Also, if the lid gets cracked, be sure to replace it as soon as possible as sewer gas is a health hazard.Īnother key difference between a sump pump and an ejector pump is why a home may need either piece of equipment. The biggest reason for failure is debris caught on the float. Although not required, it’s recommended to check periodically to make sure toilet paper and debris are not caught on the float. Ejector pumps do not need regular maintenance for continued operation. Sump pumps require regular maintenance for their upkeep, including cleaning the pump and sump basin.

Sump pump failure can cause significant flooding and water damage. Some flooding can result from an ejector pump malfunction, though not typically as much as what results from a sump pump failure. Ejector pump failure can cause raw sewage to enter the basement which poses a health hazard inside the home and must be thoroughly cleaned. The difference between a sump pump and an ejector pump is the presence of sewage. The Differences Between Sump Pumps and Ejector Pumps The ejector pump has a discharge pipe that runs into the sanitary sewer line which carries waste to the municipal sewer or private septic tank. For ejector pumps handling greywater or processing wastewater with human waste, a vent pipe will be attached to the lid to allow for the venting of sewer gases. The ejector pump basin should be covered with a sealed lid.

While a sump basin is usually open and you can see the pump down inside of it, it may also be covered with a lid. Grey water does not contain human waste but may contain particles of other matter washed down a drain, such as hair, food, cleaning products, and more.

While the sump pump manages groundwater, the ejector pump moves wastewater from basement toilets and greywater from basement sinks, appliances, and floor drains uphill to the main sewer line. It can be easy to confuse sump pumps and ejector pumps, as both look similar and are situated within small basins on the floor of a basement. The sump pump activates to remove this water from the basin, pumping it through a drain line that discharges water outside of the home and away from the foundation, or it’s connected to a storm sewer. Groundwater that makes its way into the basement or crawlspace through the foundation flows to the lowest point where the sump basin is located, and the water collects within it. This pump sits above or within the sump basin, which is a cylindrical pit that extends at least two feet below floor level. What Is a Sump Pump?Ī sump pump is used to remove groundwater that has infiltrated the basement or crawlspace. In our most recent blog, B&W Plumbing, Heating, Cooling and Drains explains the differences between a sump pump and an ejector pump so you can better understand the purpose of these plumbing equipment. This is the sewer ejector pump, which has a different role – to move waste from basement bathrooms or other plumbing in a lower level up to the main sewer line. While sump pumps are fairly commonplace and have been used in homes for many years, some homeowners may notice a second pump installed nearby. Call us today at (717) 786-2188 to schedule your ejector pump maintenance.Different types of pumps are installed in Indianapolis area homes, with each serving different purposes. Below are some of the best that we install.

has the expertise to service, repair and replace ejector pumps. Regular maintenance is critical to keeping these pumps in good working order providing reliable service. If you have a sewer ejector pump in your home, you definitely want to keep it in good working order! This pump ensures that everything you flush down the toilet or down the drain gets pumped out of the house and into the sewer or septic line. From there it is pumped to the sewer or septic tank. The waste water is then pumped up and out of the basin and to ground level. Similar to a sump pump, when waste water levels in the pit reach a certain height, a float is tripped. Sewage ejector systems are intended to sit in their own sump pit and should be kept away from your normal waste water sump pit. The top of the sump pit will be sealed so that no waste or odors can seep out of the basin. With a sewage ejector pump, a vent needs to be installed to run from the sump pump through the room. There is a key distinction between sewage ejection systems and waste water sump pumps – a vent. They are typically installed in basements and are part of a larger system designed to pump both liquids and solids. Sewage ejector systems are used when a laundry room, bathroom, or other plumbing fixture is installed below the main septic or sewer line grade.

Sewage ejector pump for septic system