What Is an Ejector Pump?

As a property owner, you understand the importance of maintaining a functional and habitable building. Still, you may not know the intricacies of every system or device that keeps operations running smoothly. Your property uses several pumps in everything from heating and cooling to hot water and cold water supplies and even waste management. In fact, one of the essential pumps in many NYC properties is the sewage ejector pump, but what is an ejector pump, and why is it so important?

What Is an Ejector Pump, and How Does It Work?

Purpose and Use

A sewage ejector pump is a straightforward centrifugal pump. Most modern designs are submersible and can move soft solid and liquid waste. The pump is not essential in every NYC building. It is mainly used in properties with laundry or bathroom facilities in their basements.

In a typical property, sewage and wastewater lines slant towards sewer mains. Gravity assists the waste in flowing from the building into the sewage lines, along with extra water supplies. The problem arises when pipework does not have enough of an angle or grade to use gravity or when plumbing is below grade, meaning waste lines must somehow move contents up to the mains. The sewage ejector system uses centrifugal force and horsepower to propel wastewater to an appropriate height, allowing gravity to work from there.

Types

As you learn about the uniqueness of an ejector pump, you must familiarize yourself with the three pump categories: submersible, self-priming, and vertical. Each pump offers unique benefits and use cases. Learning about each helps you determine which is best for your building.

The submersible pump is the most modern and common of the three ejector pump options. As the name implies, the pump is fully submersible; it is installed in a sump basin with single- or double-seals. Double seals offer more durability and might be better for apartment or multi-unit properties with more operational demands.

As a property owner, you may want to invest in a grinder ejector pump, which can break down solid waste without risking clogs or breakdowns. Grinder pumps can help septic and sewage systems run more efficiently.

A self-priming pump is less durable than a submersible option but better for small, tight spaces. The self-priming ejector option sits on top of the sump basin rather than inside and fills with water. Significant advantages of the self-priming over the submersible pump include easier cleaning and repair work. These pumps work best for shallow basins.

Finally, the vertical ejector pump is an ejector pump with a long operating life. It is the oldest model still in use and seems like a deconstructed ejector model. The pump motor rests on the plate outside the basin, and the pump shaft and discharge pipe are submersible. These pumps require frequent lubrication and are best for infrequent use.

Typical Operations

Sewage ejector pumps are not complex pieces of machinery. They comprise a two-piece arrangement: a pump and a float. With a submersible setup, the pump sits in the sump basin with a float attached. As the sewage level in the basin rises, the float lifts. Once the float reaches a certain height, it engages the pump motor. Then, the pump expels the waste, providing adequate pressure to lift the waste to the proper line and down the sewer pipe to the main septic line.

The float lowers to its usual resting location as the wastewater level recedes in the basin. Once back in its proper place, the pump disengages, turning off and ending the cycle.

Because the continuous cycles result in shifting pressure, a vent is necessary to equalize the system. The vent also helps release built-up sewer gasses, preventing odors from entering the living spaces. The vent pipe usually runs from the pump basin to an existing vent stack, which runs up the property to the roof.

Installation

An ejector pump installation typically occurs in a basement or sub-basement where plumbing and septic fixtures exist. For example, your building may have basement-level laundry facilities that require a wastewater ejector pump because the plumbing is below your sewer main. You may also need the pump installed if you renovate your property and install basement units or bathrooms.

Professionals should handle all installations. While the pump is not complicated to understand, the installation process is relatively complex. Installers need to:

  • – Assess the sewage basin location and seals
  • – Remove old pumps
  • – Inspect the existing pit
  • – Drill a weep hole
  • – Test the unit

Maintenance

Ideally, an ejector pump should last 7 to 10 years with minimal maintenance. The pump requires an annual inspection and service by a licensed plumber. During the service, the professional cleans the unit, performs a complete inspection, oils the motor, and assesses all components and connection points.

Building owners can help keep their systems running well by informing tenants of what can and can’t go down the drain. Flushing anything other than waste and toilet paper can clog the pump or overwork the motor. Not only can these issues shorten the lifespan of the pump, but they can also lead to unfortunate sewage backups.

What Is the Difference Between a Sewage Ejector Pump and a Sump Pump?

Wastewater Versus Groundwater

People often compare ejector pumps to sump pumps. While there are some similarities between the two devices, they perform entirely separate tasks. The expulsion of wastewater and waste is the only job of a sewage ejector pump. The primary purpose of sump pumps is to remove groundwater or rain runoff, not sewage.

What Is an Ejector Pump Maintenance Schedule, and Do You Need Professional Help?

Annual Service Contracts Protect Pump Operations

So, what is an ejector pump? It is a device that expels sewage from the lowest levels of a property, levels with plumbing below the sewer main. While these pumps are typically self-sufficient, they still require annual maintenance and inspections. Call Antler Pumps to learn more about these valuable pumps and ask about our annual service contracts to ensure all your property’s essential pumps receive the care and maintenance they require.


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.