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Below is a list of a few things you never want to see break down: The 87’ Volvo you’ve owned since college breaking down during a long road trip. Your 87 year old grandma breaking it down during the bridge of a popular hip-hop song. (Most costly of all) Your sewage pump breaking down after your extended family comes over for a 4 course Thanksgiving dinner. Sewage Pumps are used to transport waste and solids up to 2 inches in diameter to a public sewer or septic tank. Though sewage pumps typically have a service life that can last 10 or even 30 years depending on circumstances and variables, they are not immune to certain malfunctions without regular maintenance. Below are a few signs and indications that you may need to call your local plumber or look for a replacement sewage pump. Smells Perhaps the most obvious (and arguably worst) sign your sewage pump needs replacing would be the-why-does-my-basement-smell-like-my toilet-bowl fragrance suddenly emanating from your basement. This could be an indication that your pump is not emptying the pit or basin after it turns on. Smells could also mean you have a pipe leak in your system. If you or your local plumber can’t find a pipe leak, this could mean your sewage pump is faulty and may need replacing. Continuously Running If the pump is running constantly this could be an issue with your float switch. Float switches basically tell your pump when to turn on and when to turn off. When the water within the pit or basin reaches a certain height, it moves the float switch which in turn activates the pump. If the float switch is tethered, make sure the switch can properly hang straight down and is not encumbered or stuck. Constantly running can lead to a pump burning itself out or significantly shortening its service life. Fluid not being pumped If your pump is running but the basin is not emptying of wastewater, it could mean that your pump is clogged or not drawing enough power to create the suction necessary to pump. This could also be a symptom of your pump being overheated and shutting off from thermal overload. Be sure to monitor your pump and to minimize any toilet flushing to ensure that no wastewater floods over your basin or pit. Please note, that if there are a few inches of water in the bottom of the pit at any given time, this is normal and nothing to worry over. Remember that taking care of your sewage pump will mean your sewage pump taking care of you. Pump repairs can be costly and it may be more cost effective just to purchase a replacement. Fret not because if you’re reading this, you’re in the right place. PumpProducts.com carries a wide variety of sewage pumps from the most reliable brands in the industry like Goulds, Zoeller, and Myers among others. We also offer some of the lowest prices on the web. Call our application engineers and they can help size you out the right pump for your application. This means next Thanksgiving you can eat comfortably, knowing your reliable sewage pump is doing the dirty work so you don’t have to. Pump Products application engineers are standing by to help you find the right pump, 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.

Basins are more than just over sized looking garbage cans. They’re your pump’s home. In your home you probably have nice drapes, maybe a trophy of that really big fish you caught last summer at the lake, and that leather couch in the living room that has somehow outlasted two cars. Similarly, a basin is made up of several elements that make your pump run efficiently and feel at home. These heavy duty containers are commonly constructed of fiberglass or high grade plastic. They serve a variety of system types (simplex or duplex), sizes and applications. Some basins operate with multiple types of pumps while others are designed to be paired with a specific pump. The first and most important step in selecting a basin is making sure it’s fitted for your pump’s size. For instance, a basin that is too small could fill up rapidly and contribute to improper pump cycling. If the pump turns on and off repeatedly, it will quickly burn out. Longer downtime between pump cycles keeps the pump cooler and results in longer life. With that in mind, let’s explore the inner workings of what goes on inside your basin. Water enters the basin from the inlet. This is the opening located on the side of the basin. If your pump is automatic, once the basin starts to fill with water the float switch will raise which in turn will switch the pump on. Once the pump is on, the water will be pumped out of your system and exit through the discharge. A check valve should be located on your discharge line. The check valve keeps water from returning into the basin, preventing back flow. 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. The access cover is the lid of the basin. The biggest benefit of having a lid on your basin is unquestionably keeping that not-so-fresh smelling wastewater inside the basin instead of permeating through your basement. On the access cover there should be an opening for a vent, to regularize pressure within the basin, and another opening for the pump’s power cord. Some basins come in with an alarm fitted on them as well. The alarm’s purpose is to give owners advanced warning on any emergencies with their pump. Basins are integral in providing an environment in which your pump can work at an optimal rate. Pumpproducts.com sells a variety of basins from the most trusted brands in the industry.