If you have a bathroom, laundry room, or kitchen in your basement, your home’s plumbing has to fight gravity to get waste to your main septic system. This is where a septic ejector pump comes into play.
At Davis Plumbing, we find that many 951 homeowners don’t realize they have an ejector pump until it stops working. Understanding how this small but mighty piece of equipment works can prevent a major basement flood.
How a Septic Ejector Pump Works
Unlike a standard drain that relies on gravity, an ejector pump collects wastewater in a small sump basin. Once the water reaches a certain level, a float switch activates the pump, which then “ejects” the waste upward into your main sewer or septic line.
Septic Ejector Pump vs. Sump Pump
It is a common mistake to confuse these two:
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Sump Pumps: Only handle ground water and rain runoff.
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Ejector Pumps: Are designed to handle “blackwater” (solids and sewage). Using a standard sump pump for sewage will lead to an immediate and messy failure.
Signs Your Ejector Pump Needs Service
Because these pumps are often hidden under a sealed lid in the basement floor, you have to watch for these red flags:
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Frequent Cycling: The pump turns on and off constantly.
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Foul Odors: A sewage smell in the basement usually means the seal on the basin is broken or the vent is clogged.
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Alarms: Most modern systems have a high-water alarm. If it’s beeping, call a professional immediately.
Maintenance Tips
Just like your main tank, an ejector pump needs septic system maintenance. Avoid flushing anything other than toilet paper, as “flushable” wipes are the #1 cause of jammed ejector impellers.
Expert Basement Plumbing Support
Don’t wait for your basement to flood to check on your pump. Whether you need a new installation or a repair on an existing septic ejector pump, the team at Davis Plumbing is ready to help.
Call us at (951) 657-0393 for expert service in Perris, Canyon Lake, and throughout Riverside County.