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smcninch · Feb 26, 2009, 03:18 PM

I purchased a house 7 years ago that had a Sewer Ejector Pump. For 5 1/2 years, we had no issues with the pump. In July 2007 (1 1/2 years)our pumps were not working and we had them replaced. We spend $6000 on a new system which included new chamber, with dual pumps, alarm system, etc. IN Oct 2008, we had an issue with the pumps and the plumbers who installed the pumps came and fixed the issue, but suggested us getting the basin cleaned out. Of course, I never made the call to get a pumping truck over since I never did it in the prior 5 years. Today (Feb 2009), we had issue with the pumps not working. Called the same plumber back and he told me both pumps were fried. A couple of questions... One he said there was a 1 yr warranty on the pumps, so nothing from the manufacturer. Is there any recourse against the manufactuer? Should they stand by their pumps? I bought the 2nd pump, because they told me if there was an issue with one of the pumps, the 2nd pump would kick on and the alarm would notify me one pump was not working. Needless to say, the alarm has never gone off. Since I know nothing about these pumps, does this sound like a manufactuer issue of the pumps? Is it an installation issue? I just don't know what to do. I don't want to buy new pumps and have the same issue again. I don't know enough to question the installation. But I thought I paid a premium for a decent system, that had all the bells and whistles (alarms), however, now I feel like I may have to buy two new pumps and I am concerned it is going to happen again. Any insights would be valuable. Thanks

ballengerb1 · Feb 26, 2009, 05:20 PM

Both pumps fried but no alarm makes me look at your plumber/installer. That alarm should have sounded if he installed them correctly. There is really something out of wack here. The first pump could fail after 1 1/2 years but the backup pump should be in near new condition. Keep your eye on the plumber not the manufacturer.

Milo Dolezal · Feb 26, 2009, 05:24 PM

I assume you have Dual Pump Sewer Ejector System...

In 99% of cases, problem is the installation, not the pumps...

Dual sewer ejector system with dual switch and alarm is a complicated system that has to be installed by an experienced plumber + experienced electrician. There should be total of 5 mercury floats installed in prescribed way. There is no room for error. Floats are: 2 - ON switches, 2 - OFF switches and 1 is the alarm. The way the system works is that both pumps are actually interconnected and alternate in pumping out sewage. If any of them is not working, then the alarm will sound.

In majority of cases, electrician is at fault. In few cases, plumber didn't hang the floats as instructions suggest. I would not blame the pumps but the installers. These pumps are workhorses and will work for many years if installed and maintained properly.

Can you give me name of the pump system ? Can you snap a photo looking inside the pit + the control box on the wall ?

smcninch · Feb 27, 2009, 10:16 AM

Also, could paper towels and/or feminine hygiene products cause the pumps to malfunction? The installer said that if Paper towels get on the floats, it won't work and may jam. Could this cause the pumps to fry?

Milo Dolezal · Feb 27, 2009, 10:19 AM

Definitely: paper towels, feminine products and kleenex-like tissues are the #1 enemy for every pump. They are designed to hold liquid and not to desolve. They wrap around floats and pump rotors making it to malfunction.

ballengerb1 · Feb 27, 2009, 02:42 PM

If you have an ejector pump for the entire house you need to watch what goes down your drain, sewage only. I would not even recommend a garbage disposal, even some toilet papers are not recommended if you must use a pump.