Sewage Pumps

Questions & Answers

If a 1/3 HP pump is good, is a 1/2 HP pump better?

No. A system should be sized to the pump performance not the horse power. A larger pump could cause to much pressure for the system. The pump size should be based on the performance of the pump, not its horsepower rating.

How can I adjust my pumping range?

For a single float you simply adjust the tether length of the switch to achieve the proper pumping range. For a two-float installation, you would adjust the distance between the floats.

Can I cut the piggyback plug off my switch and wire direct?

Although not recommended, it can be done if the proper voltages are being connected, i.e.: 120 volt current to 120 volt switch. Wrong voltages could lead to failures if there are electronic parts in the circuit.

Can I splice in the tank?

This is a violation of the National Electrical Code.

Can I bury my float switch cable?

The cable used on float switches is not rated for direct burial. Therefore, it should not proceed beyond the junction box unless it is inside a conduit.

Can I use a sewage pump for my waterfall, koi pond, or garden pond aeration?

No. Sewage pumps are designed to operate for short periods of time. Running a sewage pump for too long can cause the pump to overheat. Sewage pumps are filled with oil, the pump seal fails due to fish waste or because the motor overheated the oil will be discharged into the water feature and kill the fish and plants. When the motor cools water will be drawn into the motor cavity and “burn “the motor windings.. Using a sewage pump in any kind of water circulation application, will void the warranty.

Can I reduce the discharge pipe size?

Yes, but the pipe size should not be reduced smaller than the pump solids passing capabilities. Reducing the pipe will increase friction causing the flow rate to decrease. The pipe size depends on the system requirements. Generally, the minimum diameter pipe size is 1 1/2” for effluent pumps but local codes may dictate pipe size.

Can I use a smaller basin?

Refer to local codes. A smaller basin will hold less water per inch causing the pump to cycle more often. We recommend using a 18" diameter basin.

Why use an air vent hole in my discharge pipe?

The air vent hole allows air trapped under the check valve to escape. A symptom of not having an air vent would be the pump runs but no water is being discharged.

Does the check valve NEED to be installed horizontally instead of vertically?

We suggest that you install the check valve in a horizontal (side-to-side) position instead of vertical (up-and-down). When the pump shuts off, the solids and liquid in the pipe can settle back against the check valve. If solids settle on top of a check valve flapper in a vertical position, it is possible for the solids to prevent the valve from opening again. . This will cause the pump to run without discharging the waste. The pump will damage itself, and sewage or effluent will back up.

Can I use this sewage pump to pump water in my waterfall, pond, or water feature?

No. Sewage pumps are designed to operate for short periods of time. Running a sewage pump for too long can cause the pump to overheat. Sewage pumps are filled with oil, the pump seal fails due to fish waste or because the motor overheated the oil will be discharged into the water feature and kill the fish and plants. When the motor cools water will be drawn into the motor cavity and “burn “the motor windings.. Using a sewage pump in any kind of water circulation application, will void the warranty.

My outlet is pretty far from where the pump will be. Do you have pumps with longer cords?

Most sewage pumps com with a 20 foot cord as standard. . If there is no outlet near the sewage pit, we suggest that you have an outlet installed there by a professional electrician.

Can I pump other liquids with this pump?

Sewage and effluent pumps are designed to pump things that usually go down a residential drain. Sewage pumps not tested with other liquids so we cannot say whether they will be chemically compatible with what you need to pump. Sewage/effluent pumps should not be used for anything other than residential sewage or effluent applications. Never pump anything flammable!

Do you have, or can you recommend, service people that can come to my house and work on the pump?

It is not possible for us to maintain lists of “qualified” people that we could recommend. You would need to check your local “Yellow Pages” etc. for qualified an competent people. Why should I use an external switch? Two reasons: (1) to keep the pump partially or fully submerged and (2) to provide for an adjustable pumping range for proper dosing.

What are solids size guidelines?

Pumps rated for effluent applications usually have a solids size rating of 1/2" to 3/4" spherical diameter.

How long can I expect the pump to last?

This depends on the application and proper system design. Septic systems that are too small, abused by using strong caustic drain openers, and improperly maintained can cause significant reduction in the pump’s life.

Can I use a sump pump?

Pumps that are rated as “Sump/Effluent” by the manufacturer can be used in the septic system. Only a pump specified as being suitable for effluent or sewage should be used in a septic system.

When, why do I need a check valve on the pump discharge?

Most codes require a check valve and a ball valve to be installed on the discharge line of each pump in the system. If the total volume of liquid capable of draining back into the pump chamber is greater than approximately 25% of the volume the pump will cycle. When a check valve is installed, all piping must be below the frost line. As always, consult your local codes.

Do you sell parts to repair my pump?

