What is the Difference Between a Sewage Pump and a Sump Pump?
Two types of pumps are employed in homes and other structures: sump pumps and sewage pumps. These two pumps serve as indoor septic systems and are often found in the building’s basement. Both have big canisters, pumps, and holding tank components. Sewage pumps are equipped with an additional alarm. The alarm goes off when a specific amount of accumulated waste is reached. After that, the waste is crushed up and brought into the sewer system.
A sump pump is a device used to remove water or other liquid from a basement, crawlspace, or another low-lying area. A sewage pump is designed to move wastewater from a household sewage system. Both devices work by lifting and moving the liquid until it reaches a discharge point, but there are some key differences you should be aware of if you’re buying one.
Table of Contents
What are the Different Types of Sump Pumps?
A sewage pump is a mechanical device to lift and discharges sewage from an overlying system.
- The most common type of sewage pump is the suction type pump which uses a motor to create a vacuum to pull the sewage through the pipe.
- The second type of sewage pump is the discharge type pump which uses a motor to move the sewage from the tank to an outlet. This is the more common type of pump in use today, as discharge pumps are easier to operate and maintain than suction pumps.
- The third type of sewage pump is the surge or booster pump. This type of pump is used when a continuous sewage flow is needed, for example, when diapers are treated in a diaper plant. The surge or booster pump has two valves; one opens to send water into the sewage system, and one opens to send sewage out of the system. When water enters the system, it raises the level of the sewage, pushing it through the valve into the outlet pipe. As soon as this pressure drops, the valve closes and sends sewage back into the system.
What is a Sump Pump?
A sump pump is a device that helps to collect water from a drainage system and sends it back to the surface. It is typically used in basements and garages but can also be found in kitchens and bathrooms. A sewage pump is a similar device used to collect wastewater from homes and businesses.
When Would I Need a Sump Pump?
Traditionally, if your property has a basement, you need to think about installing a sump pump. Sump pumps will be most effective in preventing flooding and basements water damage.
The cost of installing and maintaining a sump pump is significantly less than that of repairs and replacements. Thus it can also be used in conjunction with an adequate waterproofing solution.
You fall into one of two groups if you have a basement: You either haven’t experienced the risks and expenses of water damage, or you have.
If you haven’t had to deal with a leaking basement yet, consider whether that scenario will last.
Having your basement inspected for potential problems could reveal any weak points in your property. Preventive action will be far smarter than waiting until it is too late (practically and monetarily).
The alternative scenario is that you previously had a leaking basement and are now dealing with issues like dampness, mold, decay, and perhaps even weak foundations.
In this circumstance, installing a perfect waterproofing solution will be a no-brainer to prevent the same destiny again, and a sump pump will only work in your favor.
What is a Sewage Pump?
A sewage pump is a machine that pumps wastewater from a sewage system to the sewer, including toilet water and kitchen waste. It is typically installed in a home or business with a flowing discharge pipe connected to a municipal sewage treatment plant.
How Do They Work?
The difference between a sewage pump and a sump pump is that a sewage pump is used to pump wastewater from toilets and drains, while a sump pump is used to pump water out of a basement or cellar.
The sewage pump uses a motor to turn a propeller and pumps the wastewater through a pipe and out into the street.
The sump pump is similar, but it uses a motor to turn a pump wheel which pumps water out of the basement or cellar. Sump pumps are beneficial because they can pump water out of tight spaces.
For example, this is helpful when trying to clean up after a flood.
Additionally, sump pumps are beneficial in natural disasters, as they can be used to evacuate people from low-lying areas.
How Does a Sump Pump Work?
A sump pump is a piece of equipment used to remove water and wastewater from a basement, garage, or low-lying area. It is operated by a motor that draws water up from the ground and pushes it out of the drainage system into a tank or container. The sump pump can also clean water in swimming pools, lakes, rivers, and oceans.
The main difference between a sump pump and a sewage pump is that a sump pump is designed to remove water, while a sewage pump is designed to remove waste. A sump pump works best when standing water is used in the area; if there is not enough water, the pump will not work either. A sewage pump works best when the wastewater has already been emptied into a river, lake, or ocean.
Differences Between the Sump Pump and Sewage Pump
A Sump Pump is designed to remove water below the ground level and pump it into a drainage system.
A Sewage Pump is designed to remove wastewater from buildings and pump it into a sewer system.
