What happens when an ejector pump fails?
Since gravity alone can’t remove the waste from the home, what happens if that crucial step – the ejector pump – one day fails? If that occurs, flushed water and waste can build up in the pipes and eventually burst – usually at their lowest point, which for most homes is the basement.
Do ejector pumps go bad?
These pumps operate in a very harsh environment (submersed in sewage) and often fail after just a few years. Failure of your pump could mean sewage back-up in your basement. The risk of a damaging back-up is especially high if you have a water softener which drains into the sewage ejector system.
What is the life of an ejector pump?
7 to 10 years
While most sewage ejector pumps are designed to withstand at least 7 to 10 years of use, with some even lasting much longer, occasionally problems do arise long before the pump has reached the end of its life span.
How much does it cost to replace a ejector pump?
On average, plan on spending anywhere from $750 to as much as $1,900 for an ejector pump for a professional install for a simple swap and replace. Now, if the contractor needs to cut out a slab for the pump, install new drain lines and needs to re-concrete the area, the costs could be in the $2,500 to $4,500 range.
What causes an ejector pump to fail?
The most common reason why an ejector pump would stop working is because of the float switch. The float switch is used to control the height of the sewage waste within the basin (or pit which people often call it). Often these switches will wear out long before the ejector pump does.
Why do ejector pumps fail?
Some common problems that can occur in ejector pump systems are mentioned below: Over the years, the waste collected in tanks deposit a lot of grease. Once the waste reaches a particular level, it signals that the pump needs to empty itself. In the case of its failure, the pump will not do its job.
How often should ejector pump cycle?
You’ll likely need to change your sewage ejector pump every seven to 10 years, but if you maintain it properly and have it inspected annually, it may last up to 20 years.
How do you maintain an ejector pump?
How to Maintain Your Ejector Pump:
- Clean and prepare the pump. Turn off the circuit breaker and water source to the pump so it doesn’t turn on while you are working.
- Check the oil.
- Inspect pump impeller.
- Tighten connecting elements.
- Assess bearing damage.
- Ensure your seals remain tight.
- Clean your vents.
Why does my ejector pump smell?
A strong sewer smell coming from your basement is most often caused from a dried out floor drain, a bad ejector pit seal, improperly vented appliances or fixtures, or even a damaged sewer line. Most floor drains also include a cleanout plug inside that sometimes doesn’t get replaced.
How do you troubleshoot an ejector pump?
The best thing you can do is check that the outlet that the ejector pump is getting power from. You can install and plug in a light or another electrical device. If it is not receiving power check your fuse box to see that you haven’t tripped a fuse if that doesn’t solve the problem, call in a qualified electrician.
Can I turn off ejector pump?
Most sewage ejector pumps and some sump pumps have a floating ball attached to the pump by a separate electrical cord—if you see two cords coming out of the basin, you have a float switch. If they’re OK, unplug the pump from the back of the piggyback plug and plug it in directly.
Why does my ejector pump keep going off?
Why does my sewage ejector pump stop working?
A few of the most common reasons a float switch will stop working include: In most cases, float switch problems are an easy fix, so it is definitely not worth putting your entire sewage ejector pump in danger because you don’t fix the basic problem.
What do you need to know about an ejector pump?
An ejector pump system shreds the waste into finely-ground particles and water slurry which can easily be pumped out to the desired destination of disposal. An ejector pump system consists of a pump, float, inlet, outlet, and a tank.
What should I do if my ejection pump fails?
Before you call a plumber, test for a bad switch. It’s a $20 fix you can do yourself. If your ejection pump fails, check for a bad switch before deciding to replace the pump or calling a plumber. You can replace the switch yourself for about $20.
Why does my ejector pump make a sound when it shuts off?
This may be the vibration from any water that is traveling in reverse direction in your discharge pipe, once your pump shuts off. If you don’t have a check valve installed, hearing this sound is very common. Another issue that may be causing this is if your discharge pipe is coming in contact with the sump basin or floor.