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Many people love having lower levels like basements, dens or storage areas. If you have a deep fully-furnished basement you may have plumbing fixtures hooked up to a sewage ejector pump to effectively remove wastewater from your home, but what do you do if your system needs repairs, and how do you even know if you have—or need—a sewage ejector in Edmonton.
You might be confused and wondering whether every home and floor needs a sewage ejector pump, but that’s not the case. It’s important to understand that water operates under the law of gravity and will always gather at the lowest point. For this reason, basements in Edmonton sometimes require a sewage ejector to help move wastewater up towards the drainage lines above them, so that waste from those lower levels can flow out of your home toward Edmonton’s municipal sewer system.
Whether you plan to renovate your basement by adding a toilet and shower or want an isolated laundry room, your Edmonton plumber from Mr. Rooter Plumbing of Edmonton can help you install a sewage ejector pump, and keep it working properly.
Strictly speaking, it’s designed to remove wastewater from below-grade levels and protect you from a sewer backup in Edmonton. Sewage ejector pumps are sometimes necessary if you have a partly to fully furnished basement with bathrooms or laundry rooms or plan to install these fixtures to make that level habitable.
Some plumbing technicians also refer to them as a sewage pump or pump-up ejector. Typically in Edmonton, your sewer line is built and installed at a level just below the footing of your home, which makes it easy for wastewater from the main floors and basement to flow directly into the sewer. However, if you want to add basement fixtures or drains below that main drainage pipe, you will need a sewage ejector pump to push liquid waste upward into the sewer line. They are also commonly used when you want to add a bathroom or fixture in the basement, but you don’t want to break up the floor to do it.
They may look similar at first glance because you install them on basement floors by digging up a sump basin for the device to sit in, but they have different purposes and maintenance requirements.
A sump pump’s initial purpose is flood and general water damage prevention, as it collects groundwater and excess moisture caused by heavy rain and runoff. It has a sensor that detects rising water levels. Once it reaches a certain point, the switch kicks in and the pump starts working, forcing excess water through a discharge pipe. A sump pump installation is best suited for homes that are in areas with a high water table (the border between water-saturated and unsaturated ground). Unfortunately, this includes most of the Edmonton region.
You install a sewage ejector pump in lower levels where plumbing fixtures are built below the sewer line. It’s designed to effectively remove wastewater, so that people who live in basement suites are well-protected and live in a safe and clean environment. An Edmonton sewage ejector pump typically directly connects to your sewer line or septic line via a discharge pipe. The lower your basement sits beneath the sewer line, the more horse power your sewage ejector pump requires to effectively perform its job. Forcing the waste upward to reach the sewer or septic tank is a fight against gravity.
Sewage ejector pumps require frequent inspections to ensure that no debris is obstructing the float. You must also ensure the lid is sealed properly and will effectively protect you from sewer gases. When the device malfunctions, you could experience raw sewage flooding.
You will find different size sewage ejector pumps, varying in weight and technical specifications. Your certified plumber can inspect your home and help you decide which type will work best. We also recommend that you pick a type first before digging the corresponding sump basin because the device will need to sit well in place. If you already have an existing sump pit, we are happy to examine it before you choose the suitable type for installation. Otherwise, these are the specs to look out for:
Technical characteristics:
Material
Pro Tip: Edmonton sewage ejector pumps spend most of their time submerged in wastewater. The more durable it is, the better. While thermoplastic types are cost-effective, heavy-duty cast iron offers higher performance and durability. A certified plumber will have to calculate the size of the pump and basin for your application, which will depend on what fixtures are draining to it and how far it has to move the waste. The higher it is, the more horsepower you will require for your basement in Edmonton.
We can help find the unit that is right for your application, some have added features, such as grinding blades or a non-clog impeller. You can count on us for a worry-free Edmonton sewage ejector pump installation.