When it comes to pumps, there are a few key distinctions that need to be made. One of the most important is the type of pump used – a sewage pump will help with wastewater removal, whereas a sump pump is typically used for drainage in homes and businesses.
Beyond their specific functions, both pumps require regular maintenance and occasional replacement parts. A sump pump is also more prone to failure if not installed properly or if there’s an issue with the piping system. If you’re looking for advice on choosing the right pump for your needs, check out our blog section for more tips.
Similarities
Both sump and sewage pumps are found in the basements of houses and other structures. Their main job is to serve as a septic system for indoor spaces. Both have a pump and a sump about five feet below the floor.
Their main job is to use a pump to bridge the drainage when the basement is below the sewage line and the storm drain in the city and cannot be drained by gravity. Both pumps are often powered by connecting them to nearby electrical outlets. There may even be a battery backup in certain situations if the power fails.
Which Is Better For My Home?
The answer to this question depends on your specific needs and wants for your home. A septic tank or sewer connection is likely the best option if you are looking for a system that can handle routine sewage backup. If you only experience occasional flooding, a sump pump may be a better choice for you.
When Should You Have One Installed?
If you live in a house with a basement, you likely have a sump pump installed. A sump pump is a device that removes water from the basement and keeps the basement dry. If your house does not have a basement, or if you don’t use it, you might not need a sump pump.
A sewage pump removes wastewater from your home. If your home has an attached garage, the sewage pump also removes grease, oils, and other pollutants from the garage.
When Should You Replace Your Sump Pump?
One of the most important factors in your home’s overall health and safety is ensuring that the sewage pump in your house is functioning properly. The sewage pump helps to move wastewater from your house to a treatment plant, where it is cleaned and released back into the environment. A sump pump should be replaced every 5 to 7 years, depending on the type of pump.
Like any other appliance in your home, your sewage pump may need to be replaced at some point.
Here are some things to keep in mind when deciding when it’s time for a new pump:
- Your sewage pump should function correctly if you have a properly installed sump pump system. If there is a problem with the sewage pump, it will not work properly and may cause flooding in your basement or home.
- If you notice water accumulating on the floor or outside the home, your sewage pump may have a problem. If this happens, please call a professional immediately to have the pump inspected and/or replaced.
- If you are unsure if or when you should replace your sewage pump, please get in touch with an experienced plumbing technician for help.
When to Replace a Sewage Pump?
A sewage pump is used to remove wastewater from homes and businesses. A sewage pump should be replaced every 10 to 15 years, depending on the type of pump.
How to Choose the Right Sump Pump for Your Home?
When choosing the right sewage pump for your home, remember a few things. The first thing to consider is the size of your home and the amount of water used daily. Once you have determined the size of your home and the amount of water used each day, you can choose a sewage pump based on the type of drainage system that your home has.
If your home has an underground drainage system, you will need a pump that can send water through the system. If your home has a surface drainage system, you will need a pump that can remove water from underneath the house.
Another thing to consider when choosing a sewage pump is the power requirements of the pump. Some pumps require electricity, while others can be powered by gasoline or oil.
What to do if Your Sump Pump Isn’t Working?
If your home’s sump pump isn’t working, there are a few things that you can do to try and fix the issue. First, check to see if the power is coming into your house. If it is, check if there is a breaker or fuse for the pump. Or, if there isn’t, you may need to call an electrician to check the wiring. If none of these solutions work, you may need to replace the pump.
Proper Usage Of Sewage And Sump Pumps
Whether you choose to install one or the other, or both, it’s important to understand the proper usage of each one. Sump pumps cannot get rid of solid waste. If you are adding a bathroom to your basement or your home sits below the sewer line, you’ll need to use a sewage ejector pump along with your sump pump.
Sump pumps specifically rid your basement or crawl space of excess water from leaks, floods, or heavy rainfall. It can also be powered by a battery pack so you can keep it running, even if the power goes out during a storm. A sewer pump needs electricity to run and cannot remove excess water from your basement or crawl space.
Common Signs You May Need Sewage Or Sump Pump Repair
If you don’t fix malfunctioning sewage or sump pump right away, it could cause serious issues. When your sewage or sump pump requires repairs, it’s not usually obvious. We have compiled a list of a few frequent warning indicators.
