Grinder pumps are essential to the septic system and wastewater management in many homes and businesses. Despite their significant role, however, many people remain unfamiliar with the purpose and function of this equipment. The septic service professionals at S & S Pumping in Forsyth, MO, want to keep property owners informed, so below they answer a few frequently asked questions about grinder pumps.

Your Grinder Pump FAQ

What Are They?

Think of these pumps as garbage disposals but on a larger scale. They take in wastewater generated from a home or business and grind it into a slurry before pumping it out into the local sewer main. Some forms of waste it takes include used bathing, toilet, and washing machine water.

How Do They Work?

The pump is placed in a grinder pit buried in a basement or outdoors on the property. After waste from a home or business is used, it flows into the pit. Once it reaches a predetermined level, the grinder pump turns on, grinds the waste, and sends it through the property’s on-site sewer system. The unit will run for about two minutes before automatically shutting down. 

Do They Require a Lot of Maintenance?

Grinder pumps require little maintenance. About once a month, pour one cup of liquid dish detergent down your kitchen sink and hose down the pump annually. The best step you can take to keep your grinder pump operational is to avoid putting the following items down drains:

• Grease, oil, and cooking fats.
• Flammable materials.
• Plastic and cloth.
• Degreasing solvents.

Why Do People Need Grinder Pumps?

Most properties use gravity to transport wastewater from an on-site sewer service line to a public sewer system. However, some homes and businesses have sewer lines that leave the property at lower elevations than the local sewer main. In other words, the wastewater cannot flow naturally from one place to another. In these instances, a grinder pump will grind wastewater before pumping it into the main. 

Keep your grinder pumps and septic systems running smoothly by contacting the experts at S & S Pumping. They have provided clients throughout the Greater Branson Tri-Lakes area with exceptional septic services for over 16 years. In addition to a variety of septic services, they are also equipped to handle grinder pit and grease trap services, tank installations, and flood water removal. To schedule an appointment, call (417) 546-2390 or visit them online today.