A septic sump pump, often referred to as an effluent pump, is a specialized device used in septic systems to move treated liquid waste (effluent) from one location to another, typically from the septic tank or a dosing tank to a drain field or a secondary wastewater treatment system. These pumps are essential when gravity flow is not sufficient to transport the effluent.
Understanding Its Function
At its core, a septic sump pump is designed to move standing water between locations or away from a space. In a septic context, this "standing water" is the clarified liquid that remains after solid waste has settled in the septic tank. Specifically, these pumps take the septic tank's discharge from the tank and move it to your drain field or a secondary wastewater treatment system. This is particularly important in systems where the drain field is located uphill from the septic tank or requires a controlled, pressurized distribution of effluent.
Key Characteristics and Types
Septic sump pumps are engineered to handle water with minimal solids. This differentiates them from other types of pumps used in wastewater applications:
- Effluent Pumps (Septic Sump Pumps): Best for use with minimal solids in your wastewater. They are designed for the liquid layer after primary treatment.
- Grinder Pumps: Used when raw sewage, including solids, needs to be pumped over a long distance or uphill. These pumps grind solids into a fine slurry before pumping.
- Sewage Ejector Pumps: Handle raw sewage with solids, but typically for shorter vertical lifts and without grinding. They are common in basements where plumbing fixtures are below the main sewer line.
Here's a quick comparison of pump types for wastewater:
| Pump Type | Primary Use Case | Solids Handling Capability | Typical Location in System |
|---|---|---|---|
| Septic Sump (Effluent) Pump | Moving treated liquid waste (effluent) | Minimal solids | After septic tank, before drain field/treatment unit |
| Grinder Pump | Pumping raw sewage over long distances or uphill | Grinds all solids | Before septic tank, or for entire household waste |
| Sewage Ejector Pump | Moving raw sewage from fixtures below main sewer line | Handles soft solids | Under basement plumbing, before main sewer or septic tank |
When Is a Septic Sump Pump Needed?
Septic sump pumps are critical for specific site conditions and system designs. They are commonly employed in situations such as:
- Elevated Drain Fields: If your drain field or leach field is higher in elevation than your septic tank, a pump is necessary to lift the effluent against gravity.
- Long-Distance Transport: When the drain field is a considerable distance from the septic tank, a pump ensures efficient and consistent delivery of effluent.
- Dosing Systems: Many advanced septic systems, particularly those using drip irrigation or pressure-dosed drain fields, rely on pumps to distribute effluent in timed, measured doses for optimal treatment and soil absorption. This prevents overloading the drain field.
- Mounds or Raised Beds: In areas with poor soil drainage, a raised mound system might be used. A pump lifts effluent to this elevated treatment area.
- Secondary Treatment Units: If your system includes a secondary treatment unit (e.g., aerobic treatment unit, sand filter) that requires effluent to be moved to it or from it, a pump will often be integrated.
Installation and Maintenance
Proper installation and regular maintenance are vital for the longevity and efficiency of a septic sump pump.
- Installation:
- Typically installed in a separate "dosing tank" or "pump chamber" after the septic tank, where only the liquid effluent collects.
- Equipped with a float switch that automatically activates the pump when the effluent reaches a certain level and shuts it off when the level drops.
- Includes check valves to prevent backflow and often an alarm system to alert homeowners of pump failure or high water levels.
- Maintenance:
- Regular Inspections: Check float switches and pump operation periodically.
- Keep the Pump Chamber Clean: Prevent debris from accumulating around the pump.
- Professional Servicing: Have your septic system, including the pump, inspected by a qualified professional every 1-3 years. They can check electrical connections, impellers, and overall pump health.
Choosing the right septic sump pump involves considering the required head (vertical lift), flow rate (gallons per minute), and the type of wastewater it will handle. Consulting with a certified septic system designer or installer is crucial to ensure the correct pump is selected and integrated into your system for reliable operation. For more information on maintaining your septic system, resources like the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) offer comprehensive guidelines.