We do not sell parts….Installation and parts manuals are provided only as reference tools. Neither the manufacturer nor King Pumps makes any representation or warranty of any kind to the Buyer that he or she is qualified to neither install nor make any repairs to the product. In fact, the manufacturer and King Pumps expressly state that installation, repairs and parts replacements should be undertaken by qualified and competent technicians or contractors and not by the Buyer. The Buyer assumes all risk and liability arising out of his or her installation or repair to the original product.

Where can I find the model number and date of manufacture on my pump?

Some sump, sewage, and utility pumps have a tag attached near the end of the power cord that shows the pump’s model number and date code. The date code will be marked as “date code”, “code”, or “MOD”. Also, all pumps have an information label on the pump that has the model number and date code on it. Date code is usually a combination of letters and numbers.

What size solids will a sewage pump handle?

Residential pumps labeled for “sewage” can pass up to 2” solids. A pump labeled as an “effluent” pump can handle up to ¾” solids. Commercial sewage pumps will pass 3” solids of more depending on the discharge size.

When you say “solids” what do you mean?

“Solids” do not mean things like bolts and stones. “Solids” mean things that can be broken up by human hands and that normally can be flushed down a toilet. Most sewage pumps have a thermoplastic impeller that could be damaged by very hard items.

Are solid handling sewage pumps also called “grinder pumps”?

No, a “grinder” pump has an impeller that is made like blades. It can cut up, or grind up the sewage being passed through it. Sewage solid handling pumps do not that. They are called “solids handling” pumps since they simply pass the solids through mostly intact.

Do I have to use such a large discharge pipe or can I use smaller?

Never use a smaller diameter pipe than the size of the pump’s discharge. Use minimum 2” pipe. You might have to use larger diameter pipe if you have to push a long distance. Be careful with this though. See the next question.

Can I use a much larger pipe without problems?

If a pipe of too large a diameter is used, the flow rate of the discharge can be too slow. This can cause the solids to settle out and lay in the pipe. Over time, the sludge that builds up will cause blockages in the pipe. The minimum flow rate of sewage and other liquids containing solids is 3 feet per second. If you are designing a sewage run for your home, consult an engineer for help in determining proper pipe sizes.

Can I plug this pump into an extension cord?

DO NOT use an extension cord. It is MUCH better to plug the pump into a dedicated outlet that is fed by a circuit breaker or fuse that feeds power ONLY to that outlet. This ensures that the pump will receive proper voltage. If there is no outlet near the sump pit, we suggest that you have one installed there by a professional electrician.

What’s the difference between “sewage” and “effluent”?

The main difference is the size of the solids in the liquid. Effluent is any liquid that has gone down a residential drain. It can contain solids up to ¾” in size. This is normally considered to be water containing soap, laundry discharge, water from sinks, etc. Sewage has also gone down a residential drain but can contain solids up to 2” in diameter.

Can I use a vertical-type, or electronic-type float switch instead of the tethered float switch that came with the pump?

Most sewage pumps come with a tethered-style float switch for their efficient operation... You can use a vertical-style switch but the solids contained in sewage & effluent can block the operation of a vertical-style switch. The contents of sewage and effluent can coat the contacts of an electronic-type switch and prevent that from working very long.

Can the pump handle feminine products that have been flushed down a toilet?

No. Feminine products should not be flushed when a sewage pump has to handle that. Sewage pumps can have problems passing those items and could jam. The Liberty grinder pump will handle feminine products.

What size generator do I need to run this pump?

You need to know the amp draw of the pump and multiply that by the voltage to get the watt usage of the pump. Example: Pump draws 5 amps on 115 volts. 5amps x 115volts = 575 watts. Give this information to the Generator supplier to size the right product. An AC motor can draw three to five times its regular amp draw for about ½ second when it starts up. So to run our example pump, we need a generator that can supply a startup surge of at least 2875 watts (575 x 5) and can continue to supply the 575 watts as the pump runs. This is accurate if the pump is the ONLY thing the generator is going to supply power for. If you also want to run lights, etc. then that needs to be added to the generator size. You should contact a Generator Supplier for the final selection.

How long should my sewage pump last?

This depends on the application and proper system design. Septic systems that are too small, abused by using strong caustic drain openers, and improperly maintained can cause significant reduction in the pump’s life.

Why should I use an external float switch?

To keep the pump partially or fully submerged and to provide for an adjustable pumping range for proper dosing.

Can I use a sump pump in a Septic System?

Pumps that are rated as “Sump/Effluent” by the manufacturer can be used in the septic system. Only a pump specified as being suitable for effluent or sewage should be used in a septic system.

How deep do you set the pump in a septic system and does it have to be covered with water?

The depth of your pump will depend on your local codes. Because of the gases involved with septic tanks, we recommend keeping the pump completely submerged. This will prevent the gases from attacking the watertight gaskets.

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