If you are living in or about to move into a home that has a grinder pump you will need to be aware of how it functions as well as simple ways to keep it working properly. So, let’s look at why a home would need a grinder pump and how to keep it well maintained.
You will likely require a grinder pump in your home if you have a plumbing system either below or at the same level as the public sewer line or septic tank, which stops waste from flowing through the system fast enough. One example of this would be if you have a bathroom in the basement. The grinder pump, as its name might suggest, grinds up waste until it becomes a slurry, it then pumps the slurry through into the septic tank or sewer. This is important because it enables waste to push through the system at a quicker rate.
To keep a grinder pump working well certain items should never be placed into the system. Some of these items are toxic chemicals, grease (which will build up in the tank), cat litter, plastics, diapers, and feminine hygiene products.
Grinder pumps use electricity to power them so it’s important to remember that if the power goes out, try to use as little water as you can to stop the tank from overfilling. Also, you would never want to connect a grinder pump to a sump pump, this uses a lot of electricity and can cause the pump to become overworked.
Lastly, if you are planning to be away from home for a few days you will want to prep the tank. To do this, run the water until you activate the grinder pump. This flushes the tank with clean water, preventing unpleasant odors from coming into your home while you are away.