Some common signs that your sewage pump needs repairs are:
- Improper drainage
- Failure to run
- Strange noises
- Bad odors
- No water in the sump pit
Some common signs that your sump pump needs repairs are:
- Clogged pump and switches
- No water in the sump pit
- Loud or strange noises
- Running frequently
- Lost power
Summary
- Sewage and sump pumps serve as internal septic systems for residences and other structures.
- Sump pumps and sewage pumps direct water from the house to other places.
- They are also connected to the drainage system to convey the materials from one location to another.
- The basement of a structure is where sewage pumps and sump pumps are situated.
- The quantity of horsepower also varies across the different models of both machines.
- A sump pump only works with fluids, such as water.
- On the other hand, sewage pumps may use liquids and solids, such as wastes or solid objects flushed into the drainage system.
- Either a backup battery or electricity can operate a sump pump. Most sewage pumps are powered by electricity or hooked to an electrical outlet.
- Sump pumps should be regularly maintained based on the area and weather. On the other hand, sewage pumps don’t need routine maintenance, although they need to be checked for obstructions in the drains.
The Final Words
One of the best ways to test and determine whether you have a sump pump or sewage pump is to repeatedly flush the basement toilet while listening for the sewage ejector pump to turn on.
Additionally, a sewage pump will have two pipes out of the lid—one to vent sewage gasses and the other to pump out waste—and a sealed top to keep sewer gasses outside the house (grey water). Your home inspector needs to test any overflow alarms and check the condition of any potential battery backups.
A sump pump pumps water out of a flooded basement or crawlspace. A sewage pump removes wastewater from a home or business, such as human waste and kitchen scraps.
FAQs
Q: Can a Sewage Pump Be Used as a Sump Pump?
Ans:
Should I Have A Sewage Pump And A Sump Pump? If you have one or the other, you may ask if it’s important to have both. Whether you need a sewage pump, sump pump, or both will depend on a few criteria. You’ll most likely require a sewage pump if part of your house sits at level with or below your sewer pipes.
If you’ve installed a bathroom in your basement, you’ll require a sewage pump. However, if you’re unsure where your sewer lines are installed, we’ll be pleased to help you figure that out and evaluate if a sewage pump is the correct decision.
If you have a basement or crawl space or live in an area prone to floods, installing a sump pump might be a sensible investment. Since a sump pump collects unwanted and excessive water from your basement or crawls space area, installing one can save you time, money, and frustration down the road if you ever have flooding.
If both criteria apply to your home, you may need a sewage pump and a sump pump. The experts at Three Way Plumbing can handle all your installation needs.
Q: I Have a Sump Pump—Do I Need a Sewage Pump?
Ans: Yes, very likely is the quick reply to this. Both pumps have big canisters or storage tanks and pumps, making them similar. Both of them are employed as indoor septic systems. However, each serves a unique function.
Q: How long does a sewage ejector pump last?
Ans: While most sewage ejector pumps are made to last at least 7 to 10 years, and some even survive considerably longer, issues can occasionally occur far earlier than the pump’s expected lifespan.
Q: What’s the lifespan of a sump pump?
Ans: About 10 years. Your sump pump won’t last forever, just like other furniture and equipment in your house. It’s possible that you won’t realize your sump pump is broken after approximately ten(10) years until it stops functioning. Water damage to your home and the items inside it may occur as soon as this happens.
Q: How often should sewage pumps be serviced?
Ans: Regular Annual Maintenance. You are strongly advised to have your sewage pump system serviced once a year. Any obstructions will be removed by emptying the tank.
Q: What is the labor cost to install a sump pump?
Ans: For installations, labor costs typically range from $45 to $200 per hour. Replacements typically take an hour. However, new installations might take anywhere from two to four hours.
A sump pump installation necessitates plumbing and electrical work, and some cities could demand a permit for this project.
Q: Sump Pump Replacement Cost
Ans: The average cost of replacing a pedestal sump pump is $650, with expenditures ranging from $400 to $900.
Replacement expenses for submersible sump pumps range from $800 to $2,000, with an average price of $1,400.
Sump Pump Costs at a Glance
- Installation price range: $100-$3,000
- Average installation price: $1,000
- Typical replacement price range: $400-$600
- High-end replacement range: $500-$600
- Low-end replacement range: $150-$300
- Submersible sump pump: $100-$400
- Pedestal sump pump: $50-$180
- Water-powered sump pump: $5,000
- 1/3 hp-1 hp pump: $150-$250
- Outlet upgrade: $100-$200