Grinder Pumps

Grinder pump sewer systems are used in areas where gravity sewers are not available. Wastewater normally flows downhill by gravity from a home's internal plumbing to a sewer lateral and into the municipal sewer main. When a residence is at a lower elevation than the sewer main, it requires the use of a pump to force the wastewater up to the communal low-pressure sanitary system (LPSS).

A grinder pump handles wastewater from the kitchen, bathroom, and laundry. It grinds solid materials into a slurry, which is pumped into a low-pressure sewer system and then flows to the municipal gravity sewer main. The system includes components like a tank, pump assembly, valves, piping, level controls, and electrical connections. The pump runs automatically for 1-2 minutes when wastewater reaches a preset level and is powered through the home’s electrical system.
Homeowner Responsibilities
- Ownership and Maintenance: Grinder pumps are owned and maintained by the property owner.
- Service Calls: Homeowners are responsible for repair costs due to pump failure or misuse.
- Insurance Coverage: Property owners must secure their coverage for grinder pumps.
- Precautions: Avoid introducing foreign objects or harmful chemicals into the system; only normal sewage and toilet paper are safe.
Town Responsibilities
- System Maintenance: The Town maintains sewer pipes from the property line to the road.
- Flushing Program: The system is flushed annually. Advance notice is provided to residents.
Key Notes for Homeowners
- Never connect a sump pump to sanitary plumbing without Building Code approval.
- Always check chemical labels before disposal to avoid potential safety hazards or system damage.
Your grinder pump is equipped with an alarm to signal a high water level in the pump basin, often caused by pump failure. If the alarm sounds:
Stop Using Water
Discontinue water use immediately to prevent overflows and sewage backups.
Wait 15 minutes to see if the issue self-corrects, as the tank may automatically pump down.
Check the Circuit Breaker
Locate the breaker controlling the grinder pump panel (should be 30 amps).
If tripped, reset it once. If the issue persists, contact a licensed electrician.
Silence the Alarm
Push the button under the panel to silence the alarm. The warning light will stay on, and the problem must still be reported.
After 15 Minutes
If the alarm light remains on or recurs during the next pump cycles, contact your insurer or service provider for assistance.
Important Precautions
Never attempt to open the tank cover.
Homeowners are responsible for blockages or pipe breaks between the home and the pump housing/property line. The Town is responsible for repairs from the property line to the sewer main.
Address intermittent alarms promptly to prevent costly repairs later.
By following these steps and precautions, you can minimize potential damage and maintain the performance of your grinder pump.

Update on Grinder Pump Coverage - June 2025

Following the end of the grinder pump coverage program previously offered by Service Line Warranties of Canada (SLWC), which served Niagara-on-the-Lake residents since 2015, the Town is pleased to share that a local alternative is now available for those interested in maintaining similar coverage.

As endorsed by Council at the March Council Meeting, the Town has endorsed Kimbel Donayre Plumbing, a highly experienced local contractor based in Niagara Falls, to offer a voluntary grinder pump service agreement for residents. The agreement is available for $45/month and functions as a service plan, not an insurance policy. The provider maintains parts in stock and is equipped for fast response times with trained technicians who understand the system used in Niagara-on-the-Lake.

Please note:

Participation is not mandatory.
The service provider may inspect systems before accepting new clients.
Residents are free to explore other service options or continue to manage pump repairs independently.

Kimbel Donayre Plumbing Contact Information

Phone: 289-219-1680
Email: kimbeldonayre@gmail.com
Visit the Kimbel Donayre Plumbing website

The Town will continue to provide helpful resources about grinder pump use, care, and troubleshooting. If you were previously enrolled in SLWC coverage, you may be eligible to receive a $100 annual reimbursement from the Town if you enroll in this new service agreement.

Grinder Pump Handout

While the Town has supported residents by facilitating coverage through SLWC services, grinder pump coverage is ultimately the responsibility of the private property owner.
The Town has endorsed Kimbel Donayre Plumbing, a local contractor based in Niagara Falls, to offer a voluntary grinder pump service agreement for residents. Please note that, as the Town did with SLWC, the Town will act as a liaison with Kimbel Donayre Plumbing and does not manage the service to residents.
- A manufacturer warranty typically covers defects in materials or quality for a limited time after purchase.
- Third-party insurance provides ongoing coverage for repairs or replacements due to wear and tear, breakdowns, or other issues not covered by a warranty.

Frequently Asked Questions

- Stop using water in your home immediately to prevent backups.
- Check the circuit breaker; if it’s tripped, reset it.
- If the issue persists, contact a licensed plumber or pump repair service.
- Use water-efficient appliances to reduce strain.
- Avoid flushing items that can clog the pump, such as:
  Grease, oil, or fat.
  Feminine hygiene products.
  Baby wipes or cleaning wipes
  Dental floss, hair, or cotton swabs.
  Non-degradable materials like plastic or rubber.
- Spread out heavy water usage, such as laundry, throughout the day.
- Schedule professional servicing every 1-3 years.
Look for these signs:
- Alarms going off.
- Slow drainage in your home.
- Unusual noises from the pump.
- Foul odours near the pump location.

Update on Grinder Pump Coverage - June 2025

Kimbel Donayre Plumbing Contact Information

Frequently Asked Questions

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