The sewage ejector pump in your home plays the crucial role of pumping wastewater from low-level plumbing fixtures into the drain system. Most times, sewage ejector pumps work as they should, but sometimes they fail.
When a sewage ejector pump fails, it could leave you with an ugly mess in your basement, warns Keyrenter Management Salt Lake. The longer the problem stays undetected or unresolved, the more damage it will cause. What should you do if the sewage ejector pump in your home suddenly fails?
Signs of sewage ejector pump malfunction
How do you know when an ejector pump is not working as it should? There are several signs that all is not well with your sewage ejector pump. You can detect the issue before it becomes a plumbing emergency if the following is happening to your pump;
Bad odors
Sewage ejector pumps remove wastewater from plumbing fixtures installed at a lower level than your home’s main sewer line. Since it handles wastewater, terrible odors can emanate around the pump, even when it is running correctly. That’s why ejector pumps have a venting system for discharging foul odors outside the home. Something may be wrong with the pipes, or the pump is not removing wastewater thoroughly if you notice strong smells around your ejector pump.
Erratic operation
The pump should only power on when the sump pit is filled with wastewater, and it should run smoothly until the pit is emptied before it shuts off. If this is not happening (maybe your pump is shutting-off before the pit is emptied, only for it to turn back on), there could be a blockage in the system. This problem could also be due to an issue with the float or switch.
Strange noises
Clanging or banging noises inside the pump when it is running might mean that an internal component of the pump has come loose. That will also happen if debris wedges inside the pump and interfere with its operation. Strange noises from your sewage ejector pump could also be because the pump’s structural integrity has been compromised.
The pump won’t stop running
An ejector pump can work too much, such as when the pump cycles continuously. Usually, your ejector pump is only supposed to power on when there is enough wastewater in the pit. After it has removed the water, the pump should shut down. But sometimes, this does not happen; the pump runs continuously. The most common causes of this problem are a switch that is not properly adjusted or a burnt-out motor.
The pump won’t start or struggles to start
This is the worst kind of ejector pump malfunction to have in your home. A pump may still work if it has one of the problems above. But if the pump will not start, the house could be exposed to the risk of flooding by wastewater from your plumbing fixtures. The usual reason that a sewage ejector pump won’t start is due to problems with its electrical parts – a blown fuse or malfunctioning float switch. It could also be because the ejector pump has failed and needs to be replaced.
How to fix your sewage ejector pump
If your ejector pump is showing any of these problems, how can you fix it? That depends on what kind of sewage ejector pump problem you have. If your sewage ejector pump has stopped working, you can troubleshoot the float switch before you reach out to your plumber.
The float activates the pump when the water in the pit rises to a certain level. It also turns off after the water inside the pit has fallen. Pump switches often fail long before the pump itself has a problem. If the float is not working, the pump won’t start or will struggle.
To test the float and switch, do these:
Testing the float
Using a five-gallon bucket, fill the sump pit with water until the float rises. Keep your eyes on the switch and listen for when the motor starts. Alternatively, you can raise the float until the switch starts. The float is not working, or there could be a problem with the pump if you do these and the pump does not start.
Testing the switch
To be sure the issue is from the switch and not the pump, try this; bypass the switch by unplugging the pump from the piggyback plug and plugging it directly into the socket. If the pump starts, the pump is alright; the issue is from your switch. If your problem persists after you take this step, it is time to call your local plumber.
This step is only for testing your ejector pump when it is not running. For all the other problems mentioned in this post – strange noises, bad odor, or erratic operation – please contact a professional plumber and have them inspect the system.