A: A wastewater pump is anything that is pumping raw sewage, runoff—anything like that, into a city main or a disposal center to be reclaimed, cleaned, and sent downstream as a gray water product.
A wastewater pump is a critical part of many residential and commercial plumbing systems. You will typically find a few types of wastewater pumps. Typically, in residential and commercial use, the most common is a sewage wastewater pump. The pumps will handle solid waste up to approximately 2” in diameter and push it to the sewer main or a septic tank. It is usually installed at the lowest point of the sewage basin or septic tank.
Since a sewage wastewater pump is often submerged underwater, it’s also called a submersible wastewater pump. These pumps can be operated manually or in an automatic or hybrid mode.
With a hybrid, the system is wired so the pump can bypass the float switch for manual use or be triggered by the float switch for automatic.
However, keep in mind that we don’t recommend running a wastewater pump in manual mode in a sewage basin. It can increase the risk of sewage overflow.
Sewage wastewater pumps are centrifugal with a modified design that allows solid matter up to 2” to pass through without clogging the pump. When the pump is initiated, the motor rotates the impeller which creates the pressure that forces the water into it and exits through the discharge pipe.
The pump is powered through a heavy-duty gauge electric cord normally 30 ft. max. Depending on the type of sewage wastewater pump and the model, the voltage it runs on can vary. The pump housing is heavy-duty as it houses the motor and impeller. It’s built to standards that make long-term use feasible.
Sewage Wastewater Pump Variations
Depending on the application you may need one of the three main types of sewage wastewater pump. Each has its own capabilities and specific duties.
Effluent Pumps – Effluent pumps are what is most often used in smaller on-site systems. They are specifically designed to remove effluent flowing from a septic tank. Effluent is usually a clearer liquid since the solid waste has already been filtered out into the tank. These pumps can operate at a higher level and more efficiently than other pump variations since they’re not moving solids.
Solids Handling Pumps – These are a more heavy-duty type of pump and their also called sewage ejector pumps. They are designed to pump out raw sewage that has far too many solids for a normal wastewater pump. These pumps are only for applications where raw sewage needs to be pumped out.
Grinder Pumps – These pumps are often confused with a sewage ejector pump simply because they too pump raw sewage. The difference lies in how they pump it. Grinder pumps are like a garbage disposal version of a wastewater pump. Rotating blades chop and grind the solid waste into small pieces before being pumped. This makes the pumping process a lot less taxing on the motor and more efficient for the wastewater system.
Benefits of A Sewage Wastewater Pump
A sewage wastewater pump is designed with the specific task of removing water from crawlspaces and basements. Now, naturally, our residential customers in Houston aren’t likely to have basements. Homes in this region just weren’t designed that way.
However, just about all the commercial buildings downtown and of course, our customers in the northeast are familiar with basement flooding. So, they can appreciate the benefits of having a reliable wastewater pump such as:
- Preventing Flood Damage— When heavy rains hits Houston its known for overwhelming downtown, many buildings may be vulnerable to flooding from sewage overflow. Having these pumps in the basement with adequate discharge mitigates that risk. Without them, a downpour can quickly turn into a foot or more of water in the basement, destroying so much.
- Reduce Risk of Mildew and Mold— If pools of stagnant water under a crawlspace don’t get pumped out, mildew and mold will grow. Not only does this damage the wood in your home’s structure but it’s bad for your health too.
- Reduced Fire Risk— Water and electricity do not mix, and they can be lethal. Standing wastewater will short-circuit any appliances in the basement. Washer and dryer, electric water heaters, and AC systems as well. Aside from destroying these expensive appliances, the water can also cause an electrical fire. A wastewater pump like this can prevent that from occurring.
Main Functions of Wastewater Pumps
You’ve read the benefits of these pumps in both the commercial and the residential arena. However, let’s talk briefly about what they actually do:
Wastewater Treatment and Reuse
The pumps take the wastewater your home or building is discharging into the main sewer. Wastewater pumps in the main system substations continue to force the water down the line, routing it, to the nearest water treatment plant. Once there, it is sifted for contaminants multiple times, and purified to be safe for consumption. Then, the treated water is redistributed back to you and everyone in the city you live in.
Sewage Treatment
In your raw sewage, there can be solids present made up of solids such as
- Toilet paper
- Hairballs
- Feminine products
- Waste buildup
- Grease clumps
It’s important to prevent your system from clogging by ejecting them and sending them off to the treatment plant. The right variation of wastewater pump can handle these solids up to 2” in diameter as discussed.
Industrial Wastewater
Wastewater pumps used on industrial job sites such as oil drill sites, concrete plants, and mining operations are crucial to comply with environmental codes.
Municipal Wastewater Disposal
Just as you may find wastewater pumps in use on commercial buildings as well as residential buildings, your city also uses them. Municipalities use these pumps on a much larger scale but still for the same purposes as the home. However, they also use multiple banks of pumps to properly service the entire city water system.
Gulf Coast Has You Covered For All Your Pump & Supply Needs
Whether you need a small sewage pump for your home, or a full-blown pumping station setup for a commercial skyrise—we have what you need.
Contact us today and let’s get you the pumps you need!