Types of Sewage Pumps in Your Home and What They’re Used For

Sewage. It’s a topic that no homeowner wants to discuss, but it is a crucial component of every home’s plumbing system. Why? A well-functioning sewage pump is necessary to remove wastewater and sewage from your property. Especially in homes with a basement bathroom, a laundry room below the main sewer line, or a septic system, sewage pumps keep your home safe, sanitary, and free from plumbing emergencies. 

As important as they are, homeowners need to learn more about sewage pumps, Detroit included. That’s why the plumbing experts at Waterwork put together this ultimate guide. Here, we’ll educate homeowners on the most common types of sewage pumps, how to maintain them, what you can expect for life expectancy, and the warning signs to look for. 

Keep reading to ensure your home’s plumbing system remains reliable and efficient.

The Most Common Types of Sewage Pumps Detroit Needs to Know 

Let’s not waste any time with this guide (pun intended!). Here are the most common types of sewage pumps Detroit homeowners need to know. 

Submersible Sewer Pumps

Submersible sewer pumps are engineered to operate while completely submerged within the sewage basin. These pumps offer dual benefits: the surrounding wastewater provides natural cooling for the motor while simultaneously reducing operational noise. This is the most common type of sewer pump you’ll find in homes with bathrooms in their basement, or below the main sewer line. 

Grinder Sewer Pumps 

Grinder sewer pumps serve a specialized purpose in waste management, as they’re specifically designed to break down solid waste material. This means, they’re often used in buildings with toilets – like homes and businesses. Their primary function is to shred waste into smaller particles, which helps prevent clogs and blockages from forming within drain pipes. 

These pumps operate by forcing wastewater under pressure until it reaches a height where gravity can take over, allowing the waste to flow naturally to the house drain, house sewer, or public sewer system. When sewage needs to move under pressure rather than gravity, the system is referred to as a force main sewer.

Maceration Sewer Pumps

Maceration sewer pumps employ a different approach, utilizing rotating blades to transform waste into a liquid slurry that can be more easily pumped through the system. Maceration pumps are typically the go-to for plumbing systems if you can’t use a traditional gravity-based sewer pump due to architectural or geographical constraints. 

Upflush Toilets

Upflush toilets represent a unique category in sewer pump technology. These systems are installed where traditional gravity-based waste disposal isn’t possible. The upflush toilet system works by pumping waste upward until it can connect with the house drain, at which point gravity takes over to complete the waste removal process. 

This innovative solution eliminates the need for extensive and expensive plumbing modifications that might otherwise be necessary.

How to Maintain Sewage Pumps Detroit 

Like so many systems in your home, proper and ongoing maintenance of your sewage pump Detroit, is key to keeping it running efficiently and extending its lifespan. Regular upkeep, including inspections, cleaning, and testing, can help prevent costly breakdowns and, quite frankly, messy situations. 

Whether it’s removing debris from the pump and basin, checking for leaks or rust, or scheduling professional servicing, a few proactive steps can save you from plumbing headaches down the road. Here are some essential tips to help you maintain your sewage pump and keep your home’s plumbing system in top shape.

1. Inspect the pump regularly: Check for signs of wear and rust and secure wiring connections to avoid unexpected failures.
2. Test the pump periodically: Pour water into the basin to ensure the pump activates automatically and drains properly.
3. Clean the pump and basin: Remove debris, sludge, or buildup that could clog the pump or reduce its efficiency.
4. Check the float switch: Ensure the float switch moves freely and isn’t stuck, as this controls when the pump turns on and off.
5. Install a backup system: Consider adding a battery backup or generator to keep the pump running during power outages.
6. Schedule professional maintenance: Have a plumber inspect the system annually to catch and fix potential problems early.

Sewage Pumps Detroit: Warning Signs to Look For

Again, like your home’s water heater, furnace, or even washing machine, there are warning signs to be aware of when sewage pumps begin to go bad. Being proactive about identifying these issues can help prevent costly repairs and protect your home from sewage backups or flooding.

If you notice any of the following signs, it’s important to contact a professional plumber promptly. As continuing to use a malfunctioning sewage pump can lead to more severe damage and potentially hazardous conditions in your home.

• Unusual noises during operation, such as grinding, scraping, or excessive humming, which could indicate mechanical problems or debris in the system
• Strange gurgling sounds coming from drains or toilets, especially when other fixtures are in use
• Slow-draining fixtures throughout the home, particularly in basement bathrooms or lower-level plumbing
• Sewage odors emanating from drains, the pump basin, or around basement areas
• The pump running longer than usual or cycling on and off more frequently than normal
• Visible water backup around floor drains or the lowest points in your home
• Unexplained increases in your electrical bill, which might indicate the pump is working harder than necessary
• Vibrations or shuddering during pump operation that wasn’t present before
• Frequent circuit breaker trips when the pump activates
• Standing water or moisture around the pump basin or sump pit

The Final Word: Sewage Pump Detroit Maintenance with Waterwork 

If your home has a sewage pump Detroit, it’s crucial to upkeep its maintenance to avoid catastrophic results. Now that you know about the main types of sewage pumps, it’s time to find a plumbing partner to do so for you. Luckily, you’re in the right place with the plumbing service expert team at Waterwork Plumbing. 
Waterwork has served the Metro Detroit area for nearly twenty years, providing ongoing plumbing maintenance, emergency repair, and beyond. Learn more about our history and credentials, or schedule an appointment online to maintain your sewage pump Detroit, troubleshoot common plumbing problems, or tackle a necessary repair.