As a proud owner of a sewage pump, you probably already know quite a few things about them, such as how the pump looks, what the process of installing a sewage pump looks like, and how they work.
However, there are some things that you might not have discovered yet, and that’s exactly why we are here – to share our knowledge with you. So, here are the three things every sewage pump owner should know.
How Long Does a Sewage Pump Last?
The truth is that everything depends on how well you will take care of it. So, if you perform regular maintenance and take care of any problem that there might be right away, then your sewage pump should last you anywhere between 7 and 10 years.
Keep in mind that there are several factors that affect how long your sewage pump will work. One of them is the type of sewage pump you have – a residential sewage pump has a life expectancy of 5 to 7 years, while a commercial one is expected to work anywhere between 5 and 15 years. Some other factors include the quality of the pump, how often it has to run, as well as the electrical supply.
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As we already mentioned – regular maintenance is crucial when it comes to the longevity of your sewage pump. However, not everyone knows how to perform it, and either do nothing at all or do what they think is right, which can result in damage. Since we want you to avoid that, here is how you should perform maintenance:
- Clean and prepare the pump – before you start your work, make sure that the water is turned off. Open the access panel, and check if there is any debris. Remove what is left of food, paper towels, or other items from the pump.
- Inspect the pump impeller – as the pump impeller and motor body are areas very prone to clogs, make sure that you check them. In case you notice any clogs, break them apart.
- Tighten the connecting elements – check if the connecting elements, including screws, hose brackets, and so on, are tight enough – if you feel like they are loose, tighten them as needed.
- Assess the bearing damage – assess the bearing assembly for any damages – it should be visible on the surface. Remove the old bearings and install new ones.
- Ensure your seals remain tight – rub your fingers across the sealed areas of your pump to feel any breaks or tears. Replace the damaged seals.
- Clean the vents – locate the vents, and clean them from any debris, such as dirt or dust. You can use your fingers to break them apart.
Remember that maintenance should be performed at least once or twice a year. Also, it’s important to only put flushable toilet waste into your system, which means no dental floss, baby wipes, feminine hygiene products, etc. Your toilet is not a garbage disposal, so don’t treat it as one.
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When Should I Replace My Sewage Pump for a New One?
A sewage pump is not eternal – at one point, you will have to replace it. However, how can you know that the time to do so has finally come? Well, there are a few things that indicate that it’s finally time to say ‘bye-bye’ to your old pump and ‘hello’ to a new one.
For instance, if:
- You are dealing with dirty water – one of the purposes of a pump is to give you clean water. If what you are getting instead is murky, dirty water, then something is probably wrong.
- Your pump won’t start or struggles to start – there are many reasons behind this – it could be, for instance, a blown fuse or an electrical problem. Sometimes, by doing so, your pump is giving you a message that it has ‘given out.’
- Your pump is constantly cycling – while all pumps cycle on and off, when the pump is constantly doing it to the point that you don’t even know at what stage it is at, then there’s definitely something wrong. Again, several things can cause that, such as a burnt-out monitor or improperly adjusted switch.
- Your pump is making strange noises – when it comes to a pump making noises, you should be especially mindful of clanging or banging noises, as they indicate that the problem is connected with the pump’s overall mechanics or with its structure and integrity.
Remember that if anything is happening with your sewage pump, you should get in touch with a professional as you never know how serious the problem might turn out to be.
The Bottom Line
Even though the things we mentioned above are not rocket science, there are still many sewage pump owners that don’t know them – which is a real shame.
Take as an example of the maintenance process. Many people don’t know how to keep their sewage pumps in perfect condition or even why they need to perform regular maintenance – and there are several reasons why. First of all, it protects you against flooding, as well as stops the toxic wastewater backup from entering your home. It also prevents mould and mildew and reduces the chances of a fire happening.
We hope that our article helped you find out some new things about your sewage pump that you will keep in mind for later on. Good luck!