A: A grinder pump is a wastewater pump that is used in a situation where the solids are too heavy for a traditional non-clog sewage pump. It actually has a cutter and a cutting wheel that will cut up the solids and pump it out into the wastewater system and wastewater treatment plant.
Grinder Pump FAQ’s
A grinder pump is a waste management device that is used to move sewage from a building out to the main sewer system. Typically they are used when the plumbing of the building is too low of grade to allow proper gravitational flow. Waste from sinks, toilets, and washers flow through the building’s pipes into the pump holding tank. Once it reaches a threshold the pump turns on and essentially mulches the waste into a fine ground sludge.
Many people assume grinder pumps are the same as a sump pump, but they are quite different. In fact, many customers who don’t have much experience with waste management devices have a lot of questions about grinder pumps and their usage.
Where Do You Install Them?
Grinder pumps will usually be found in the basement, residential areas, and in the backyard. If they are installed in the yard, the holding tank must be buried deep enough to avoid freezing. However here in the Gulf Coast region, that kind of freeze is exceedingly rare.
How Does A Grinder Pump Work?
A grinder pump setup contains a pump, a holding tank, and the alarm panel. Typically, a household grinder pump will run on a 1-2 HP motor. The cutting mechanism grinds down objects not native to sewage but gets flushed anyway. Items such as sanitary napkins, baby wipes, etc.
The pump has a sensor that turns it on when the tank reaches a certain level. These sensors are either built-in or external. Additionally, those sensors will also set off the alarm panel if the pump malfunctions and levels exceed the threshold. The panel has a buzzer and an indicator light that blinks to signal there is a problem.
The holding tank is made of either HDPE (high-density polyethylene), fiberglass, or FRP— all materials that are designed for durability. The tank has at least one inlet hole and only one discharge hole, more inlet holes can be added depending on tank design. The tank is a lid that is heavy-duty plastic and can be bolted down and/or locked.
How Do You Maintain It?
Grinder pumps typically don’t need preventative servicing unless the float sensors get grease buildup. Then, they would need to be hosed down to remove the buildup off of the floats.
Even though you are not typically limited to what you can flush or pour down your drain when you have a grinder—still be cautious. Some items, no matter what kind of waste management device you have, should never be flushed or put down the drain. Feminine products, cat litter, diapers, oil, and corrosives, are among the items you should dispose of properly—not through the sewage.
Need A Grinder Pump For Your Property?
Gulf Coast Pump And Supply has over 200 years of employee experience with all types of commercial and industrial pumps. We frequently sell grinder pumps to many different clients including commercial developments, manufacturing plants, and residential complexes. Contact us today and let us know how we can help you with your project.