Effluent pumps are designed to pump water with small solids in it, typically from septic tanks or wastewater treatment systems. The solids are typically small, less than ¾ of an inch.
These pumps are used for waste and are powerful than sump pumps but not as powerful as sewage pumps. These are used for applications where water must be moved uphill or to a location too far away for gravity flow to suffice.
How Effluent Pumps Work
Effluent pumps are usually mounted inside a tank or pit known as a basin. When the water in the basin reaches a certain height, the float switch activates the pump. The pump then allows it to be pushed through pipes to another location.
A motor rotates a fan-like structure called an impeller, which pushes the water out of the basin. When the water level recedes, the float switch turns the pump off again.
Types of Effluent Pumps
There are different types of effluent pumps designed to perform different tasks. Each cell is selected based on how much water it has to migrate and how far.
1. Submersible Effluent Pumps
These pumps operate submerged underwater. They’re seated at the bottom of a tank or pit. They’re still fairly quiet and don’t take up a lot of physical space, making them good for home use.
They are good, rust-free and easy to install. This is the type most homes with a septic system use.
2. High-Head Effluent Pumps
It same type of pump is used when water needs to be lifted to a much higher place. It is also used for pumping over long distances.
They’re designed to take more of a beating, and they’re more often found in large systems like farms or treatment plants.
3. Grinder and Chopper Pumps
These pumps can chop or grind solids into smaller particles before pumping them. They are useful when there is a risk of larger waste entering the system.
Grinder pumps have blades that spin the impeller and chopper pumps have additional blades that chop waste before it passes through the pump.
4. Sewage Ejector Pumps
Although primarily designed for the transportation of raw sewage, they are also effective for effluent for smaller sewage ejector pumps. They are ideal above ground when waste needs to be pumped up to ground level, or in basements or other areas below ground level.
These pumps can manage larger solids, and they are commonly used in homes with additional bathrooms or laundry rooms in the basement.
Where Effluent Pumps Are Used
Treated waste is moved to many locations with effluent pumps.
- Septic Systems: They move water from the septic tank to a drain field or filter.
- Wastewater Treatment Plants: They transfer water among treatment stages or to a final discharge site from the treatment facility.
- Homes: Used in basements or areas with high groundwater to help eliminate greywater or floodwater.
- Farms and Industries: Used to transport dirty water safely to treatment areas or storage tanks.
Benefits of Effluent Pumps
There are numerous advantages of effluent pumps as well, particularly for systems handling treated wastewater. Here are some of the key benefits, with specific details:
1. Designed to Handle Small Solids
Most effluent pumps are typically used to pump out a mixture of water and very small amounts of solid waste. The solids size that most pumps can tolerate is ¾ in. Their impellers and internal parts are designed for anti-clogging, allowing them to be highly reliable over conventional water pumps.
2. Energy Efficient
Most effluent pump models are energy efficient and use less power compared to other pumps. They are designed to operate as required, turning on and off controlled by float switching or level mechanisms. Since they don’t work continuously and are designed for low-resistance flow, they can also cut down on electricity bills, particularly when the pump is used often in homes or establishments.
3. Quiet Operation
They are installed under water, which minimizes operational noise. This also makes them a good option for use indoors or in homes where sound is a consideration.
4. Compact and Space-Saving
Effluent pumps are typically small and designed for space-saving in small tanks or skinny basins. Their compact size means they can be put in confined spaces where a larger pump wouldn’t fit. This is useful in residential facilities, older structures, or retrofit installations where space is at a premium.
5. Versatile Use
Effluent pumps have multiple applications in the industry. In homes, they are part of septic systems or used for pumping water from basements. On agricultural operations, they can pump greywater or irrigation runoff. In commercial and industrial applications, they aid in the handling of light wastewater from kitchens, laundry rooms and treatment plants.
How to Choose the Right Effluent Pump
Going out of the way to purchase an effluent pump can be tedious. Here are some things to consider:
- Solids Size: Pick a pump that can manage the size of solids in the water, normally up to ¾ inch.
- How Far to Pump: The pump must be able to lift the water to the correct height and to the correct distance.
- Pump Material: The components of the pump should be made of rust-resistant materials, such as stainless steel or coated cast iron.
- Motor Power: Normally, pumps for sign homes are ⅓ HP while those for larger work are 2 HP.
- Switch Type: The float switches are commonly used and may either be vertical or tethered. Pressure or electronic level switches are used by some pumps.
- Warranty and Support: A quality pump should come with a supplier warranty and support.
Installing and Maintaining Effluent Pumps
A correct installation of the pump and its regular maintenance will increase its durability.
Installation Tips
- Set the pump in a firm, level place.
- There are thick pipes and a check valve to prevent the return of water.
- Ensure the pump is plugged into an appropriate and GFCI-protected outlet.
Maintenance Tips
- Test the float switch every few months to clear any debris.
- If using it with a septic tank, then make sure to pump out the tank every 3 to 5 years to stop solids from reaching the pump.
- Re-seal or replace seals or bearings to prevent leaks or motor issues.
Conclusion
The effluent pump is a large part of any effluent system for both commercial and residential wastewater applications of small solids. They are used in homes, farms and commercial locations and help ensure treated water is transported safely and efficiently. Selecting the right type of pump and maintaining it properly allows users to operate their systems worry-free and protect the entire system from being damaged.