A: There could be a lot of requirements seeing how there is a lot of different styles of sewage pumps. You have your basic non-clog, your high-head, you have vortex-style impellers. You have grinder pumps, chopper pumps, and macerating pumps, to name a few.
So, really it just depends on what your situation is. We like to ask for a little bit more detail so we can properly quote the correct equipment for your job. Because runoff from a parking lot into a lift station may be one style of pump. However, actual raw sewage from a mobile home park or small community is going to be a totally different style of pump—but they’re all sewage pumps.
So, it just really depends on what it’s being used for—what the primary use is. Then, the right equipment will be based off that.
Sewage is not a pleasant smell; can we all agree on that? It’s even worse when the sewage gets backed up. It can be a smell that can make someone feel ill. That being said, there are few problems for property managers and city engineers as frustrating as a sewage backup. Whether the structure is a residential home, or a commercial property, having the right sewage pump system is crucial. However, determining the right system is an intricate process.
It’s Not Always The Sewage Pump
If you are having a problem with wastewater backing up or even draining slow, the first thing is to determine the origin of the problem. For example, if a sewage pump has failed due to age or normal wear—simple solution. However, you shouldn’t stop there—you need to inspect the health of your entire sewage system. A failed pump could be the origin of the issue. However, it might just be a symptom of a bigger problem.
Similarly, if you’re having a new house built it’s important to consider the design and needs of removing wastewater within your system. You need to consider things like the depth of your sewage pit, or if you even need a sewage pump.
How Sewage Systems Work
Most municipal sewage systems consist of two underground sewer lines that are solely for water collection and water disposal. The storm sewer line and sanitary sewer line are the two lines that move the water.
Storm sewers gather rainwater that accumulates in catch basins. When those basins overflow it flows to the storm sewer which moves it to the nearest river or stream.
The sanitary sewer, on the other hand, takes wastewater from many buildings’ sewage systems. It directs it to the water treatment plant where it’s purified through a multitude of processes.
For buildings that are at ground level, a sewage pump is not necessary—gravity handles wastewater transport. However, if your home’s or building’s foundation is below the sanitary sewer line, a sewage pump is needed to move wastewater.
On a larger scale, when an entire city or neighborhood is below the main sanitary sewer line a lifting station is used. These stations are critical to a healthy sewage system as they connect low-lying neighborhoods to the water treatment plant. These lifting stations as you may have guessed, also depend on sewage pumps—much bigger pumps.
That’s the condensed, barebones version of how a sewage system works. However, you would need to check local codes for full requirements and considerations.
Choosing A Sewage Pump
When deciding on a sewage pump replacement you need to know a few things about the old one. Things like the phase of power, voltage, amperage, and horsepower of the pump are critical pieces of information. You should be able to find this on the service tag of your pump. If you can’t find it or it’s worn beyond recognition, send us a photo to help.
The discharge size of your old sewage pump is important to maintain compatibility with the existing piping. Discharge pipe size should not be smaller in diameter than the discharge outlet on the pump. Often, the sizes will be noted on the pump casing for easy reference.
For reference, most residential systems use a waste solids discharge pipe size of at least 1 ½”. In commercial and industrial systems the average size is at least 2 ½”.
Another key factor is the flow and total dynamic head (TDH) requirements of your system. Flow requirements are measured in gallons per minute (GPM). It’s a basic formula that is based on how many users, peak use times, and how many fixtures are connected. Your GPM is crucial to be able to accurately calculate the TDH.
Selecting a Basin
The holding tank where wastewater is temporarily held is called a basin. The basin also houses the sewage pump which is submerged. The pump sucks the water out of the basin and pushes it out to the main sewer line.
Choosing a properly sized basin is important for a smooth discharge flow, proper pump cycling, and preventing sewage overflow.
To get the sizing right for your basin you need to keep the following in mind:
- Simplex or duplex system?
- Code requirements for basin material and lid (fiberglass, steel, etc.)
- Pipe size—the basin contains a discharge pipe and suction pipe that should match with the sewer line and your pump’s discharge pipe.
- The basin lid must be vented to prevent an airlock and to help with the management of gases from waste.
- Code requirements for basin inlet size.
- Guide rails are essential! A basin installed on a guide rail system makes removing the pump much easier, reduces maintenance labor and cost, and keeps you safe if working on it yourself.
Basin capacity is a major factor to ensure proper pump cycling. If the basin is undersized the pump will run constantly to remove water and prevent overflow. When this happens, you overwork the pump and it will shorten its lifespan significantly.
Sewage Or Grinder Pump—Is There A Difference?
When you’re looking for a pump you’ll see a lot of terms such as vortex, macerating, and grinder pumps. Always remember, all grinder pumps are just sewage pumps. However, not all sewage pumps are grinders.
Sewage pumps are engineered to allow waste solids up to 2” in diameter to pass through. Grinder pumps, on the other hand, turn waste solids into a slurry that moves through the pipe easier. When we say waste solids we mean human waste and toilet paper.
That’s an important distinction to make as many wrongly assume that grinders can macerate just about anything. Feminine products, plastics, cardboard tubes, clothing—yes, you’d be surprised what people flush down a toilet—especially in hotels. However, this is not the case and these items will clog a grinder pump.
A better option if this is a common issue for say, a hotel—would be a no-clog shredder or cutter pump. These pumps are designed to destroy things like diapers, or plastic items such as water bottles, and other synthetics.
Confused Or Overwhelmed Yet?
As you can see, it’s easy to get in way over your head when building out your sewage system or choosing a new sewage pump. A much easier solution is to let Gulf Coast Pump & Supply do the hard work for you.
Contact us today and we can build out a system that is custom to your needs and local code requirements. We’re here to help!