Trinity Liquid Waste Services the San Francisco Bay Area

You rely on your sewage system every day to remove wastewater from your home or business. This system’s essential job is often overlooked until something goes wrong and you’re stuck with a mess. That’s why it’s so important to be able to recognize when there is an issue with your system.This can help you identify the problem before it creates a larger issue. Trinity Liquid Waste can help you learn how to pinpoint these problems, including knowing the signs that you need to repair or replace your sewage pump. Please reach out to us today if you need service on your sewer system.

What Is a Sewage Pump?

A sewage pump, also known as an ejector pump, is a device used to pump wastewater from one location to another. They are needed at residential homes and commercial spaces when a bathroom, laundry room, or any other space containing plumbing fixtures is located below the level of the main sewer or septic line. For example, when plumbing is installed in basement spaces, a sewage pump is needed to force the wastewater up to the main drainage line, where it can then flow out and be disposed of properly. Typically drainage relies on gravity, but when plumbing fixtures are located below the mainline, extra force is required to pump the wastewater out.

Common Signs Your Sewage Pump Needs a Repair

The key to minimizing sewage problems is identifying concerns early and taking the appropriate action to correct them. Because your ejector pump helps to eliminate waste from your home, you must be sure it’s working at all times. Otherwise, you could create a clog or blockage in the system that causes a backup. Your sewage pump may need to be repaired or replaced if:

  • You Have Dirty Water: If you notice dirty water running through your system, it could be a sign that your pump is not adequately removing waste from your system. Dirty water coming from your taps is not only an inconvenience but could also harm the health of your family.
  • You Notice a Sewage Odor: If you’ve noticed an odor of sewage, this could be a sign your pump is not pumping waste to the main sewer line, and that is instead collecting in the drain. This can eventually lead to a clog or backup of wastewater into your home.
  • The Pump Has Trouble Starting or Won’t Start at All: If your pump is slow to start, it could be a sign that there is something wrong or that the pump is beginning to fail. It’s important to have a professional take a look to get your pump back up and running.
  • The Pump Cycles Frequently: Your pump is supposed to cycle on as needed to pump waste into the sewer line and then turn off once the job is completed. If you notice that your pump always seems to be pumping or is cycling on more frequently, it may not be able to perform its job correctly. Be sure to have a professional take a look before the pump completely fails or waste starts to collect.
  • You Notice Unusual Sounds: All pumps will make some noise as they work to pump wastewater from your home. However, if you notice any new or unusually loud noises, that’s a cause for concern. Call a professional to take a look at the pump and ensure it is working properly.

Why Do Home Sewer Pumps Fail?

Your sewer pump is designed to operate for many years. However, certain conditions can cause issues with these pumps that require a repair or result in the pump’s total failure. In cases where the pump fails, a replacement pump will be necessary. Our team in San Francisco, CA will be able to determine what caused your pump failure and whether a repair or replacement is needed. Sewer pump failure is often caused by one of the following situations:

  • Broken Float Switch: Ejector pumps work much like a sump pump by using a float switch to determine when to cycle on and begin pumping. The float switch floats on top of the water and senses when a certain water level has been reached. It then turns on to pump out the water. These switches can fail, meaning your pump doesn’t know when to turn on. This issue can usually be fixed with a repair.
  • Bypassing the Float Switch with Direct Power: When the float switch goes bad, some property owners will bypass the switch and provide direct power to the pump to get it to pump the waste that has currently been collected. While this is okay as a temporary solution until you get a new switch, it is not an effective long-term solution. Bypassing the float switch for an extended period will eventually burn out your pump because the direct power causes the motor to run nonstop.
  • Ignoring Partially Clogged Drainage Lines: Clogs can occur within your septic lines, making it harder or impossible for waste to travel as it needs to. Partially clogged pipes will only get worse over time, which is why it’s important to address them sooner rather than later. If you notice that your pump is having to run longer, it’s likely doing so to push water through a partially clogged pipe. This extra time spent pumping can burn out the motor quicker and result in pump failure.

Preventing Issues with Your Ejector Pump

It’s essential to take the necessary precautions to prevent problems with your ejector pumps, as these small actions can potentially save you a lot of money and inconvenience. The two best methods to help you prevent sewer pump problems are:

  • Getting Regular Inspections: To ensure your pump is working as it should, it’s important to get regular inspections by a professional.
  • Not Putting Certain Items Down Your Drain: There are certain items you should not put down your drains as they can collect inside pipes and cause clogs that force your pump to work harder. Avoid putting any fats, grease, or oils into your drains.

Contact Us for Sewer Services

If you are concerned there may be an issue with your sewage ejector pump, Trinity Liquid Waste is here to help you address it. We encourage you to give us a call if you noticed an unusual performance of your pump or if you simply want us to inspect it. Please reach out to us as soon as you can, and we’ll schedule an appointment.