How To Get the Most Out Of Your Sewage Pump and Extend Its Service Life

Pumps are often overlooked.  This makes me think of the time I was in the 8th grade.  I played a piece of singing celery in the annual school play. It was an integral role and really brought the whole play to a new level, but unfortunately I got little credit for my Hanks-esque performance. Similarly, pumps are the unsung heroes who work behind the scenes to make sure your plumbing systems are running efficiently.

Since pumps serve a variety of applications, they come in many shapes and sizes. Sewage pumps in particular are there to do the dirty work. These pumps sit in a basin and are necessary when wastewater can’t be moved by gravity alone. They move small solids and wastewater to a sewer system or septic tank. Every time you flush your toilet you activate the bat signal, letting your sewage pump know, there is work to be done.

Knowing how to extend the life of your sewage pump can not only save you time and money but prevent many future headaches as well. General life expediencies for sewage pumps can run from about 5-7 years for residential and 5-15 years for commercial applications. Below you’ll find several tips to ensure you get the most out of your sewage pump and how to extend its service life.

how to get the most out of your sewage pump and extend its life
Zoeller N264

1. Toilet paper only

Flushing anything other than what’s supposed to go down the golden throne may harm your pump. Any materials such as feminine products, disposable wipes, paper towels, and many other products should be disposed of in a place well…that isn’t your toilet! These materials can potentially clog your system and create the need for a future appointment with your local plumber.

2. Use a check valve to prevent back flow

The purpose of a check valve is to make sure fluid flows in one direction only and this prevent back flow.  Back flow is exactly what it sounds like, it is fluids that flow in the opposite direction of where it is supposed to go. Back flow can result in wastewater coming up through your sinks, shower drains, and toilets. A pump without a check valve can also suffer from short cycling. This means your pump will constantly be turning on and off which can lead to the pump burning itself out. So making sure your check valve is operating correctly can be super beneficial.

3. Set your floats at the appropriate level

Float switches activate a pump when the level of waste water inside the basin reaches a certain height. Setting your float switch at the right level ensures your pump turns on when it is supposed to. Unfortunately, switches rarely last as long as pumps do, but luckily you can find a wide variety of float switches at PumpProducts.com.

4. Have an alarm for early detection

An alarm can help prevent emergencies by providing a helpful warning against high water levels or pump failure. If you hear your alarm beeping, that means the pump needs to be dealt with right away. PumpProducts.com stocks the most reliable and easy to install alarms in the industry, from the most trusted distributors.

how to get the most out of your sewage pump and extend its life 2
Myers SRM4P-1

5. Know your application (TDH, GPM demands)

Perhaps the most important thing is knowing your application and the demands of your system.  This can go a long way in selecting the right pump. If you can determine the factors such as the TDH (total dynamic head) and GPM (gallons per minute) that you will need, that’s half the battle. If you need assistance finding that information, call a PumpProducts.com application engineer.  This will ensure you will receive the right pump for your application and you can then rest easy knowing your plumbing system is in good hands.

6. Finally, make sure your basin is properly sealed

Because no one wants to smell that!

PumpProducts.com sales specialists are standing by to help you find the right pump or part, as well as to provide price quotes, stocking availability and shipping information. Call our toll free number 1-800-429-0800 to speak to an expert today.