A grinder pump is a critical addition to any sewage since it helps to send wastewater into the sewage where a normal gravity does not work.
Many people confuse between sewage grinder pumps and grinder pumps, whereas the comparison is simple.
A sewage grinder pump uses the cutting blades which glide the raw sewage through its grinders and into a slurry that is fluid in its texture.
Also, the Sewage grinder pumps have a unique design that can handle a wide variety of substrates like a sewage ejector pump.
And lastly, the life of these sewage grinders is over 10 years, whereas the grinder often lasts up to 8 years.
How Much Does a Grinder Pump Cost?
$2,800 to $3,500.
The cost is not so straightforward as it includes many variables like the soil conditions of the lot, distance of the line and pump, and the public sewer tap.
All these features change the given cost easily.
Cost of replacing the grinder pump and a sewage pump:
The next question that comes to an individual’s mind is that how much it costs to replace the grinder pump.
One can have a $2K to $3K retail prices, and again this varies on lots of factors like labor charges and installation costs.
On the other hand, the sewage pump is a bit cheaper and costs $380.00 to $600.00 to replace, and again the variables as the same as that of a grinder pump.
Insurance ensures the grinder pumps are under the homeowner’s insurance:
- The Septic System Insurance is a fantastic insurance policy and is available under the Shelter insurance.
- These also offer some other protections like the Drainage System Endorsement policy.
- Ken is also a great one and is currently offering the Drainage system endorsement coverage.
- One can also purchase the homeowner’s insurance which covers additional tools like the pump repair and other septic system replacement costs.
This is handy if one has a system malfunction/ fall.
Sewer grinder costs breakdown and their types:
One another common question is the types of grinder pumps available and how much we need to pay for them.
When it comes to the cost breakdown of the sewer grinder, it comes down to two last categories, and that is the material and labor.
And to begin with, the real cost factor is the pump itself, and labor is secondary.
Now, we know that a brand-new pump begins at the price of $300+.
However, these are only affordable plastic models, and we expect to get the authentic models at $1K to $2.5K.
There are two types of grinders majorly,
Centrifugal pumps – These are the premium and most standard pumps used at your house.
The major benefit is that these are easy to use and durable too
These pumps work as necessary and are less expensive than the higher models
SPD or the Semi-Positive Displacement pumps – They are the other critical types of grinders in the market, and they are also at par and very powerful.
Due to their strength, one recommends them for heavy industrial use only and not for small homes.
They use powerful and robust stainless-steel blades for mashing up most waste into the slurry.
Some top recommendations:
01. BURCHAM ¾ HP Stainless Steel Sewage Grinder Pump ($321 to $399.00) – Uses a heavy-duty pump and makes it of sturdy steel and cast-iron grinder impeller.
Capable of more than 4200 gallons an hour.
02. RainBro 3/4 HP Cast iron submersible sewage pump with 10 ft. piggyback tether float switch, Model# CSE075 – 6400 gallons/ hour flow rate.
High Capacity.
Very durable and automatic operation.
03. Wayne RPP50 Cast Iron Sewage Pump With Piggyback Tether Float Switch, Black ($159.99 to $202.66) – 6200 gallons per hour flow rate
Durable cast iron pump.
Very ideal for basement installations and a strong suction design.
Related questions and Frequently Asked Questions, FAQs:
Question 1 – What happens if my grinder pump fails?
Answer: On the occasion of a failure of the pump, an alarm will likely go off.
This happens on the septic systems alarm panel.
In some rare cases, tank cases can overflow into the backyard.
Question 2 – Why does one need a sewage grinder pump?
Answer: The grinder pump has one principal function, and that is to draw wastewater right into the sewage.
However, a pump comes into play when the gravity cannot help, and the sewage line is down to the normal lines.
Question 3 – Can one flush tampon using a grinder pump?
Answer: Don’t even think about it!
One does not need to flush them as they will clog the toilet line as the toilet paper does.
Question 4 – What are the different septic pump sizes available, and what is the right size for an individual?
Answer: For residential sizing, 1 ½ inch or larger is the preferable size.
Whereas a size of 2 ½ inches or more is enough for the commercial and industrial systems.
TDH and a good flow is an integral part for selecting a pump.
Question 5 – How to pump sewage uphill?
Answer: The sewer ejector pump is necessary to take the sewage uphill.
Once it reaches the top, the line activates, and the water propels it to the final municipal system tank.
Question 6 – How can one change the grinder pump?
Answer: If the pump of an individual fails, one needs it to replace as quickly as possible.
- To do this, locate the pump first and then purchase its replacement.
- Remove the old pump and then install the new alarm system with the new replacement pump.
Question 7 – How long should one run the ejector pump?
Answer: The collection point for sewage is a pit that then pumps up to a pipe.
This pipe reaches the final main sewage point which goes out of your house.
Let the pump run for around 10 seconds, and then it will stop.
Question 8 – What is the meaning of red light on the grinder pump?
Answer: The most common reason is that the alarm sounds if the wastewater in the tank reaches a certain level.
Or, in some cases, a whirlpool tub creates itself when more water goes into the tank.
Question 9 – Do the grinder pumps smell bad?
Answer: Many of the property owners often complain that the sewer smells horribly by a grinder placed in the basement; one must take this complaint seriously.
As even a few fumes of H2S can be dangerous.
Question 10 – How can one maintain the sewage ejector pump?
Answer: To maintain the ejector pump, clean It properly.
- Turn off the impractical circuit breaker and the water source both together.
- Check for the oil and other features and also inspect the pump impeller once.
Tighten the other elements and also clean your vents.
Question 11 – Do the sewage ejector pump smell bad?
Answer: No
Normally it doesn’t smell bad, and the bad odor shows an underlying problem with the condensate pump.
Question 12 – Should one buy a home with a grinder pump?
Answer: Yes
This does not have anything to do with the home as only some homes built themselves higher than the standard line while some are lower, which needs a pump.
Question 13 – How often should we grinder pump run?
Answer: One needs to understand that these grinder pumps only pump out when the wastewater reaches a threshold level.
Their average shelf life is around eight years with almost minimal maintenance as such.
Question 14 – How often do the grinder pumps need replacement?
Answer: Well, some sturdy grinder pumps can last for as long as 20 years, while the industry average is only 10 years.
So, do it accordingly.
Question 15 – What happens in the situation when the grinder pump fails?
Answer: One the event of the failure of a grinder pump, an alarm gets triggered off on the septic system alarm panel.
This can also lead to its leaking into some outer compartments.
Question 16 – How to maintain the grinder pump?
Answer: Do the following on your routine checkup,
- First, inspect the oil level and check for any contamination
- Check the pump impeller for any clogs or clotting buildup
- Inspect other core items
Final Verdict
The sewage grinder pumps play a critical role and are important for those homes that are at the lower position to the standard line of sewage.
They help to send wastewater to the final sewage line.
Also, the costing involves many parameters like the labor charges and parts and accessories.
The new parts costings are between $300+ to $1,500 for higher capacity variants.
The centrifuge type is cheaper than the higher industry standard variant.
On the other hand, the sewage grinder grinds the sewage into the slurry.
And are different in their working than the grinding machine.
Keep it under regular maintenance, and it should easily last longer for more than 8 to 20 years.
If anyone complains of any smell, take it seriously as a buildup and inhalation of the toxic H2S, which is dangerous to the health.
Thanks for reading!