How Breakthrough Grinder Pump Technology Solves Common Sewage Ejector Issues for New-Construction Plumbing
By Phil Warren, MD, SFA Saniflo Canada, National Sales Manager and Managing Director
Builders understand the critical role of sewage ejector pumps in a home’s plumbing system. These systems move wastewater uphill from fixtures below ground level — sinks, showers, toilets, and laundry rooms — to the main sewer line above. Without an ejector pump, wastewater from basements or lower floors could not drain through gravity alone.
While ejector pumps are integral to any plumbing system, it must be acknowledged that they can be susceptible to a range of common problems. Clogs, burnouts, and leaks can lead to pump malfunction. When this happens, wastewater will back up, leaving households without plumbing drainage.
Common Challenges with Sewage Ejectors
In transporting wastewater from lower to higher elevations, sewage ejectors will inevitably encounter excessive waste, sanitary products, or toilet paper, leading to potential blockages in the system.
If the pump is not adequately equipped or regularly maintained, these blockages can disrupt the smooth flow of wastewater, resulting in backups and overflows. Such disruptions not only pose potential health threats but also carry the risk of property damage.
As sewage ejectors age, they are susceptible to motor burnout and worn-out seals, which can result in pump failures, sewage backups, and potential health hazards. The cumulative costs of frequent repairs, encompassing parts and labour, can quickly become a considerable financial burden. Furthermore, the inconvenience and disruption caused by repeated breakdowns can be exasperating for homeowners or property managers.
Malfunctioning float switches are another common cause of pump failure. These small yet significant components play a crucial role in regulating the operation of the sewage ejector pump by detecting water levels and activating the pump at specific points.
Float switches can become stuck or damaged over time, leading to improper pump activation or even a failure to activate altogether. Consequently, these issues can again result in sewage backups, flooding, or insufficient pumping capacity.
New Grinder Pump Kit Technology:
Game Changer for Sewage Pump Installations
A possible solution to traditional sewage ejection issues is for home builders and mechanical engineers to specify a new grinder pump technology.
Grinder pumps function by shredding solid waste materials into minuscule particles before propelling them through the plumbing lines. Equipped with razor-sharp blades that macerate the waste, grinder pumps can efficiently navigate narrow pipes and uphill terrain. By effectively breaking down solid waste, these pumps mitigate the risk of clogs and blockages within a plumbing system, thereby enhancing the efficiency and dependability of the wastewater conveyance process.
By significantly reducing the risk of clogs and blockages, grinder pumps lessen the likelihood of pump failures and the subsequent need for costly repairs. The tangible outcome? Cost savings accrue over the lifetime of the pump as maintenance and repair expenses are minimized. Nonetheless, proper maintenance and regular inspections are recommended.
Grinder pumps are versatile and suitable for installation in many applications, whether residential, commercial, or industrial. They excel in scenarios where conventional gravity-based systems have proven impractical or insufficient. Unlike their traditional sewage ejector counterparts, grinder pumps can handle larger solids and more challenging waste materials.
The Solution:
Pre-Assembled Sewage Grinder Pump Complete with Basin for New Installations
Heavy-duty sewage grinder pumps like SFA Saniflo’s Sanipit® 24 GR CB solve common sewage ejector problems. Contained within a heavy-duty HDPE basin that measures 24 inches in diameter and 24 inches in depth, the fully packaged and pre-assembled grinder pump comes equipped with a built-in short-cycling, thermo-magnetic 1 HP grinder motor, an air-pressure mechanism, and an external control and alarm system.
As mentioned, float issues are a common source of homeowner frustration when dealing with sewage ejectors. The new Sanipit® 24 GR CB addresses this problem with its advanced triple-pressure switches, ensuring accurate and reliable control of the pump’s operation.
Key to the Sanipit solution is its use of short-cycling, thermo-magnetic motors, a feature already present in existing SFA Saniflo pumps. In Sanipit’s triple-redundant pressure switch system, each switch has its own dip tube, designed to make failure nearly impossible. This setup ensures continuous, clog-free wastewater flow, significantly reducing the need for repairs. Designed to meet both specifiers’ and installers’ needs, the Sanipit® 24 GR CB package offers unmatched reliability and maintenance-free longevity thanks to this advanced waste-detection system.
Easy access to all significant internal components, including the motor, grinder blade, and pressure switches, makes the Sanipit® 24 GR CB easier for installation and service contractors.
Most pumping systems are designed to sit directly in sewage, making service work an extremely unpleasant chore for repairing contractors. The Sanipit® 24 GR CB can create a dry cavity within the pit. This special design feature keeps the components and the motor separate, ensuring a hassle-free and mess-free experience for installers and service technicians.
Grinder technology presents a first-rate solution to chronic sewage ejector challenges. These pumps enable efficient wastewater removal, even in below-grade spaces, by effectively grinding solids into fine particles. By simplifying the installation and maintenance processes, the technology ensures reliable and clog-free operation, making it an ideal choice for residential and commercial sewage systems.
With its versatility, reliability, and efficiency, grinder pump technology redefines sewage management standards, offering sustainable and cost-effective solutions for modern construction projects.
About the author: Phil Warren is a distinguished industry leader currently serving as the National Sales Manager and Managing Director at SFA Saniflo Canada. Phil’s proven expertise as a sales leader is evident through his impressive 20-year track record in account management, relationship building, and sales coaching. Over the past three and a half decades, the Canadian subsidiary of Group SFA in Paris, France, has experienced remarkable growth and expansion by offering a comprehensive line of above-floor pumping systems. With a remarkable evolution from three SKUs to an impressive 35, SFA Saniflo’s product range now meets a wide array of plumbing-drainage applications, including heavy-duty commercial and industrial projects.
