this.
Pump Failure: If the pump stops working, water keeps rising, triggering the alarm.
Silence the Alarm – Many alarms have a button to turn off the sound, but this won’t fix the issue.
Check for Problems – Look for clogs, leaks, or anything unusual with the pump system.
Call a Pro – If you’re unsure what’s wrong or can’t fix it yourself, it’s best to call a plumber or septic system expert.
When a sewer pump alarm goes off, it usually means there’s an issue with the system, such as a high water level in the pump tank, a pump failure, or a blockage. This needs quick attention to avoid bigger problems. Here’s a breakdown of what might be going on:
High Water Level:
The alarm goes off when the water level in the pump tank gets too high, which can lead to backups or overflow.
Pump Failure:
If the pump stops working, water won’t be pumped out, causing the level to rise and triggering the alarm.
Blockage:
A blockage in the drain field or pipes can stop wastewater from draining properly, leading to a build-up and causing the alarm to go off.
Excessive Water Intake:
Things like heavy rainfall, groundwater seepage, or using more water than usual can overwhelm the system, making the water level rise and setting off the alarm.
Other Issues:
It could also be due to a malfunctioning float switch, a problem with the pump timer, or an electrical issue.
Low Water Level:
Some alarms also notify you if the water level gets too low, which can signal a leak or other issue with the system.
In any case, it’s a good idea to investigate the cause and contact a professional if needed.
A pump control panel is a system that helps manage and monitor your pump, making sure it runs smoothly and safely by starting, stopping, and adjusting its operation. It also keeps an eye on important things like flow, pressure, and temperature.
Here’s a breakdown of what it does:
Main Functions:
Start/Stop Control: Turns the pump on and off.
Protection: Keeps the pump safe from issues like overloads or short circuits.
Monitoring: Watches key factors like flow, pressure, and temperature to keep everything running well.
Automation: Automatically controls the pump based on settings, like water levels or pressure.
Control: Lets you control the pump manually or automatically.
Alarms: Alerts you if there’s a problem or something unusual happens.
Power Management: Manages the power supply to the pump.
Protection against Overload: Stops the pump from drawing too much power, which could damage it.
Protection against Dry Running: Prevents the pump from running without water, which could harm it.
Common Components:
Main Power Disconnect: Turns the power to the panel on or off.
Contactor: A switch that turns the pump motor on and off.
Relays: Help with switching and controlling the pump.
Circuit Breakers/Fuses: Protect the pump from overloads or short circuits.
Sensors: Measure things like flow, pressure, and temperature.
Float Switches: Detect water levels in tanks or sumps.
Pressure Switches: Control the pump based on pressure.
Timers: Set when the pump should turn on or off.
Status Lights/Alarms: Show the pump’s status and warn of any problems.
This panel keeps your pump running safely and efficiently, while also alerting you if anything goes wrong!
A sewage pump float switch is a handy device that helps control the water level in a sewage pit or tank. It automatically turns the pump on or off to prevent overflows or dry runs, keeping everything running smoothly and protecting the pump.
The float switch moves up and down with the water level, acting as a sensor.
When the water rises too high, the switch turns the pump on.
As the water level drops, the switch turns the pump off.
Prevents Overflows – Stops sewage from spilling over by turning the pump on at the right time.
Protects the Pump – Keeps the pump from running dry, which can cause damage.
Saves Energy – Ensures the pump only runs when needed, making it more efficient.
Tethered Float Switches – Have a floating ball attached to a switch, rising and falling with the water.
Multi-Contact Float Switches – Can trigger different functions, like high-water alarms or extra safety features.
Float switches are found in sewage pumping stations, drainage systems, and wastewater plants, helping to keep water moving safely and efficiently.
If a sewage pump float switch stops working, your pump might not turn on when needed, which could lead to sewage backups and even flooding. On the other hand, if the switch gets stuck in the “on” position, the pump might run nonstop, which can cause overheating and damage.
Pump Doesn’t Turn On – If the float switch doesn’t activate, sewage can build up and overflow, causing a mess and potential property damage.
Pump Runs Nonstop – A stuck float switch can cause the pump to keep running, which may lead to:
Overheating & Motor Burnout – Pumps aren’t designed to run all the time, and doing so can cause serious damage.
Higher Energy Bills – A constantly running pump wastes electricity, increasing costs.
Water Damage – Flooding can ruin floors, walls, and belongings.
Health Risks – Sewage contains harmful bacteria and viruses.
Mold & Mildew – Damp conditions can lead to mold growth, which is bad for both your home and health.
Regularly check and maintain your float switch to catch problems early.
If your pump isn’t turning on (or won’t turn off), contact a professional to inspect and fix it.
Taking care of your pump system can save you from costly repairs and major headaches down the road!
