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What Are Sewage Ejectors?

Sewage ejectors are also called sewage pumps as they pump sewage from a lower to higher level. They are sometimes confused with sump pumps, which pump clean water as opposed to sewage. Sewage ejectors transport sewage against the force of gravity. Although small in size, they are capable of moving large amounts of sewage.

  1. When Are Sewage Ejectors Used?

    • Sewage ejectors are generally found in households and office buildings with basement or underground toilets. Toilets that lie below the main sewer line of the house or building are incapable of disposing sewage via conventional gravitational flow. Sewage ejectors are also used in toilets that are level with sewage lines but move sewage slower than the average requirement of 2 feet per second.

    Sewage Ejector Systems

    • A typical sewage ejector system contains one pump and one float. The option is available to install an additional pump as an alternative or backup. Sewage ejector systems are sometimes equipped with an alarm that signals in the event of pump failure. Some systems use a grinder pump, which operates similar to a garage disposal, grinding sewage into a thick suspension prior to pumping.

    How Do Sewage Ejectors Work?

    • Sewage leaving basement toilets is collected in a tank containing a pump and float. When the storage limit of the tank is reached, the float rises and activates the pump, which automatically switches on. The pump plays a role in emulsifying solid sewage before pumping it toward the main sewer lines to join the rest of the waste. As the tank is emptied, the float falls to the bottom and the pump switches off.

    Avoiding Damage

    • The main cause of damage to sewage ejectors is the flushing of items other than toilet paper. This includes condoms, feminine products, cotton swabs, diapers and even disposable wipes that are marketed as suitable for flushing. As sewage ejectors usually pump waste upwards, these items pose a greater damage risk compared to conventional toilets. Sewage ejectors should be serviced annually by a professional plumber.

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