Sewage Ejector Pump Not Working? Educating Tenants on the Dos and Don’ts

New York City property owners, especially real estate investors and developers, know the value and commodity of square footage. They use every possible inch of practical and livable space to make their properties profitable. Still, the complete utilization of the space is only possible with the right tools, like sewage ejector pumps.

When converting basements, building owners must consider the complexities of their property’s waste management system. In older and newer buildings, if the main sewer line is above plumbing fixtures, the property needs a sewage ejector pump.

Because of its critical role in waste removal, when the sewage ejector pump is not working, it is apparent. Many issues with the pump stem from the misuse of drains. Discover the unique benefits of the pump, and learn tips to share with tenants to protect it.

Uncovering Why a Sewage Ejector Pump Is Not Working

The Pump’s Purpose

A sewage ejector pump operates under a similar principle to a sump pump, but instead of pumping stormwater seepage out of a property, the pump pushes waste and gray water out. The pump system contains a holding tank or basin, a grinder pump, and a pressurized sewer line. The system is located at the property’s lowest level, typically a basement.

When the gray water and waste reach a preset level in the holding tank, the pump initiates, propelling the waste through the system sewer line up to the main sewer or drainage line. Once waste is at the appropriate drainage level, gravity delivers the wastewater to the city sewer system.

If the sewer ejector system is not working, sewage builds up in the holding tank and the attached system line. Eventually, the pressure in the system becomes too great, resulting in a break or in sewage backup, both of which are unpleasant and hazardous to owner, staff, and tenant health.

Preventing line breaks, backups, and pump damage comes down to maintenance and adherence to proper drain use. Contact Antler Pumps to discuss annual service contracts and drain care.

Signs and Reasons a Sewage Ejector Pump Is Not Working

On average, a sewage ejector pump can last at least seven years with proper care and maintenance. Some estimates put a pump’s lifespan at 30 years with professional installation. Still, in a multi-unit building, it is challenging to ensure tenants are taking care to use drains correctly.

Some signs an ejector pump is not working correctly include strange odors and noises. Tenants on the lower levels of the property may complain of a sewage smell. Additionally, owners may receive noise complaints because the pump is humming, buzzing, or making knocking noises.

A damaged pump may also cause backflow, meaning tenants may see dirty water in toilet bowls, bathtubs, and low-level drains. The backflow is likely a result of clogs in the pump or in city sewer lines.

Ejector pumps may also experience similar issues as other pumps, such as struggling to start or constantly cycling. The pump should only operate when enough water is in the holding basin to trigger it. If the pump runs often or is not running as usual, call a repair technician with Antler Pumps to assess the unit.

The primary reason for a sewage ejector pump not working is abuse of the drainage system. In other words, tenants and staff are flushing or rinsing things into the waste line that the system cannot handle.

Using drains to wash away commonly prohibited items, such as grease or feminine hygiene products, causes clogs and can damage the ejector pump. Most people do not cause problems intentionally; they merely do not understand the dos and don’ts of proper drain use.

Teaching Tenants and Staff the Dos and Don’ts of Drain Use

Kitchen Drains

Kitchen drains get a lot of use. People often use them without thinking, especially if they have a garbage disposal, which is still pretty rare in NYC. Unfortunately, some kitchen waste can cause significant problems in the waste lines of a building.

Tenants should not wash butter, margarine, or cooking oil down their drains. The substances may seem like liquid going down, but they often solidify in the drain, collecting debris and building blockages. Other items people should avoid washing down their drains include:

– Coffee grounds
– Pasta
– Medications
– Rice
– Flour
– Peels and seafood shells

To protect against a sewage ejector pump not working, only use the sink drain for approved or safe items. Foods and kitchen waste safe for the drain include most liquids, some soft foods, and some vegetables. The safest option is to scrape dishes, pots, and pans into the waste basket before rinsing them in the kitchen sink.

Laundry Room Drains

Laundry room drains often clog with lint, soap residue, limescale, or dirt and grit from clothing. A clogged laundry drain can quickly cause backups and floods. It can also damage the ejector pump. To protect the drain, use the proper amount of detergent, install and maintain a lint filter, pre-rinse heavily soiled clothing, and clean drains regularly.

Pre-rinsing is usually only necessary when clothing is caked with dirt and grime. Rinse the clothing outside with a hose or in a bucket to keep most of the dirt out of the building drains.

Bathroom Drains

As with kitchen and laundry room drains, people can get a little lax with what they flush or rinse down the bathroom drains. To protect the ejector pump and waste management system, tenants should not flush:

– Baby wipes
– Cotton pads or Q-tips
– Cat litter
– Diapers
– Menstrual products
– Paper towels

Calling for Help When the Sewage Ejector Pump Is Not Working

Antler Pumps Is Ready To Serve

Sewage ejector pumps are necessary when plumbing lines and fixtures are below the primary waste line. To ensure the pump functions correctly, pushing sewage up and out of the premises, both tenants and staff must remain diligent about the dos and don’ts of drain use.

Do not hesitate to call for help if a sewage ejector pump is not working correctly. Contact Antler Pumps at 212-534-2500 to schedule an inspection and discuss an annual service contract.