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The ejector pump has a discharge pipe that runs into the sanitary sewer line which carries waste to the municipal sewer or private septic tank. For ejector pumps handling greywater or processing wastewater with human waste, a vent pipe will be attached to the lid to allow for the venting of sewer gases. The ejector pump basin should be covered with a sealed lid. While a sump basin is usually open and you can see the pump down inside of it, it may also be covered with a lid. Grey water does not contain human waste but may contain particles of other matter washed down a drain, such as hair, food, cleaning products, and more. While the sump pump manages groundwater, the ejector pump moves wastewater from basement toilets and greywater from basement sinks, appliances, and floor drains uphill to the main sewer line. It can be easy to confuse sump pumps and ejector pumps, as both look similar and are situated within small basins on the floor of a basement. The sump pump activates to remove this water from the basin, pumping it through a drain line that discharges water outside of the home and away from the foundation, or it’s connected to a storm sewer. Groundwater that makes its way into the basement or crawlspace through the foundation flows to the lowest point where the sump basin is located, and the water collects within it. This pump sits above or within the sump basin, which is a cylindrical pit that extends at least two feet below floor level.
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What Is a Sump Pump?Ī sump pump is used to remove groundwater that has infiltrated the basement or crawlspace. In our most recent blog, B&W Plumbing, Heating, Cooling and Drains explains the differences between a sump pump and an ejector pump so you can better understand the purpose of these plumbing equipment. This is the sewer ejector pump, which has a different role – to move waste from basement bathrooms or other plumbing in a lower level up to the main sewer line. While sump pumps are fairly commonplace and have been used in homes for many years, some homeowners may notice a second pump installed nearby. Different types of pumps are installed in Indianapolis area homes, with each serving different purposes.
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