Grinder pumps are waste management devices for toilets, showers, sinks, dishwashers and anything else that produces wastewater. They prevent large pieces of solid waste from traveling to your septic tank or sewage system. Without grinder pumps, you’d see frequent clogs, bad smells and poor wastewater treatment.
While grinder pumps are made to last, they can experience problems. If you’re seeing performance issues with your wastewater treatment system, you need to find the cause. Understanding your grinder pump issues will help you fix them and prevent future issues from affecting your home.
What Is a Grinder Pump?
Grinder pumps are a type of sewage pump homes use to grind up solid waste. These particles get pumped into the sewer system, creating a smooth flow. You’ll usually see these devices in homes or businesses that can’t use gravity to facilitate sewage flow. It’s challenging to move waste uphill or long distances. Grinder pumps reduce the size of the waste, making it easier to transport.
A grinder pump uses a motor to power a blade, which chops up solid waste as it enters the system, turning organic matter into fine particles. Once everything is sent through the blade, the pump moves the wastewater into your septic tank or sewage system. Grinder pumps can be used in both commercial and residential spaces.
Common Grinder Pump Issues
Like any part of your home or business, grinder pumps can experience issues. Misuse and wear can create problems over time, affecting the pump’s performance. These are some of the most common pump issues you might see:
- Poor performance: Grinder blades and components can wear out, leading to poor performance. Clogs, clots and freezing can also stop the system from working correctly.
- Bad smells: Grinder systems shouldn’t produce smells. It could be a grinder issue if you smell foul odors near the pump or your pipes. The seals and gaskets can wear down, letting smells leak out.
- Leaks: Visible leaks are a clear sign something in your grinder pump needs to be fixed. Worn or damaged gaskets and seals can also cause leaks.
- Constant running: Pumps that don’t shut off or run more frequently than average also need addressing. Dull blades might be making the pump work harder than normal.
- Strange noises: While some noise is expected, unusual noises mean you have an issue with the pump components. You might have worn-out bearings that should be replaced.
What Causes Grinder Pump Problems?
If you’re experiencing any of these grinder pump issues, there could be several causes. Understanding why these issues happen will help you prevent them and get an expert in faster. The sooner you address these problems, the better off your grinder pump will be.
1. Clogs
If you’re seeing leaks outside in your yard or poor grinder performance, it could be because of a clog. Clogs usually come from two main issues — floater debris and sewage misuse.
The floater, or float switch, sits inside your grinder pump tank. It helps start the grinding process, but it can malfunction if it gets covered in grease or debris. If you think this is the cause of the problem, shut off your electricity and open up the tank. Clean off the floater and see if that fixes things.
Additionally, putting the wrong material down your drains can cause clogs. Oil, cat litter, hygiene products, wipes and large food scraps are some items you should keep out of your pipes. These items can build up in the pipes, eventually creating large clogs. Clogs can lead to expensive issues, so always use your pipes correctly.
2. Clots
Clotting is similar to clogs. If you’re hearing a whining noise from your system, it could be a clot. Sometimes, larger debris gets stuck inside the grinder pump, sticking to the inside walls. The debris can catch other items, creating a bigger clot. Eventually, the clot can slow operation or cause frequent system activation. Get a professional to clean out your grinder pump to prevent this problem.
3. Frozen Water
If you live somewhere colder, you need to bury your grinder pump at a certain depth. If it’s not deep enough, the wastewater can freeze and cause serious pump problems. Frozen wastewater will lead to poor performance, backups and other expensive issues. If you think you’ve got a freezing problem, call a professional. They’ll look at the system and see if it needs to be reinstalled deeper into the ground.
4. Motor Failure
Your grinder pump’s motor is what keeps the whole system moving. It powers the blades inside the holding tank, grinding up waste for easy disposal. When the motor fails, the pump will stop working. Even with good maintenance, components can break down. If your pump isn’t working at all, motor issues could be the culprit. You’ll need to get the motor checked out to get it running once again.
5. Poor Maintenance
Every grinder pump comes with recommended maintenance instructions. These devices need regular visual inspections and occasional professional maintenance. Skipping these checkups lets problems go unseen. Over time, worn blades and component issues will lead to grinder pump issues. Invest some time into maintenance to protect your system and home.
How to Prevent Grinder Pump Issues
Use these tips to protect your wastewater treatment system:
- Quality pumps: Get your grinder pump from a reputable company. Choose manufacturers who prioritize quality for their products. A good grinder pump will last you years.
- Proper installation: If you’re doing the installation yourself, follow the instructions carefully. Dig deep enough to avoid freezing and double-check everything to avoid installation issues.
- Correct use: Avoid putting in items that will clog or damage your system. Using the pump as intended will protect the system’s life.
- Regular inspections: Visually inspect your system regularly to catch issues early. If you find any worn components, replace them to protect your pump.
- Professional maintenance: Get professional maintenance as recommended by the manufacturer. Additionally, your area might require sewage pumping every few years. Check your local pump laws to stay compliant.
Get Grinder Pumps From Zoeller at Home
All grinder pumps have a limited life span. If your wastewater treatment system is at the end of its life, Zoeller at Home has various products to meet your needs. Zoeller is your trusted source for home grinders and sewage pumps. We manufacture high-quality water pumps to ensure your home’s comfort. Our team strives to deliver customers the best quality products and services, delivering an unmatched industry experience.
Shop our pump products online, or contact us with any questions about our products. Our team is ready to help you find the right fit for your home!
