Getting to know your home and how it functions is important if you are to keep it well maintained. In this blog, we are going to look at one aspect of home maintenance with a consideration of grinder pumps.
Firstly, let’s look at why a home may need a grinder pump. A grinder pump is usually required when a home plumbing system is below or at the same level as the septic tank or public sewer line, meaning that waste cannot flow through the system at a fast enough speed. Bathrooms located in a basement are a prime example of when you would need a grinder pump. A grinder pump works by grinding up waste into a slurry and then pumping it through the system. This means that waste is pushed through at a faster rate.
If you have just moved into a home that has a grinder pump it is important to be aware that some items must not go into the system. These items include feminine hygiene products, plastics, diapers, cat litter, toxic chemicals, and grease which build up in the tank.
Electricity is used to run a grinder pump, this is also important to know because it means that if the power goes out, you need to use as little water as possible to prevent the tank from overfilling. Never attach a grinder pump to a sump pump either as this will overwork the pump and use an excess of electricity.
Finally, if you will be away from your home for more than a couple of days, you will need to prep the tank. You can do this by running water until the grinder pump is activated which will flush the tank through with clean water and stop any nasty odors from filling your home while you are away.
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