The Most Common Issues With Grinder Pumps
If you have a grinder pump running your waste-water devices, including toilets, washing machines, and showers, you may find yourself running into problems every once in a while. Grinder pumps carry waste water to local sewer systems, which means they are underground and out of sight. This can make identifying problems with them difficult. If you experience some of these issues with your grinder pump, it is important to pay close attention. You may have one of these common issues:
Grinder Pumps Get Blocked
It is not uncommon for grinder pumps to have debris blocking them. The devices used to sense levels in the tank can experience their own set of issues, including grease buildup. As a result, your pump may not turn on when you need it to. If that tank doesn't turn on when it needs to, you could experience a sewage leak. You may need to clean the buildup off the floating sensors. You also need to refrain from dumping certain types of waste into your drains. This means cat litter, oils, paper towels, wipes, and other items considered non-soluble should not be dumped down the drain or flushed down the toilet to prevent clogging.
Dirt Buildup
Over time, silt can build up inside the pump. You will notice the signs of a buildup of dirt when you hear a strange noise upon use. The pump may actually turn on by itself because of the dirt buildup. In most cases, this is not a problem that you can fix on your own. You may need to call in a plumber to fix the buildup.
Frozen Pump
Even if you live somewhere generally warm, it is possible that your grinder pump can become frozen. If you live in a freezing area, your sump pump or grinder pump must be located below the frost level. If your pump is not buried deep enough, you may experience frequent freezing. This leads to jams in your plumbing system. You may need to overhaul your entire system or simply consult with a plumber to see what you can do to make changes.
If you have problems with your pump, you may try to handle the problem yourself. The truth is that a grinder pump may require the assistance of a qualified plumber with experience in the field. In fact, a specialized plumber may be your best bet in handling these types of problems. For information on grinder pump service, contact a company like Fernco Pump Service.
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