Sewer Ejector Pump Installation & Repair in Boiling Springs, SC
Good service is worth sharing.
For the most part, gravity is what makes a home’s drain system function. But you will not find every bathroom or laundry room perched above the sewer line. In a finished basement, a lower-level bath, or a house on a slope where the main drain is out of reach, a sewer ejector pump is hard at work. Boiling Springs is full of homes with walkout basements and hillside lots that put this hidden workhorse to good use. At Pro-Flo Plumbing we install, repair and replace sewer ejector pumps so your wastewater goes where it should.
What a Sewer Ejector Pump Does
The unit is housed in a sealed pit below the fixtures it serves.
- As wastewater from the washing machine, toilet or shower makes its way into the basin, a float switch senses the rising level and engages the pump.
- It then grinds or forces solids and liquids up through the discharge pipe to the septic system or main sewer line.
- A check valve prevents any backflow while a vent line allows air to escape.
- It is a compact system that handles a large job, provided it is put in correctly.
Ejector Pump vs. Sump Pump
There is a tendency to mix them up, but a sump pump and an ejector pump are not the same thing. The former removes clean stormwater and groundwater from around the foundation, and the latter moves sewage. You cannot put one in place of the other, and in most instances you are not permitted to tie groundwater into the sewer. We can put in both, and we will see to it they are set up properly.
Signs Your Ejector Pump Is Failing
- Slow drains or gurgling in basement fixtures.
- Sewage odors near the pit or in the lower level.
- Loud noises, humming without pumping, or constant cycling.
- A high water alarm sounding in the basin.
- Sewage backup in a tub, shower, or floor drain.
- A pump that is more than ten years old.
If there is a backup, do not take it lightly. Sewage in the home is a health risk, so stop using water in the area and get a professional on the scene. The cost of water damage and cleanup from a pump failure will run you far more than the price of a new unit.
Installation, Codes, and Local Rules
Putting in an ejector is no small matter. We have to cut the slab, set the basin, wire the pump to its own circuit and make the right connections for the discharge, check valve and venting. Most of the time plumbing code calls for permits and an inspection, so we handle the paperwork. Whether the local utility maintains the public sewer to stave off overflows, or a rural property is on a septic system regulated by the state, we make sure the setup is sound. For those with a septic tank, we will verify the pump discharge is in order for the tank and field.
Maintenance That Prevents Emergencies
An ejector pump does not ask for much, yet if you let it go it will not last. We advise you to test the float switch now and then, keep the lid on tight and be mindful of what is being flushed, with no grease, wipes or feminine products. A battery alarm or a backup pump is a wise investment for a finished basement, particularly in the Upstate where a storm can mean a power outage and some unwelcome complications.
Frequently Asked Questions About Ejector Pumps
Who should I call for a sewage backup?
Call a plumber you can trust. One of our technicians can inspect the pump and clear a backup with drain clearing or hydro jetting, and we schedule same-day service when it is an emergency plumbing issue.
What other plumbing problems can you fix?
We cover all manner of residential and commercial plumbing, from a burst pipe, leak repair and faucet trouble to drain cleaning, septic pumping questions and water heater or tankless water heater service.
A Local Team That Shows Up
We know a sewage issue is stressful, and we bring urgency to it. We are proud to be part of this community and to leave a home in good order when we are done. If your present system is giving you trouble or you are in need of a new pump, get in touch with the Pro-Flo team.
Let’s get your plumbing back on track.
Request a free estimate or call Pro-Flo Plumbing & Drain Cleaning.