251-990-5248
Many homeowners in Spanish Fort, AL rely on a sewer grinder pump for their wastewater. These units are helpful and efficient when they are working properly. For expert grinder pump repair and installation services, trust the professionals at Affordable Plumbing, Heating & Air. We have over 20 years of experience in the industry and can easily provide unique and comprehensive grinder pump solutions.
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How do They Work?
It’s a common misconception that grinder pumps and sump pumps are the same things. They are actually quite different. A grinder pump collects wastewater from various appliances in your home. Water from your drains, dishwasher, washing machine and bathtub all drain into the grinder tank which is usually buried underground. When the tank reaches a preset level, it will turn on and grind the waste in the water so that it can be returned to the homeowner’s septic tank or public sewer line.
What Are the Benefits?
These units work similarly to a garbage disposal, except on a much larger scale. Think of it as a garbage disposal for your entire home. These systems work by taking larger materials that may come through your wastewater and grind them down to make it easier for processing.
Do's & Don'ts of Sewer Grinder Pumps
As with all plumbing equipment, it's important to know how to care for sewer grinder pumps in order to prevent some pretty serious plumbing problems.
Remember, these waste pumps are a mechanical item. Even though some models are called grinders they are only designed for waste.
Do NOT allow anything other than waste and biodegradable toilet paper to be introduced into the grinder pump.
- NO Female products
- NO Paper towels
- NO Wipes
- Nothing with strings, i.e. mop heads
- NO grease (it can build up and hamper the float system or clog up the pump or discharge line!)
We highly recommend a liquid enzyme treatment to eat and keep the scum, grease and waste build up down. If you're not sure what to use, ask our team and we can assist with this process.
In the event of a storm and in low areas subject to flooding, turn breaker off so pump will not go under water and burn up.
Upon returning from flood or storms do NOT immediately turn breaker back on without inspecting pit to ensure it has not filled with sand and mud. If turned on with sand and mud in the pit it will damage and ruin the pump system.
In the event you do experience pump problems or discharge line back up you may loosen or remove top, the waste will escape (it will run on the ground) and relieve the waste from your home. AGAIN VERY IMPORTANT: NO FEMALE PRODUCTS OR GREASE!
Any foreign objects besides waste and light biodegradable objects will lock up the blades of the pump and cause it to burn up the motor. Grease will create floats to sick and cause the motor to burn up as well. Said objects and grease will VOID all guarantees and warrantees on the pump.
If you have any questions, or are experiencing problems with your grinder pump feel free to call us at 251-990-5248.
Common Grinder Pump Problems
There are three issues that commonly impact these devices. They include:
- Blockages: Large debris can become stuck in the grinder much like large debris gets stuck in a garbage disposal. This creates a blockage that needs to be removed manually.
- Clotting: This is a term that describes the damage done by smaller bits of debris. While the small debris doesn’t create the same type of blockage, it does, however, cause a gradual buildup of silt and other material. That will cause the grinder to work less efficiently.
- Grease Clogging: When oil enters the drain system, deposits can form and clog the grinder pump. Make sure to hire a professional rather than attempting a drain DIY. This can make the problem worse by pushing the clog further down the piping system where it becomes more difficult to treat.
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Why to Choose Us
We are proud to offer many unique features and benefits in addition to our already outstanding service. Check out the following customer benefits that add more value to our work:
- No overtime charges
- Always show up on time
- 24-hour emergency service
- Certified technicians to explain service options
