Getting Wastewater from A to B
A grinder pump is typically used when a home or building's sewage system is located below the level of the sewer main or too far from the sewer main. In this situation, waste cannot flow by gravity alone and needs to be pumped to the sewer main.
How it works
A grinder pump is designed to break up solid waste into smaller pieces that can be easily pumped through the sewer system. This makes it easier to move the waste uphill and over longer distances, reducing the risk of clogs or backups in the pipes. It also allows the sewage to be pumped through small diameter flexible pipes, which makes for easy installation, even in rough terrain.
What kinds of buildings have grinder pumps?
All sorts of buildings have grinder pumps, from cabins to sprawling warehouses. Not all buildings have the same grinder pump needs.
Residential buildings
Many homes, new and old, have grinder pumps. Ever wonder how that keyhole lot has city sewer? They have a grinder pump! Lots of smaller developments will have grinder pumps, both to allow sewage to get to a higher or far away point, or so they can tie into a sewer system that may not have been designed to accommodate that much additional flow. Give us a call to see why Grinder Pump Experts is the Capital District's leading residential pump service provider.
Commercial buildings
Commercial buildings will often have large or multiple grinder pumps. Historically, there would be a central tank that the sewage flows into and there would be two high-horsepower pumps feeding up to the main. With modern positive displacement grinder pumps like the ones Grinder Pump Experts specializes in, you can have four or more 1 HP grinder pumps feeding into a common manifold. This increases redundancy, reduces downtime, and reduces maintenance costs.
Government buildings
Many government buildings like courthouses and correctional facilities have grinder pumps. These buildings have lots of material that ends up in the drains and grinder pumps help prevent that material from causing clogs.
Environmental benefits
Grinder pumps have a number of benefits to our soil and water.
Lakeside communities
Many lakeside communities suffer from terrible water quality because of failing or poorly designed septic systems. This has causes illness from people swimming in contaminated water and harmed fish and other aquatic life. Grinder pumps allow lakeside homes, even cliffside homes with steep inclines, to tie into a reliable municipal sewer system.
Grinder pump pressure sewer vs. gravity
Many gravity sewer systems are old and made of materials that are no longer watertight. These old sewer systems leak into the ground and into groundwater. They also let rain water in, overwhelming sewer treatment plants. Pressure sewer systems feed by grinder pumps are made of extremely durable materials that resist leaking over time. Also, they way they are designed makes it much easier and cheaper to find leaks.
Taking care of your grinder pump
Grinder pumps are like a gravity sewer system. You want to make sure you only flush human waste and toilet paper. Otherwise, you can get clogs and poor performance. A grinder pump is an appliance like your furnace. It lasts a long time but can last even longer if cared for properly. Check out this FAQ to see if your pump needs professional service.
Overall, a grinder pump can help to ensure that your sewage system is functioning properly and that waste is being safely and efficiently transported away from your home or building. If you are unsure whether you need a grinder pump, you should consult with a qualified grinder pump specialist who can assess your needs and recommend the best solution for your property.