solid waste pumps

Solid waste pumps are used where conventional gravity flow cannot carry plumbing waste away.  Fixtures in the basement of a house with a septic system usually need a solid waste pump to carry the waste up to the main sewer line. These systems are expensive and relatively complex.  These solid waste pumps are submerged in a tank with a sealed top.  The house plumbing fixtures drain into the tank.  When it is filled to a given level, the pump comes on, discharging the waste through a line which goes to a city sewer or septic system.  The incoming line is typically three inches and the discharge line is usually two inches in diameter. A vent pipe is typically connected to the top of the tank.  A float or diaphragm liquid level sensor activates the pump.  Some have high liquid level alarms which notify the homeowner of a malfunction.

PROBLEMS - Problems can develop with the electrical supply, or the electric motor.  The pump can become obstructed or damaged.  Leaks can develop in the piping systems which drain into or out of the tank.  

Care must be taken with these systems, since raw sewage is, of course, a health hazard.