
Ejector pumps are installed in a pit that is dug well below the grade of a home. The drain lines from the basement plumbing all lead to the sump
Sump
A sump (American English and some parts of Canada: oil pan) is a low space that collects any often-undesirable liquids such as water or chemicals. A sump can also be an infiltration basin used to manage surface runoff water and recharge underground aquifers. Sump can also refer to an area in a cave where an underground flow of water exits the cave into the earth.
Full Answer
How to install sewage ejector pump in basement easily?
steps on How To Install Sewage Ejector Pump In Basement To install the pump , you can start by purchasing all the parts you’ll need to effectively install the pump yourself. In which case, you have the option of purchasing each of these parts separately or as a kit, which comes with everything you’ll need to install one in your home.
How much does it cost to install an ejector pump?
The cost of an ejector pump will depend on the brand, the type, power output and where it’s purchased. On average, plan on spending anywhere from $750 to as much as $1,900 for an ejector pump for a professional install for a simple swap and replace. Now, if the contractor needs to cut out a slab for the pump, install new drain lines and needs ...
Do I need an ejector pump for basement bathroom?
Most commonly, ejector pumps are used in homes with basement bathrooms or laundry rooms. Not all basements require them, but when the municipal sewer lines running to the street are at a higher level than the fixture, the ejector pump serves to pump both liquids and solids up into the sewer line so it can flow properly.
What is the best sewage ejector pump?
Top Rated Grinder Pumps of 2021
- Liberty Pumps PRG101A. The PRG101A grinder pump is a solid sewage ejector pump that can cut difficult solids without breaking a sweat.
- Zoeller M267. Zoeller is one of the biggest brands in water pumps with the Zoeller M267 being a great choice if you need a high powered sewage pump.
- Happybuy Sewage Pump. ...
- Wayne RPP50. ...
- Liberty Pumps LE51A. ...

What is a basement ejector pump?
A sewage ejector pump is plumbing equipment that removes wastewater from below-grade areas. In most homes, this applies to basements where laundry or bathrooms can be found.
What's the difference between a sump pump and an ejector pump?
What's the Difference between Sump Pump and Ejector Pumps? Sump pumps are used to prevent flooding in areas where houses are below the water table line, while ejector pumps generally are used with a sewage system to help remove sewage.
Is an ejector pump necessary?
An ejector pump is necessary if you have water-consuming appliances or bathrooms installed in the basement or lower level of your home. Because these plumbing fixtures sit lower than the home's main sewer line, wastewater cannot flow out using gravity and a pump is necessary to move it upwards and out of the home.
What drains into an ejector pump?
Ejector Pumps Rather than collecting ground water from drain tile, the ejector pump's basin will accumulate water from floor drains, “grey water” from a washing machine and/or “slop sink” or, when the home has a below-grade bathroom, waste water.
How long do ejector pumps last?
7 to 10 yearsWhile most sewage ejector pumps are designed to withstand at least 7 to 10 years of use, with some even lasting much longer, occasionally problems do arise long before the pump has reached the end of its life span.
How often should ejector pump run?
When the sump ejector pump is in perfect condition, it turns on automatically. However, for it to be turned on, the water level must rise to a certain level, activating the float switch, which starts the ejector pump. If you stay where heavy rain occurs daily, running the sump pump 2-4 times a day is normal.
Do all basements have ejector pumps?
Ejector Pumps in Homes Not all basements require them, but when the municipal sewer lines running to the street are at a higher level than the fixture, the ejector pump serves to pump both liquids and solids up into the sewer line so it can flow properly.
How much does it cost to install an ejector pump?
Ejector pump installation costs $650 to $1,200 for a standard replacement. You'll need to hire a local plumber to install an ejector pump. Plumbers cost $45 to $200 per hour. Expect to pay up to $2,500 in labor costs if you need to install an entire pump system, including adding a pump pit and new pipework.
Why does my house have an ejector pump?
While not all houses with basements require ejector pumps, they are essential because they prevent toilets (especially), sinks and bathtubs from backing up due to an excess of wastewater. Here is why the toilet ejector pump is important for a newly built house.
Where does the water from an ejector pump get discharged to?
How an Ejector Pump Works. Like sump pumps, ejector pumps have a basin installed under your basement floor. However, unlike sump basins, an ejector basin collects wastewater from the floor drain, washer, basement sinks, and below-grade bathrooms. The pump's discharge pipe is connected to a sanitary sewer line.
What happens when an ejector pump fails?
