How to Maintain Your Sewage Ejector Pump

A grinder pump holding tank is an important part of your sewage system.
  • 2-10 hours
  • Intermediate
  • 0-1,000
What You'll Need
Trash can
Lemon juice
Plumber
What You'll Need
Trash can
Lemon juice
Plumber

Your sewage ejector is basically a big hole in the floor. In this hole, you will find a special pump that will collect all of the waste from the plumbing fixtures.

The water that is used will then pump into a drain that will ship it out of your plumbing system. This, of course, can add an odor if it is not cleaned properly or regularly.

As long as you know the right steps to take, you will find keeping your sewage ejector pump clean is an easy task.

Step 1 - Use the Trash

trash can

A lot of people will flush things down the toilet because they believe it will not hurt it. This is not always the case. You should always keep a trash can near your toilet to prevent you from even being tempted to do this.

Things such as feminine products as well as condoms are a couple of the most common products that are flushed down the toilet.

However, these will quickly cause your system to back up as they are not meant to be flushed under any circumstances.

Once that happens, there is no way to clean it out, and the pump will need to be removed and often replaced.

Step 2 - Maintain Your Grinder Pump

Keeping your grinder pump clean will help to keep your entire system running smoothly. This is a task that is actually quite easy and does not take much time or money. You will probably not even need to go out and buy any additional supplies.

If you simply flush lemon juice down your toilet, it will help to break up any clogs and keep your grinder pump clean and running properly.

It will also cut back on odors caused by materials that are in the grinder between flushes.

Step 3 - Conduct Yearly Maintenance

It is usually a good idea to go ahead and have a plumber come by once a year to do some maintenance on your system.

This way you will not have to worry about possibly paying extra for them to come out when it is an emergency.

They will be able to get down deep into your system and clean out all of the things you would not be able to on your own.

Step 4 - Be Aware of Problems

sewage coming out a faucet

It is important to know when trouble is brewing. An unmistakable sewage odor will usually be your first clue.

Of course, it is always a good idea to call a plumber to fix the problems since they're equipped to handle multiple situations. But if you feel like it is something you want to handle, then it is doable.

Step 5 - Check the Vent

There will be a local vent that is installed with all sewage ejector pumps. This connects to the pit that is outside and there is nothing attached to it. This is the first place to check when there are problems.

You will need to block the vent so the odor will stay in the pit. Be sure the pit’s lid has rubber seals, as this will be what keeps the lid secured tight. Also, check to make sure there are seals around the discharge and the vent line.