Q. Why does every property require a pump, can we combine 2 or 3 houses into one unit?

This has been looked at many times in the past, however, there are issues around who's property does the system go on, who's power does it use, how difficult is it to get the drains from all properties to the one pump chamber, who is responsible if the alarm sounds etc.

Q. How do I know if my grinder pump is working? How do I know if my grinder pump has stopped working?

E/One grinder pumps come with an alarm panel. If your grinder pump is working properly, you shouldn't notice it at all — the pump will turn on as needed and pump down the tank; it's noise level is similar to that of a washing machine. The pump should turn off after a few minutes. If your pump should stop working, the alarm panel's red light will blink, and a buzzer will sound. If the alarm doesn't turn off after a few minutes, you should call for service. Also look on your panel box for the Service Link phone number.

Q. Am I limited to what I can put down the drain?

The grinder pump will handle all typical household waste. However, you should not allow strong chemicals, oils, diapers, plastics, etc. to enter the pump station. No wipes of any kind (non-flushable or flushable) should be put into ANY sewer system. Check local bylaws or information from the council for more guidance.

Q. Is this a replacement for septic or onsite treatment?

No, this is a collection and transportation device; it will not take the place of treatment. The sewage needs to be pumped to a sewer line or some form of treatment facility.

Q. What is the duration of operation per day?

Typical operation is between 10 and 20 minutes per day for typical residential houses.

Q. What is the flow rate of the pump?

The pumps operate between 0.5 and 0.7 litres per second depending on the pumping head.

Q. What is the size of the lines from the grinder pumps to the street network?

The low pressure lateral service line is typically 40mm OD polyethylene from the tank to the boundary.

Q. What is the average yearly electrical cost to operate a unit servicing the typical single home?

It all depends on how much water is used and you're electrical rate. A typical family home uses around 600 – 800 litres of water, the E/One grinder pump flow rate is 40 L/min. Therefore the pump only operates 15 – 20 minutes per day, or 121.7 Hrs/year. The EOne pump is a 0.75kW motor (power consumption is typically between 500 – 600 watts). Therefore 121.7Hrs X 0.75kW = 91.3kWHrs. If you electricity cost is $0.26/kWhr, then $0.26 x 91.3 kWHrs/year = $24/year in electricity.

Q. How noisy is the pump?

You will not hear it at all if you're 3 or more meters away. If you're standing on top of it, you will notice a hum if the pump is running. The cycle between on and off is around one minute depending on the volume of inflow.

Q. What do I need to know about my grinder pump?

All of the wastewater in your home from toilets, showers, dishwashers, sinks, etc. empties into the grinder pump station. When the water in the tank reaches a certain level, the pump will turn on automatically and pump our the wastewater to the sewer system. Most of the time, you won't even notice the pump running; it produces about the same level of noise as a washing machine and usually runs for only a few minutes. Take care not to dump oil, grease, paint, strong chemicals, sand, kitty litter, etc. down your drain. Feminine products and personal/cleaning wipes should be disposed of in a garbage can. These items should not be introduced into any sewer or septic system; they can damage or cause premature problems (parts wearing out) with your pump, or build up in the tank and prevent your pump from working properly.

Q. What if the alarm goes off?

If the alarm sounds on your grinder pump, push the Silence button located on the outside of the panel box. Look for a phone number on the alarm panel and call the number to report the issue.

Q. What if the power goes out?

Limit your water usage as much as possible. The tank has storage capacity and should be adequate for the short term because you are not using the dishwasher, washing machine, etc. When the power comes on again, the alarm may go off for a short time - this is normal because the water could be above the pump's alarm level and the pump needs a few minutes to pump down the tank to a normal level. Press the silence button and wait an hour or so, If the alarm light does not turn off, call for service.