Everything You Need to Know About Grinder Pump Maintenance

If you have a grinder pump system, then it’s important to know how to properly maintain it. Grinder pumps are responsible for breaking up waste and pumping it into a septic tank or sewer system. As these pumps age, they can lose efficiency and the blades can become dull. That’s why regular preventive maintenance is recommended. In our guide, you’ll learn more about grinder pump maintenance: How a grinder system works, how you know your grinder pump needs maintenance, ways to care for your grinder pump system, the most common grinder pump issues, why it’s important to contact an authorized service specialist if your grinder pump system alarm goes off, what can be done to protect a grinder pump, what happens if your grinder pump fails, and what to check during grinder pump maintenance. By following these tips, you can help keep your grinder pump system running smoothly for years to come.

How a grinder system works

A grinder pump system consists of a holding tank and a pump. Waste from sinks, toilets, bathtubs, and washing machines flows into the holding tank. When the waste reaches a certain level, the pump kicks on and grinds up the waste. The pump then sends the waste to a septic tank or central sewer system.

Most grinder pump systems are equipped with an alarm that sounds when the pump kicks on. The alarm is a safety measure to alert home and business owners of a grinder system failure. If the grinder pump system fails, an alarm on the control box sounds an audible alarm as well as a red light that will illuminate. During an alarm condition, water use should be limited until repairs have been made. Schedule the repair immediately to avoid a sewer spill.

Grinder pump systems are typically used in homes or businesses that are not connected to a central sewer system. If your home or business is connected to a central sewer system, then you likely do not have a grinder pump system.

What you should do in case of a power failure

If there is a power outage, the grinder pump will not work and sewage may backup into your home or business. To avoid this, it is important to have an alternate power source for your grinder pump system. A generator is a good option as long as it is properly sized for the grinder pump.

If you lose power, do not use any water in your home or business until power has been restored and you are sure the grinder pump is working properly. Once power has been restored, run water through all of the fixtures in your home or business to clear the pipes and prevent sewage from backing up into your property.

If you have a grinder pump system, it is important to have a plan in place in case of a power outage. By taking these steps, you can help prevent sewage from backing up into your home or business.

Why is grinder pump maintenance important?

Regular grinder pump maintenance is important because it can help extend the life of your grinder pump system. Preventive maintenance can also help you avoid major issues down the road. Without regular maintenance, the blades on your grinder pump can become dull, which can lead to the pump working less efficiently. A dull grinder pump can overheat and break down, which can be costly to repair. Regular grinder pump maintenance will keep your system running smoothly and help you avoid major issues.

When should grinder pump maintenance be performed?

Most experts recommend that grinder pump maintenance be performed every three to five years. However, some manufacturers may recommend a different schedule. It’s important to follow the manufacturer’s recommendations for grinder pump maintenance.

If you notice any problems with your grinder pump system, such as an alarm that is sounding more frequently, then you should have the system checked as soon as possible. A qualified contractor can inspect the system and perform any necessary maintenance.

What happens during preventive maintenance?

During preventive maintenance, an authorized service specialist should inspect the grinder pump system and perform any necessary repairs. The service specialist will also test the alarm to make sure it is working properly. They may also clean the grinder pump blades and perform other routine maintenance tasks.

After the grinder pump system has been inspected, the service specialist will provide you with a report that outlines any issues that were found and what was done to repair them. They will also provide you with a maintenance schedule for the grinder pump system.

How you know your grinder pump needs maintenance

If your grinder pump system is not working properly, you may notice one or more of the following signs:

• The grinder pump kicks on more often than usual: This could be a sign that the blades are dull and need to be replaced.
• The grinder pump is making strange noises: This could be a sign that the bearings are worn out and need to be replaced.
• There is water leaking from the grinder pump: This could be a sign of a problem with the seals or gaskets.
• The grinder pump is not working at all: This could be a sign of a problem with the motor or other parts of the system.
• The grinder pump smells bad: This could be a sign of a problem with the seals or gaskets.
• Your grinder pump is losing efficiency: This could be a sign of a problem with the blades or bearings.

If you notice any of these signs, it’s important to contact an authorized service specialist in your area like Siewert Equipment to have your grinder pump system serviced.

How to care for your grinder pump system

There are a few things you can do to care for your grinder pump system:

• Read the manufacturer’s instructions carefully and follow all recommended maintenance schedules.
• Inspect the grinder pump regularly for any signs of wear or damage.
• If you notice any problems with the grinder pump, contact an authorized service specialist in your area like Siewert Equipment to have the system serviced.
• Be sure to keep the grinder pump area clear of debris and obstructions.

The most common grinder pump issues

There are a few common grinder pump issues that homeowners and businesses should be aware of:

• Dull blades: Over time, the blades on your grinder pump can become dull. This can lead to the pump working less efficiently and can cause the system to overheat and break down.
• Worn out bearings: The bearings in your grinder pump can become worn out over time. This can cause the pump to make strange noises and can eventually lead to the pump failing.
• Leaks: Water leaks can occur if the seals or gaskets in your grinder pump system are worn out.
• Motor problems: The motor in your grinder pump can fail over time. This can cause the pump to stop working altogether.

What can be done to protect a grinder pump

There are a few things you can do to help keep your grinder pump system in good working condition:

• Have the grinder pump serviced by an authorized service specialist every two years.
• Inspect the grinder pump regularly for any signs of wear or damage.
• Be sure to keep the grinder pump area clear of debris and obstructions.
• You can install a grinder pump protection device. This device will help to prevent clogs and leaks by catching sewage before it enters the pump.

Never put the following items down drains or flush down toilets:

• Feminine hygiene products
• Diapers
• Paper towels
• Wipes
• Hair
• Grease
• Food scraps

These items can clog the grinder pump and cause it to fail. If you have a septic tank, be sure to have it pumped regularly. This will help keep the grinder pump from having to work too hard.

Why it’s important to contact a qualified contractor if your grinder pump system alarm goes off

If you have a grinder pump system, it’s important to know what to do if the alarm goes off. The alarm is there to let you know that there is a problem with the grinder pump. If you ignore the alarm, it could lead to major problems with your grinder pump system.

An authorized maintenance specialist in your area like Siewert Equipment can inspect your grinder pump system and perform any necessary maintenance. They can also troubleshoot any problems with the system and make sure that it is running properly.

What happens if your grinder pump fails

If your grinder pump fails, it can cause a variety of problems.

• The sewage in your home or business will back up into the building. This can cause health and safety concerns for you and your family.
• The sewage can leak out of the grinder pump and into the environment. This can contaminate groundwater and cause environmental problems.
• If the grinder pump is not repaired or replaced, it can lead to the collapse of your septic tank or sewer system. This can be very costly to repair.

Contact our authorized service specialists today to learn more

If you have any questions about grinder pump maintenance, or if you need to schedule a service call, please contact us today. We would be happy to answer any of your questions and help you keep your grinder pump in good working condition. Click here to learn more about our grinder pump repair & maintenance services. If you’re looking to purchase a new grinder pump, take a look at our E/One grinder pump page.