After struggling for quite some time with our septic system, I realized there might be a problem with the way we were approaching various aspects of plumbing. For starters, we didn't think too much of putting things down the garbage disposal, which created some serious issues later on down the road. We were left struggling with drains that just didn't work properly, and so we started carefully considering ways to change things. We talked with a plumber about septic system maintenance, and they had some tips that improved our experience. Check out this website for awesome tips on managing septic tanks.
A septic system is responsible for getting rid of the waste that you flush. If you live in a rural area, chances are you have a septic system on your property since you live too far from a sewer system like the ones found in cities. There are many important parts of the system, but one of the most vital parts is the sewage pump. When the sewage pump fails, it can have drastic consequences on the rest of the septic system. Learn the signs of a failing pump and the correct way to troubleshoot them.
1. Pump Not Receiving Power
If the pump isn't running, it may not be receiving any power. Try the following to troubleshoot the issue:
Find the outlet for the pump and make sure it has power. If it does not, you need to check the breaker box to see if the circuit tripped. The breaker should be clearly labeled as "Septic." Reset the breaker or replace if necessary. Never use the pump on a circuit breaker that is being used by other appliances. It needs its own, or it will overload and trip.
Make sure the pump is directly plugged into an outlet. If it doesn't reach and an extension cord is being used, check that the cord is still working properly. It may need to be replaced.
Check the electricity going to the pump. Frayed or damaged wiring may cause the pump to not receive enough power.
2. Pump Won't Stop Running
The pump is not designed to run constantly, so when it does, it means there is a problem. Some of the things to check are:
Locate the float switch on the pump and make sure it isn't stuck. There is a ball inside the pit that will drop into the off position when the pump is running correctly. If there is anything jamming it, the ball cannot drop into the position, and the pump will continue running.
The float switch may be out of adjustment if it isn't stuck. In order to adjust the float switch, you need to follow the instructions on the owner manual for your specific pump model.
If you adjust the float and it isn't jammed, you simply need to replace the entire float switch. This should solve the problem.
Conclusion
When your sewage pump fails and the troubleshooting guide cannot solve your problem, you need to hire a professional contractor, such as Autry's Backhoe & Septic Service, who will handle the repairs. Don't wait too long because little issues can quickly turn into big problems.
Share8 August 2018
