Many modern households have the main sewage line somewhere at ground level, which makes it harder for basement bathrooms and laundries to safely eject their sewage. This is where sewage ejector pumps come in. A decent sewage ejector pump will send the sewage shooting right up into the main municipal line, reducing any and all inconveniences and clogs along the way.
Trust us, installing a perfect sewage ejector pump won’t be that easy.
Why Do I Need a Sewage Ejector Pump?
For those of you who still haven’t caught up, a sewage ejector pump is crucial for getting rid of wastewater from below-ground areas, such as a basement which uses a water supply. Usually, the sewage line is on or above ground, and naturally water flows from high to low, resulting in the line being completely cut off from the basement.
Our plumbing engineers can select the best sewage ejector pump for your property.
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A sewage ejector pump uses heavy duty power to pump up the wastage to the main sewage line, saving you tons on bathroom clogs and messes. Now, a pump isn’t entirely necessary. But if you have a basement bath or laundry room, you will surely want to install one. For houses which don’t have a basement water need, an ejector pump is entirely redundant.
Not pumping out sewage water from your water closets can result in:
- Solid and semi-solid wastes clogging the pipelines.
- Flooding caused by overflowing or burst pipes.
- Sewage water in sinks and taps.
- Accumulation of sewage water can lead to the spread of diseases like the flu, food poisoning, and respiratory issues.
- Sewer gas can create nausea, annoyance, and attract pests.
What Do I Need to Install a Sewage Ejector Pump?
An ejector pump has some system requirements. For the residents of Chicago, a sewage ejector pump requires:
- A Vent:
Every sewage pump, be it above or below ground, requires a vent outlet. This vent performs two functions. One, it equalizes pressure and makes sure that while the water is being pumped out, the empty space is being filled in by air, to avoid creating a vacuum. Two, it provides a conduit for the sewer gasses to leave the household. This is important, as mentioned earlier, as sewer gasses can be a nuisance and the smell hectic.
- Sump Basin:
This is the main “tank” in which the sewage water is stored. The sump basin is usually underground, a little lower than the floor of the basement. Its main function is to hold the sewer water until it is ready to pump out. There is a float in the tank (similar to the ones used in toilet cisterns) which, when reaches a certain height, trips a valve that starts the pumping.
- 2-Inch Outlet:
Of course, every pump requires an outlet. The outlet should be wide enough to allow enough water to pass, and should be able to handle the pressure created by the pump. The size mostly depends on the type and diameter of pipes installed in your house.
- Check Valve:
Most ejector pumps require a valve between the sewage inlet and the sump basin. This valve is known as a check valve, and it keeps the sewage water from falling back into the household. This is very important, as you definitely don’t want sewage water coming out of your taps and baths.
Get a Plumbing Permit:
But of course, the first and foremost thing you need is a permit. After all, installing a sewage ejector pump is no easy task, and improper fixture can lead to devastating results, including flooding, seepage, and perhaps even permanent damage to the city line.
How to Choose a Contractor:
Last but not least, you’ll need a contractor. If you are a skilled professional, you can do the job yourself. But even with the best plumber in town you will still need more than one person for the job. We recommend hiring a contractor so they can do the job for you.
In general, look for:
- Moderate Prices
- MEP Engineering Degree
- Customer Reviews And Reputation
- Licenses
Summing up:
To summarize, for a good ejector pump, you need to hire a moderately-priced contractor, buy the necessary equipment, get a permit, and make sure you’re doing everything you can.
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