Maybe until your read this forum, you might have thought that sewage and sump pumps are the same because they both are installed in a sump/basin in the basement to transfer water. We even can’t figure out the difference by appearance, as both look alike. But in reality, both are different and have their unique way of working.
So what's the difference? 🤷♂️
A sump pump – When an excess of water gets accumulated in your basement by seepages or rain, you need a pump to get this water pumped off. That work is done by a Sump pump.
A sewage pump – When your building sewer pipe level is below the Septic Tank / Gravity sewer / Main Sewer line / Force main due to some reasons such as dwelling units in the basement level below grade or toilet in the basement etc., the sewer can’t get flowed to the septic tank / Main sewer by gravity and here we require a Sewage pump to get it done.
Sewage pump is further differentiated into two types.
Sewage Ejector pump - To pump sewage to a septic tank or gravity main to a short distance. This pump can handle high volume and works at low pressure. This pump can't handle bigger solid particles of more than 2" in diameter
Sewage Grinder Pump - To pump sewage to a Force main or City sewer at a Large distance. This pump can handle Low volume but works at high pressure. This pump has grinder blades, so it can crush any solid particles and pump them outside.
Should I have a sewage pump or a sump pump? 🤔
We understood what is a Sump pump and Sewage pump. Okay now, let's see whether to have a sewage pump, a sump pump, or both.
For this, the most important task is to find out the requirement.👀
Go for a Sump pump. If
House basements or crawl spaces get often filled with rainwater/seepage water from leaks.
The water accumulated is clear or may contain small particles such as sand/dirt.
Go for a Sewage pump. If
The sanitary line from your home is below the Sanitary main.
You have bathroom / dwelling units in the basement which is below the Main sewer line.
And if its Sewage pump select,
Sewage Ejector pump. If
The sewage needs to be pumped to a septic tank or a Gravity sewer.
The distance to be pumped is short i.e. less than 750 feet.
Have smaller solid particles which is less than 2" of diameter.
Sewage Grinder pump. If
The sewage needs to be pumped to a City sewer at Distance greater than 750 feet.
The sewage needs to be pumped to a Force main.
The sewage needs to be lifted to a vertical height of 20 - 30 feet ( Usually in Lifting Station ).
The solid particles which gets collected is more than 2" diameter.
Go for a separate Sump pump and a Sewage pump, If the requirement are there for both.
Conclusion 🥂
Hope understood the difference, here some key points to remember:
Sump pump can't handle solid waste.
Sump pump can be powered by a battery pack, so it can work even during storm and there is power outage.
Sewer pump can't pump high volume of clear water.
If need to pump the sewage to the Septic tank or Gravity sewer fewer feet apart, choose the Ejector pump. Need to push the sewage harder, longer and to a force main go for Grinder pump.
Codes to be referred ⚖
International Plumbing Code – 2018
Section – 712 – For Sewage Pumps.
Section – 906.5 – For Sump Vents.
Section – 1113 – For Sump Pumps.
Sewage pumps and sump pumps, while both used to remove water, serve distinct purposes. Sewage pumps are designed to handle wastewater from homes, businesses, and other structures, often pumping it to treatment facilities. Sump pumps, on the other hand personal statement writer, are typically found in basements or crawl spaces to remove groundwater that seeps in. They're crucial for preventing flooding and water damage. Understanding the difference between these two types of pumps is essential when addressing water management needs in your property.