Grinder Pump Maintenance: Prevent Waste Disposal Problems with Routine Care

If you are a landlord or property manager in New York City, you may have a building with basement apartments, garden apartments, or plumbed basement common spaces, like laundry rooms. In these scenarios, having a sewage ejector pump (aka grinder pump) is essential for waste disposal. Grinder pump maintenance can ensure your pump doesn’t malfunction, which creates sewage problems for tenants and headaches for you. Here’s what you need to know about taking care of your waste disposal pump.

What Does a Grinder Pump Do?

Help with waste disposal

Throughout most of your property, the force of gravity assists with removing sewage and greywater from the building. When a tenant flushes a toilet or runs water in the sink, it moves from a higher area to a lower one until it joins the sewer main and the waste is carried into the city’s sewer system.

However, in low-lying spaces, gravity isn’t available to help with waste disposal because these areas are lower than the level of the sewer main. In that case, a sewage ejector pump assists with waste removal. The waste collects in a basin until a sensor indicates the basin is full. This activates the motor-driven pump to forcibly remove the waste and empty the basin.

Commonly, sewage ejector pumps have a grinding function, similar to a garbage disposal, that chops waste into a slurry to make removal easier. That’s why this device is often referred to as a grinder pump.

Most likely, your sewage grinder pump is located in the basement floor, in a hole similar to the ones used for sump pumps that drain excess rainwater out of low-lying spaces. The size of the pump basin and the horsepower of its motor are determined by how much demand is being placed on it, whether a small laundry room, for example, or several apartment units. Private single-family homes, brownstones, and duplexes also use these pumps frequently when living spaces lie below street level.

How Do You Maintain Your Sewage Ejector Pump?

Check alignment

Your grinder pump should have been installed perfectly vertically, perpendicular to the floor. Occasionally, these pumps get knocked out of alignment, so it’s worth eyeballing. A grinder pump that is tilted slightly at an angle and not level may not work properly, as the basin float sensor can get stuck.

Evaluate electrical components

Before working on your grinder pump, it’s smart to shut off the power supply to it in order to avoid possible electric shock. You can either unplug it or cut the power using the circuit breaker.

Check over the electrical parts looking for the following:

• Frayed wires
• Jiggly plugs
• Loose attachments
• Anything that looks worn or hazardous

All plugs should be three-pronged and run to three-prong electrical receptacles only. Hardwired pumps should have waterproof junction boxes.

Look for worn and loose parts

Next, look over the entire system, keeping an eye out for loose parts, wear and tear, and components that no longer fit correctly together. Notice any buildup of mineral scale from hard water or sediment. Mild accumulation can be cleaned with vinegar or lemon juice. Heavier amounts of buildup can indicate interior clogs, which warrant inspection by pump experts, as well as possibly a water filtration system to prevent future problems.

One place where you may see the most wear and tear is in the seals or gaskets around the basin or the vent that goes to the plumbing vent stack. Hardened or cracked seals won’t do their job any longer and must be replaced. Typically, you’ll notice leaks once a gasket stops working correctly.

Clean and remove clogs

Look for anything that could clog the entrance or exit of the pump, as well as the vent. Remove debris, as necessary, including anything blocking the pump impeller, the key piece of equipment in moving waste. Also, be sure the check valve in the discharge line is not clogged.

Make sure the basin is clean and not encrusted. Otherwise, the float that activates the pump motor can become stuck, causing the pump to either fail to operate or to run constantly (see below).

Apply lubricant as needed

Depending on your grinder pump’s model, you may need to apply oil. Lubricating the pump will keep it running longer, just like adding oil to your car’s engine. Some pumps also have bearings to reduce friction. Make note of any wear on the bearings, if you see them, but their replacement is best left to professionals.

What Are Signs That Your Grinder Pump Needs Attention?

Warning signs of pump failure

Routine maintenance is great, but your grinder pump may show signs of malfunction in between checks. Know these signs that something is wrong with a sewage ejector pump:

• Pump operation triggers circuit breaker to cut power
• Pump won’t run when it should or only runs sometimes
• Pump runs continuously and won’t shut off
• Pump makes loud or strange noise
• Waste not being removed (remains or backs up in sinks, toilets, dishwashers, or clothes washers)
• Sewage odors noticeable in parts of the building served by the pump

What Do Tenants Need to Know About Grinder Pumps?

Education is vital to function

One reason you may have clogs in your grinder pump – and a reason we make a lot of sewage pump service calls – is tenants putting inappropriate things down the drain. These materials aren’t meant to enter the sewer system and become caught in the pump. Therefore, it’s important to inform tenants what can and cannot go down the drain.

Food waste, cooking grease, oils, coffee grounds, feminine hygiene products, and diaper wipes are some of the biggest culprits. These items should never be flushed or rinsed down the sink. A drain cover that should be emptied into the garbage can help keep the sink clear. Childproof locks on toilet seats can prevent young kids from flushing things they shouldn’t, another common prompt for service calls to us and our partners at Sanitary Plumbing.

What Else Should You Know About Sewage Ejector Pumps?

Expert advice

Finally, here are a few pro tips about grinder pumps:

• Consider using a duplex or two-pump system if you’re worried about overflow or loss of pump operation during repairs.
• Keep the pump’s power supply away from moving parts, sharp edges, and the float assembly.
• Talk to the pros at Antler Pumps about pump alarms that can alert you to problems before they spin out of control.

Need help cleaning or repairing a grinder pump in your property? Antler Pumps is here to help. Call us at 212-534-2500 or use our easy online form to schedule an appointment. We’re happy to assist with anything that’s outside your area of expertise, so your waste removal runs smoothly for you and your tenants.