If the ejector pump fails, it will mean sewage backup into your home, creating an unhygienic environment and possibly leading to damage to your basement or home foundation. Clogging is one of the main problems that can cause an ejector pump to fail.
Do sewage ejector pumps smell?
When property owners complain they have sewer gas smells by a sewage ejector or grinder in the basement or by their pump tank, you should take that complaint seriously. Hydrogen sulfide is dangerous even at low levels.
Can you use an ejector pump as a sump pump?
Yes, you most likely need a sump pump for your home, and no, you can't necessarily use your sewage pump to also function as a sump pump. While they're both used as indoor sewage systems, they each have different purposes.
How do I know if I need a sewage ejector pump?
If you have a septic tank, then you'll need a sewage ejector pump. You'll also use an ejector pump if you have a vertical lift less than 70 feet and if you're pumping the sewage less than 750 feet.
What are the two pumps in the basement?
Well, a sump pump is there to protect your basement from water flowing in. An ejector pump, on the other hand, is there to pump water from uses inside the basement out.
Do all houses have ejector pumps?
While not all houses with basements require ejector pumps, they are essential because they prevent toilets (especially), sinks and bathtubs from backing up due to an excess of wastewater.
What is sewage ejector pump?
The principle of a sewage ejector pump is similar to how a groundwater sump pump operates, but instead of rainwater seepage being pumped out of the home, it is waste/sewage being lifted up and out into the main sewer lines or septic field.
Where are ejector pumps found?
Ejector pumps are also very common in septic drain-field systems, such as are found in rural locations where the septic drainage field or holding tank may be considerably higher than basement plumbing fixtures.
How big is the outlet pipe for a sump pump?
The outlet pipe leaving the sewage ejector pump is usually 2 inches in diameter, connecting to the 3-inch main sewer line. Between the pump outlet point and the junction with the main sewer line, there is always a check valve to make sure that nothing drains back into the sump basin after the wastewater is pumped out.
What is a sewage pump?
A sewage ejector pump, also called a pump-up ejector system, is used when a bathroom, laundry room or any other type of plumbing fixture is located below the level of the main sewer or septic line flowing from the house. The flow of drain-wastewater depends on gravity, so any plumbing systems in which fixtures are located below the level ...
Why do you need a vent in a sump pit?
A vent is required for a sewage ejector pump installation to equalize pressure during pumping and to provide an outlet for sewer gasses. The vent comes out of the sump pit and is either connected to an existing vent (soil) stack or runs up and through the roof.
How many gals does an ejector pump need?
For the average residential installation, a standard pump kit with a 1/2 to 3/4 horsepower motor and 30- or 40-gallon is usually enough, but you can compare prices, specifications, and features to make sure you pick the system appropriate for your project.
Do basements need ejectors?
Not all basements require them, but when the municipal sewer lines running to the street are at a higher level than the fixture, the ejector pump serves to pump both liquids and solids up into the sewer line so it can flow properly.
What is a Sewage Ejector Pump?
Sewage ejector pumps are basically meant to get rid of any wastewater from the areas below ground.
Why do you need a pump in a basement?
The pump can solve bathroom clogs and messes. Because these use a very heavy-duty power to pump up the main sewage line’s waste. These are a must-have if you own a basement bath or laundry room. You want to install this if:
What is a check valve for sewage?
And to avoid that you will need a check valve. This basically fits right between the sump basin and sewage inlet. It is used to keep the sewage water away from falling back into one’s house.
How to secure float switch on pump?
Use the glue to secure the float switch on pump’s top portion. The trigger should point towards the basin. Make sure you take extra care while fastening the switch. Allow some free rang movements here.
Where does sewage line go in a basement?
One common spot is a basement since it uses water supply quite frequently. The sewage line stays above or on the ground in most cases. The water flow is naturally from high to low. And that might result in getting line being absolutely cut off from the basement.
Do you need a sewer pump for a laundry room?
Your bathroom and laundry room need a sewer ejector pump to work in a good condition. And you know what, installing one won’t really need a pricey plumber to come to your home. You can manage to do it yourself. Of course, you’ll need some guidelines if this is your first time to install something like that.
Can you skip sewage pump installation?
You can surely go and look into some sewage ejector pump installation diagram if pictures make better sense to you. However, the process is not that complicated so you can skip as well.
What Is a Sewage Ejector Pump?
A sewage ejector pump is a submersible centrifugal pump that moves liquid and soft solid waste along the residential pipework into the main community sewer line. In normal setups, wastewater, including sewage, moves via gravity from a property's plumbing to the main septic line outside.
How Much Does a Sewage Ejector Pump Cost?