Gadgets and other devices will always malfunction, reach their maximum lifespan—or worse—be poorly installed. With a mechanical device like a sewage ejector pump, you could get into very messy situations if anything happens. We specialize in sewer ejector pump maintenance, installation and repair services to ensure your systems are running smoothly. Our licensed plumbers can set your system up for success, and ensure that a lack of maintenance does not lead to faults that call for repair. Here are some common problems require will urgent sewage ejector pump repair services:
Device won’t start
If the pit or basin is filling up but the device shows no reaction, it’s likely a faulty float or a blockage. Contact your local plumber right away and don’t use your plumbing fixtures in the meantime. On other occasions, a tripped circuit breaker might be the culprit, in which case your device may need an alternative source of power.
Short Cycling
Pump systems that cycle on or off are a big nuisance. Does it appear to be ejecting although nothing is there? While it’s possibly a faulty switch, it could be a burnt out motor as well. For motors not to overheat or overwork, it’s important to ensure that there are no clogs and that you pay attention to any signals that your sewage ejector sends out. Short Cycling is often a problem caused by old age, so you might want to consider that your device has reached its maximum lifespan if you’re experiencing frequent cycling.
Strange noises
All units will have a certain noise when they are pumping. If you do hear screeching sounds or abnormal sounds while the unit is on, it’s probably struggling to break down waste and send it through the discharge pipe. Chances are that someone might have flushed a non-flushable item. To be sure your motor impeller and float aren’t obstructed or that clogs have not formed, we recommend calling your plumber.
Wastewater smell
If your sewage ejector pump starts to reek, check the vent pipe and inspect the cover lid for cracks. You may need to repair or replace the cover, or you may need other professional plumbing services.
Clogged discharge pipe
Nothing should obstruct the discharge pipe of the sewage ejector pump. Edmonton homeowners who experience frequent clogs of this type may want to upgrade to a unit that has more horsepower to effectively push waste into the sewer, so it doesn’t get stuck in the discharge pipe.
We recommend scheduling periodic inspection services to ensure you have a high-performing sewage ejector pump. Edmonton property owners can protect their overall plumbing system by making sure that nothing is blocking the float from moving and ensuring that the lid is sealed properly. As it handles wastewater and greywater, it could otherwise spread sewer gas and other harmful bacteria or contaminants. If you do encounter foul odours, ensure that the vent pipe is venting the sewer gas accordingly. If you’re unsure about how to adequately proceed with these inspections, your local plumber can walk you through some basic monitoring requirements for sewage ejector pump maintenance.
Who knew that having a sewage ejector pump requires so much responsibility? Perhaps you wish you’d never learned about this, but knowing the basic facts will help you make better choices in the future if you purchase a home or want to remodel your basement. Rather than taking comfort and convenience for granted, it helps to understand how each part of a plumbing system helps maintain a safe and healthy household. To help you know everything you need to, your local plumber has answered some relevant questions related to Edmonton sewage ejector pumps.
This type is more advanced in processing waste, as it has stronger grinding blades to further break waste down into slurry before discharging it. This way, it moves faster and minimizes the risk of clogs. There are situations where gravity isn’t strong enough to move wastewater up, which is why those sewer mains are “pressurized” (also called “force main”) to help push wastewater into the sewer.
If you have some basic plumbing knowledge, you can build a temporary bypass float switch as a quick solution before expert plumbing professionals arrive. It’s possible to bypass your faulty float switch by using direct power to activate the sewage ejector pump. However, plumbers don’t recommend you do it on a regular basis because you can over-exhaust your system, and ultimately cause it to fail. Instead, we recommend replacing the float switch or the device entirely.
As long as it’s a quality pump, it can last up to 16 years. When it’s time for a replacement, know the type that you need and ensure your basin size will be able to accommodate it in case you want to upgrade. Another tip is to ensure it has enough horsepower to perform the job well.
It’s hard to name an exact price due to the types and models that are out there. You also need to factor in potential installation costs. The total costs will depend on the number of hours required to dig, fit, install and create a vent system. Feel free to contact Mr. Rooter Plumbing of Edmonton to learn more.
Mr. Rooter Plumbing of Edmonton is here to help you detect any issues before they deteriorate! No matter what your needs are, from complicated Edmonton plumbing repairs to routine Edmonton drain cleaning, our team offers a wide variety of services to ensure you and your home are safe. Furthermore, you can count on our team to act fast and provide you with long-term solutions. We proudly serve many communities in Edmonton, from Aspen Gardens to Gold Bar and beyond.
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