Does Your Septic System Require A Pump?

Waste and sewage is removed from a septic tank into the drain field either through gravity or with the help of a septic system lift pump. Generally, a septic pump isn’t needed if the waste can flow at a rate of at least two-feet per second with gravity only. Pumps are usually necessary for septic tanks that sit lower than the drain field and gravity is unable to carry and/or push the effluent out of the tank.

Know If Your System Uses A Septic Effluent Pump Or Septic Grinder Pump

Septic Tank Service In Gainesville, FL

Knowing what type of pump your septic system uses is essential to the overall function of the system. A septic effluent pump moves waste from the septic tank to the drain field. A septic grinder pump grinds and moves human waste and toilet paper. If you’re unsure what kind of pump the system uses, or where it’s located, contact one of the septic tank companies in Gainesville, FL, such as Jones Plumbing & Septic Tank Service. Our technicians will locate the pump and inspect the septic system to inform you of the necessary steps to keep all components in working condition.

How Septic Pumps Work

A septic pump is a type of submersible pump located in either the last chamber of the septic tank or a separate chamber outside the main tank. As waste fills the chamber, it triggers a float switch that turns on the septic pump. An impeller then pushes waste up the outflow pipe, into the drain field.

A great way to avoid unnecessary septic tank cleanouts is to have a septic tank pump alarm installed. One of our technicians will wire the float switch to an alarm panel that sounds if the pump fails. Without a functioning pump, the sewage level continues to rise and the alarm lets you know the waste isn’t being removed from the tank. This alarm will sound and alert you before a sewage backup occurs.

Maintenance For A Septic Pump

Maintaining a septic pump goes hand-in-hand with general septic system maintenance. To avoid needing emergency septic service, and to extend the functional life of the pump, never drain or flush these common household items:

  • Baby wipes;
  • Cat litter;
  • Fats, oils, and/or grease created by or used in cooking;
  • Dental floss;
  • Personal hygiene items; and
  • Q-tips or other cotton swabs.

Other maintenance steps include not using garbage disposal as this can fill the septic tank more quickly and push water into the tank. If too much water enters the septic system, it can cause solids to enter the septic pump, causing a possible blockage in either the pump or the drain field. When or if this happens, call Jones Plumbing & Septic Tank Service for fast and reliable septic tank repairs.

Common Septic Pump Issues

A septic pump can develop several issues over time, even with regular maintenance, including:

Noise Or No Noise

Sometimes it's possible to hear the septic pump working inside the chamber. If it sounds as if the pump is struggling or failing to move waste, don’t hesitate to call us for our septic service.

Leaking Into The Septic Tank

The septic pump has a check valve which creates a pressure gradient to keep the waste moving through the pump and into the drain field. If the valve wears out or breaks, waste flows back into the septic tank, causing the tank to back up into the plumbing.

Faulty Float

Floats can stick open or closed or become damaged by debris that enters the septic tank. A technician with Jones Plumbing & Septic Tank Service can remove the debris or may need to replace the float if the damage is extensive.

Burnt Out Motor

If the motor inside the septic pump burns out or breaks, the pump won't be able to move waste — even with electricity still flowing to the device. Installing a new pump generally resolves the issue.

Installing A New Septic Pump Or System

If septic tank replacement is necessary, Jones Plumbing & Septic Tank Service will install a new pump. All installations begin with an application, required by the Florida Department of Health, and we’ll always help you fill out the application and apply for necessary permits. Our technicians are happy to explain the process and answer any questions you have.

Septic Tank Service

Whether your septic system already has a pump or you’re curious if installing a pump would improve the system’s efficiency, Jones Plumbing & Septic Tank Service can handle any septic issue. Our technicians consider household or business needs when providing septic tank repairs in Gainesville. To schedule a septic service appointment, call Jones Plumbing & Septic Tank Service today!