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 twice yearly, in spring and fall, with a three-week notice 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.
- Stop Using Water
There are two types of Grinder Pump Electrical Panel User Guides: the Simplex Protect Panel Manual and the Simplex Protect Plus Panel Manual. Please refer to these manuals for alarm codes.
Simplex Protect Plus Panel Manual
You can also visit E-One's website, where a maintenance guide can be found.This document provides homeowners with basic information on how a grinder pump works, basic care and maintenance information, available insurance coverage, frequently asked questions, and contact information.
Grinder Pump Low Pressure Sanitary Sewer (LPSS) Homeowners' Guide 2022
Update on Grinder Pump Coverage - January 2025
For years, the Town has facilitated grinder pump coverage through Service Line Warranty Canada (SLWC). Now, SLWC is discontinuing its coverage as policies come up for renewal. Reasons for this discontinuation in coverage include supply and cost issues, contractor availability challenges, a higher frequency of replacements in Niagara-on-the-Lake compared to other jurisdictions, and financial sustainability concerns with the program's current fee structure.
While the Town has supported residents by facilitating coverage through SLWC services, grinder pump coverage is ultimately the responsibility of the private property owner.
Staff have been in discussions with a new company and its proposed contract, residents, and the former Grinder Pump Committee to find a resolution to covering grinder pumps. Please note that as the Town did with SLWC, the Town will act as a liaison with a new third-party service and not manage the service to residents. More information is coming in the near future.
The property owner is responsible for finding a third-party provider for grinder pump coverage. Residents are encouraged to research providers offering policies that suit their needs and are licensed, reputable providers for maintenance, repairs, and insurance. Staff have been in discussions with a new third-party service company, and once details are finalized, Staff will make their contact information available 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
No, wastewater needs to be pumped to a sewer line or some form of treatment.
The typical operation of a grinder pump is 10 to 30 minutes per day for single-family residential homes. It is designed to turn on several times throughout the day (20 to 40) times for a single-family home for 1 to 2 minutes each time. Operation time varies based on water usage. The more water you use, the more often the pump will turn on.
A typical single-family home uses approximately 250 gallons of water per day. An E/One pump uses between 9 and 20 kWh per month (60-240 kWh per year). Check your utility bill for the cost per kilowatt-hour in your area.
For example, if you pay 11 cents per kilowatt-hour, $0.11kWh x 120kWh = $13.00 per year for electricity to operate the E/One pump.
Drain cleaner can be used, but choose carefully. Use a household (not industrial strength) drain cleaner and follow the instructions on the bottle. Then, flush enough water to ensure that the pump turns on and doesn't sit in the chemical for some time.
Regular maintenance costs might include annual inspection and cleaning, typically costing approximately $200 to $300. Repairs can range from $200 to $3000 for minor fixes to $8000 for a complete replacement.
Routine inspections by a licensed professional can help assess the condition of your pump.
- 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.
Property owners should obtain coverage from a third-party provider, who will be their primary contact in the event of grinder pump failure. For immediate issues, reach out to a licensed plumber or service professional.
- 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.