Expect to pay between $300 and $800 for a sewage ejector pump. You'll also need to hire a local plumber for installation. Plumbers generally charge by the hour, and the cost to hire a plumber per hour varies between $45 and $200. The annual service costs in the vicinity of $130, but you may be able to save by getting a complete yearly plumbing inspection for your whole home.
What Maintenance Does a Sewage Ejector Pump Need?
Ideally, sewage ejector pumps need no maintenance apart from a yearly service by a qualified plumber. During the service, the technician cleans the pump, oils the motor, and carries out a full inspection of the pump, the float, and the connections. They'll also remove any debris wedged in the sump basin.
How does a sump pump work?
So, the pump sits in the sump basin with a float attached. When the level of sewage in the basin lifts the float, it engages the pump's motor. When the motor turns on, it forces the solids and liquids out of the basin, down the sewer pipe to the main septic line outside of the property.
Can you flush toilet paper in a sewage pump?
It's vital that you only flush waste and toilet paper in systems with a sewage ejector pump. Other items can clog the pump and force the motor to work extra hard to move them. This will shorten the life of the pump and can cause a clog and sewage overflow in your bathroom.
Do you need a sewage pump?
If your home has a laundry or a bathroom where the plumbing is below the level of the communal sewer line it joins to, then yes, you absolutely need a sewage ejector pump or, in some cases, a sewage grinder pump.
Do you need a washing machine pump in basement?
It's almost certain you'll need one of these pumps if you have a washing machine or a bathroom in your basement. If not, waste will solidify in the pipe, resulting in a sewage backup and overflow nightmare.
What is the purpose of a basement ejector pump?
The main function of the ejector pump is typically to provide the gravity when wastewater is being transported, from the basement bathroom to the ground level drainage system. It is imperative to note that this sewage sludge can come from a basement bathroom or laundry room or both. Hence, using the pump-up ejector system, ...
How to discharge water waste from basement to mains?
This can only be done by introducing a mechanism or machine which will aid in pumping the waste matter to the ground level mains sewage system. An example of this machine is the sewage ejector pump. By installing this machine then you can automatically discharge water waste sludge from your basement bathroom to the main pipes hassle-free.
Why vent a sump basin?
This is vital in the principle workings of the sewage ejector pump. Why? Given that the ejector pump uses pressureto enable wastewater to flow out the pipe , a vent pipe is needed.
How does a sump pump work?
The pump works through the Pascal principle.
How deep should a sump pit be?
The sump basin is usually done before the plumbing works and other installations. Hence, for a perfect sump basin, make sure that you get all the measurements correct to deter yourself from redoing the work. The pit will usually measure 30-inches deep.
What are basements used for?
These basements will integrate common rooms which include laundry quarters and washing rooms to offer occupants with diversity on living space.
Why is the bathroom the most important part of a basement?
Why you might ask? Well, this is because water from the bathrooms needs to be exhausted from the main system from time to time.
Who installs ejector pumps?
One last difference: Ejector pumps are often installed by plumbers who typically offer a limited selection and depend on repeat visits for maintenance. Sump pumps are usually installed by basement waterproofing contractors who offer a wider range of longer-life pumps and who are experts at removing water from a basement, regardless of its source and can offer homeowners more option for ejector pumps as well.
Where does the ejector pump collect water?
Rather than collecting ground water from drain tile, the ejector pump’s basin will accumulate water from floor drains, “ grey water ” from a washing machine and/or “slop sink” or, when the home has a below-grade bathroom, waste water.
What happens when a sump pump fails?
If a sump pump fails or is overwhelmed, the basement will flood; they typically have battery back-up pump systems alongside.
What is a sump pump?
Sump pumps and ejector pumps are both important parts of a home’s water management system and a malfunction of either can create a destructive mess.
How many inlets are there in a sump pump?
Typically, there will be two inlets in a sump basin that connect to either end of a drain tile system, either interior or exterior. Water collected by the drain tile flows to the sump basin and accumulates there until the level rises high enough to trigger the sump pump’s float switch.
Where is the second sump pump located?
In many homes, though, particularly in those with finished basements, there is often what appears to be a second sump pump, often located near the washer and dryer. It is often identical, or at least very similar, to the other sump pump and some homeowners are perplexed as to why it’s there and what it does. In fact, this second pump is usually an ...
Do you need a sump pump in a basement?
In most parts of the country, homeowners are used to having a sump pump in the basement. They’ve been around a while (as many homes with the old pedestal-style pump will prove) and they play an important role in keeping a basement dry. In many homes, though, particularly in those with finished basements, there is often what appears ...
