Sewage Ejector Pump Not Working? Educating Tenants on the Dos and Don’ts

New York City property owners, especially real estate investors and developers, know the value and commodity of square footage. They use every possible inch of practical and livable space to make their properties profitable. Still, the complete utilization of the space is only possible with the right tools, like sewage ejector pumps.

When converting basements, building owners must consider the complexities of their property’s waste management system. In older and newer buildings, if the main sewer line is above plumbing fixtures, the property needs a sewage ejector pump.

Because of its critical role in waste removal, when the sewage ejector pump is not working, it is apparent. Many issues with the pump stem from the misuse of drains. Discover the unique benefits of the pump, and learn tips to share with tenants to protect it.

Uncovering Why a Sewage Ejector Pump Is Not Working

The Pump’s Purpose

A sewage ejector pump operates under a similar principle to a sump pump, but instead of pumping stormwater seepage out of a property, the pump pushes waste and gray water out. The pump system contains a holding tank or basin, a grinder pump, and a pressurized sewer line. The system is located at the property’s lowest level, typically a basement.

When the gray water and waste reach a preset level in the holding tank, the pump initiates, propelling the waste through the system sewer line up to the main sewer or drainage line. Once waste is at the appropriate drainage level, gravity delivers the wastewater to the city sewer system.

If the sewer ejector system is not working, sewage builds up in the holding tank and the attached system line. Eventually, the pressure in the system becomes too great, resulting in a break or in sewage backup, both of which are unpleasant and hazardous to owner, staff, and tenant health.

Preventing line breaks, backups, and pump damage comes down to maintenance and adherence to proper drain use. Contact Antler Pumps to discuss annual service contracts and drain care.

Signs and Reasons a Sewage Ejector Pump Is Not Working

On average, a sewage ejector pump can last at least seven years with proper care and maintenance. Some estimates put a pump’s lifespan at 30 years with professional installation. Still, in a multi-unit building, it is challenging to ensure tenants are taking care to use drains correctly.

Some signs an ejector pump is not working correctly include strange odors and noises. Tenants on the lower levels of the property may complain of a sewage smell. Additionally, owners may receive noise complaints because the pump is humming, buzzing, or making knocking noises.

A damaged pump may also cause backflow, meaning tenants may see dirty water in toilet bowls, bathtubs, and low-level drains. The backflow is likely a result of clogs in the pump or in city sewer lines.

Ejector pumps may also experience similar issues as other pumps, such as struggling to start or constantly cycling. The pump should only operate when enough water is in the holding basin to trigger it. If the pump runs often or is not running as usual, call a repair technician with Antler Pumps to assess the unit.

The primary reason for a sewage ejector pump not working is abuse of the drainage system. In other words, tenants and staff are flushing or rinsing things into the waste line that the system cannot handle.

Using drains to wash away commonly prohibited items, such as grease or feminine hygiene products, causes clogs and can damage the ejector pump. Most people do not cause problems intentionally; they merely do not understand the dos and don’ts of proper drain use.

Teaching Tenants and Staff the Dos and Don’ts of Drain Use

Kitchen Drains

Kitchen drains get a lot of use. People often use them without thinking, especially if they have a garbage disposal, which is still pretty rare in NYC. Unfortunately, some kitchen waste can cause significant problems in the waste lines of a building.

Tenants should not wash butter, margarine, or cooking oil down their drains. The substances may seem like liquid going down, but they often solidify in the drain, collecting debris and building blockages. Other items people should avoid washing down their drains include:

  • – Coffee grounds
  • – Pasta
  • – Medications
  • – Rice
  • – Flour
  • – Peels and seafood shells

To protect against a sewage ejector pump not working, only use the sink drain for approved or safe items. Foods and kitchen waste safe for the drain include most liquids, some soft foods, and some vegetables. The safest option is to scrape dishes, pots, and pans into the waste basket before rinsing them in the kitchen sink.

Laundry Room Drains

Laundry room drains often clog with lint, soap residue, limescale, or dirt and grit from clothing. A clogged laundry drain can quickly cause backups and floods. It can also damage the ejector pump. To protect the drain, use the proper amount of detergent, install and maintain a lint filter, pre-rinse heavily soiled clothing, and clean drains regularly.

Pre-rinsing is usually only necessary when clothing is caked with dirt and grime. Rinse the clothing outside with a hose or in a bucket to keep most of the dirt out of the building drains.

