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    dulmer's Avatar
    dulmer Posts: 3, Reputation: 1
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    #1

    Dec 20, 2006, 10:46 PM
    Sewage ejector pump
    I think my sewage ejector pump may be bad. The fuse for the pump popped and when I re-set the breaker, the ejector pump turns on for several seconds and then the breaker pops again. Does that mean the pump is gone bad or do I have an electrical problem.
    rsimplicio's Avatar
    rsimplicio Posts: 20, Reputation: 3
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    #2

    Dec 20, 2006, 10:58 PM
    It's most likely an electrical problem. You have a dead short or overload somewhere on that circuit. That is why your breaker trips. Sounds most likely to be a short, since it only takes a matter of seconds for the breaker to trip. This does not mean that the pump is good, because there could be a short somewhere in the cord or windings of the motor for the pump.

    The fuse that popped, it was on the pump correct? I just want to make sure you're not referring to the circuit breaker.
    dulmer's Avatar
    dulmer Posts: 3, Reputation: 1
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    #3

    Dec 20, 2006, 11:15 PM
    Just to clarify, it was the circuit breaker that pops. Also, 2 days ago my water softner was regenerated over night and kept regenerating causing a minor flood in the basement. I turned off the softner and later discovered the circuit breaker for the ejector pump had tripped. I re-set the breaker and it was working fine until today.
    rsimplicio's Avatar
    rsimplicio Posts: 20, Reputation: 3
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    #4

    Dec 20, 2006, 11:47 PM
    It almost sounds like the ejector pump has something in the catch basin it can't handle, and is overheating from the lack of flow. Have you checked the basin to see if there's anything that got down there that shouldn't have?

    My only other guess at the moment would be that the receptacle (if plug-in) or the junction box got wet during the flood (which caused a short), and it's still not dried out, or the cable to the pump somehow frayed and is giving you an intermittent short.

    Is this a GFCI outlet (or protected by one) or breaker? If so, test it and make sure it is functioning correctly.
    dulmer's Avatar
    dulmer Posts: 3, Reputation: 1
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    #5

    Dec 20, 2006, 11:55 PM
    The panel is a GFI and it did not get wet. I think there may be something caught in the pipe as I did pull out a piece of copper tubbing and a matchbox car the other day. There may still be something caught up in there I can't see. I will call a plumber. Thank you for your help.

    Doug...
    rsimplicio's Avatar
    rsimplicio Posts: 20, Reputation: 3
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    #6

    Dec 21, 2006, 12:00 AM
    My pleasure Doug, glad I could help. Please do report back and let us know what it was!
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