Ejector pumps are used on traditional septic systems due to grade conditions on the drain field. In a perfect world the drain field would be located on a flat section of ground or ground falling away from the house. However not every lot is flat and given the design criteria for septic systems often requires the use of land that rises away from the house. In these cases an ejector pump is uses to pump the sewage uphill into a distribution box where it is distributed into the various perforated pipes making up the drain field, with gravity doing the rest.
In most cases a separate structure other than the septic tank contains the ejector pump, which is activated when the level inside of the tank turns on the pump. When the level inside of the holding tank goes down, the pump shuts off. In many jurisdictions, an alarm may be required, which advises the property owner that there is a problem with the ejector pump system. Otherwise the property owner will not realize there is an issue until the toilets will not flush!
The required maintenance on ejector pumps is limited, with a check of the system being made each time the septic tank is pumped. Obviously whenever the alarm goes off, a septic contractor should be called immediately to determine the cause of the problem and make the necessary repairs. The use of ejector pumps on septic systems gives the property owner more options as far as where on the property to locate the structure, while still being able to install a code compliant septic system. Otherwise many properties would be suitable for building!
Posted on behalf of Seagraves Plumbing Sewer and Septic