Bathroom Drains

As with kitchen and laundry room drains, people can get a little lax with what they flush or rinse down the bathroom drains. To protect the ejector pump and waste management system, tenants should not flush:

  • – Baby wipes
  • – Cotton pads or Q-tips
  • – Cat litter
  • – Diapers
  • – Menstrual products
  • – Paper towels

Calling for Help When the Sewage Ejector Pump Is Not Working

Antler Pumps Is Ready To Serve

Sewage ejector pumps are necessary when plumbing lines and fixtures are below the primary waste line. To ensure the pump functions correctly, pushing sewage up and out of the premises, both tenants and staff must remain diligent about the dos and don’ts of drain use.

Do not hesitate to call for help if a sewage ejector pump is not working correctly. Contact Antler Pumps at 212-534-2500 to schedule an inspection and discuss an annual service contract.


Our Privacy Policy

Omnia Mechanical Group(the “Company”) strives to ensure the highest standards for property listings and customer information privacy. Please review the following statement to learn about our company practices and policies. Please be aware that our Privacy Policy is subject to change at any time.

1. Purpose.

This Privacy Policy (“the Policy”) provides information on how the Company uses your personal information. By agreeing to the Policy, you agree to our collection and use of your personal information as described in the Policy. This Privacy Policy is effective for all new users of Sanitaryplumbing.com.

2. Personal Information.

You can browse some areas of omniagroup.nyc (“the Website”) without being a registered user. However, certain activities do require registration. (You consent to the transfer and storage of your information by registering with omniagroup.nyc).

3. Use of Information.

Our primary purpose in collecting personal information is to provide you with a safe and user-friendly experience. For example, the Company may use your personal information to:

  • Improve our services and the Website’s content and layout;
  • Provide the services and necessary customer support you request;
  • Resolve disputes, collect fees, and troubleshoot problems;
  • Track and record customer satisfaction with our services;
  • Protect the Company against error and fraud;
  • Inform you of special promotions and announcements;
  • Enforce our agreements, terms, conditions, and policies; and
  • As otherwise described to you at the time of collection.

We may occasionally ask you to complete optional surveys. These surveys are used to improve and customize your experience with Sanitaryplumbing.com.

The Company always provides you the ability to opt-out of further communication such as promotions and surveys; see the Opt-Out section below.

The Company does not share any of your personal information with outside organizations, companies, individuals, etc. The only exception to this standard is if such a disclosure is reasonably necessary to respond to any and all legal processes.

4. Links to Other Sites.

The Website may have links to other websites that may collect personally identifiable information about you. The Company is not responsible for the privacy practices of the content of those linked websites.

5. Safety & Security Precautions.

The Website has strict security measures in place to protect you and your information from fraud. Once your information is provided to Omnia Mechanical Group, we strive to ensure the confidentiality of your identity and information.

6. Opt-Out.

The Company provides you with the opportunity to opt-out of receiving promotional and other non-essential, marketing-related communications from Omnia Mechanical Group. If you would like to opt-out of these select communications, please see any of the Company’s email communications and follow the directions indicated.

7. Account Protection.

Your password ensures the security of your account. When choosing a password, the Company suggests using various characters. It is highly recommended that you do not disclose your Sanitaryplumbing.com password to anyone. (If you do disclose your password or your personal information with others, you are responsible for all actions taken in the name of your account.) If the security of your password is compromised for any reason, please contact the Company immediately.

8. Accuracy of Information

The Company does not guarantee the accuracy of information for any and all of its properties on the Website, and is not responsible for any errors or misrepresentations (made by Renters, the Client, or otherwise).

9. Cookies

The Company may place a small cookie on your computer’s hard drive. This allows us to personalize your use on the Website. In order to maximize the functionality and usability of the Website, you must set your browser’s preferences to allow both permanent and temporary cookies.

10. Changing Your Personal Information.

Should your personal information change, please immediately update your information on the Website. This will ensure the accuracy of our records. The Company does retain personal information from closed accounts in order to comply with law and collect and disburse any fees owed.

11. Third Parties

This Privacy Policy addresses only the use of information we collect from you. Since omniagroup.nyc does not control the privacy policies of third parties, you are subject to the privacy policies of those third parties. It is advisable that you consult with the management of third parties before you disclose your personal information to others.

12. General

We may amend this Privacy Policy at any time by posting the amended terms on the Website. All amended terms are immediately effective after they are initially posted on the Website.

13. Privacy Policy Questions & Concerns

Questions and/or concerns regarding the Policy should be emailed to the following email address: info@omniagroup.nyc.