E/One grinder pump stations come with alarm panels that will alert you if something goes wrong with the pump. Depending on when your E/One grinder pump was installed, the alarm panel could be a black box with a red light on top; a gray box with a red light on top; the custom-designed E/One Sentry enclosure, with the E/One logo on the front and red light on top; or even a small switch plate inside your home (usually in the kitchen or hallway) with a red light.
What does the alarm mean? Let's look at two different scenarios:
The alarm turns on for a few minutes, then turns off. We refer to this as a "nuisance alarm." If this happens, consider what was happening when the alarm turned on. Do you have a large spa tub or another appliance that uses a lot of water? Emptying a spa tub can send a large inrush of water into the grinder pump station. If the water level in the tank was close to the "on" level, then the large volume of water came from the tub, the pump may not have turned on quickly enough and the pump was overwhelmed temporarily. This type of alarm should turn off after 15 minutes or so.
The alarm turns on for a few minutes, then turns off, but it happens often. Repeated nuisance alarms may be more than a nuisance; they may indicate the early stages of your pump needing service. When the pump is working properly, you shouldn't notice much sound from the pump and not from the alarm panel. But if you're using a typical or reasonable amount water in the house and you get repeated alarms, you may want to call for service.
The alarm turns on and stays on. Service is required because the pump has stopped working. Never, never, never silence the alarm and leave it be. Don't turn off the breakers in hopes of clearing the alarm. Stop using water (or use as little as possible) and call for service. If you continue to use water, you will cause a backup into your home or yard.
Finding a Service Provider
E/One recommends contacting an authorized service center for repair. Using a non-E/One plumber or other pump repair may not be covered by the warranty.
First, start with your town or HOA. Some localities have their own service people or contracts with local repair businesses. If you're responsible for your own service, contact your local E/One distributor or call our Service Link at 1-866-539-9803 (in the US). Some of our distributors have their own service departments, or they can recommend a service provider.
More Information
Visit our web site for more information about grinder pump service. Download and print our Owners Guide for reference; there is space on the back to fill out your local service provider's contact information. If you'd like a copy mailed to you, contact us at eone@eone.com.
All about grinder pumps & pressure sewer systems
Showing posts with label repair. Show all posts
Showing posts with label repair. Show all posts
Tuesday, March 24, 2015
Monday, April 8, 2013
"You Can't Flush ANYTHING when You have a Grinder Pump"
(Notice that the headline is in quotes -- you'll learn why.)
As we've discussed on the blog before, new grinder pump owners feel incredibly limited by what they can pour or flush down the drain. They didn't have restrictions when they had septic tanks or gravity sewer systems, they say.
Are you sure?
We added a few video "Likes" to our YouTube channel last week about what not to flush and why. You may be saying, "Thanks for another reason to dislike a grinder pump ..."
Not so fast.
What's interesting about these videos is, not one of them ever mentions a grinder pump! Each video explains what what you should not be putting into the sewer system.
Still not convinced? Check out these links, found during a quick Google search (and have no obvious affiliation to E/One Sewer Systems):
Of course, wipes aren't the only reason we are paying more for sewer. ASCE's Infrastructure Report Card was released a few weeks ago. We'll discuss the D grade that America's wastewater infrastructure received.
We've already started on our Facebook page (you don't need to be a member to view our page, only to add comments).
As we've discussed on the blog before, new grinder pump owners feel incredibly limited by what they can pour or flush down the drain. They didn't have restrictions when they had septic tanks or gravity sewer systems, they say.
Are you sure?
We added a few video "Likes" to our YouTube channel last week about what not to flush and why. You may be saying, "Thanks for another reason to dislike a grinder pump ..."
Not so fast.
What's interesting about these videos is, not one of them ever mentions a grinder pump! Each video explains what what you should not be putting into the sewer system.
Still not convinced? Check out these links, found during a quick Google search (and have no obvious affiliation to E/One Sewer Systems):
- Village Requests Residents to Refrain from Flushing Baby Wipes -- Goreville, IL
- A kit by Goldstreet Designs, an agency that designs communications for the public utilities sector
- The Septic Tank Maintenance entry on Inspectapedia.com (very similar list to the grinder pump)
Of course, wipes aren't the only reason we are paying more for sewer. ASCE's Infrastructure Report Card was released a few weeks ago. We'll discuss the D grade that America's wastewater infrastructure received.
We've already started on our Facebook page (you don't need to be a member to view our page, only to add comments).
Thursday, May 10, 2012
Don't Fear the Grinder Pump!
"I heard you can't pour boiling water down the drain."
"I heard you can't use Charmin toilet paper."
"I heard you can't use drain cleaner."
"I heard you can't use cooking oil."
"I heard you can't ...."
The list goes on. We hear from homeowners who are worried about all of the things you "can't" do if you have a grinder pump -- not just an E/One grinder pump, but any grinder pump. Let's put the fears to rest:
Boiling water: We heard this one recently. If you're making pasta, yes, it's OK to pour the water down the drain. The water will stop boiling as soon as you turn off the stove, and by the time the water reaches the grinder pump, it will be cool.
Toilet paper limitations: You are free to use whatever brand of regular toilet paper you like ... but beware of flushable wipes! They don't break down in wastewater the same way regular toilet paper does (so they don't fall apart while you're using them). See post below for link to a Consumer Reports video and opinions from plumbers who have had to clear clogs. Even if they get through your drains and grinder pump, they're wreaking havoc on the lift stations and at the wastewater treatment plant. (Remember: your taxes pay for these services!)
Drain cleaner: Normal, household-use drain cleaner is fine to use (as opposed to commercial-grade, which is incredibly strong), but flush plenty of clean water down the drain until the pump turns on and clears out any drain cleaner that may be in the tank.You wouldn't leave chemicals soaking in your sink; you shouldn't do it to your grinder pump.
Cooking oil/Grease: Using cooking oil isn't the problem ... pouring large amounts of cooking oil down the drain is the problem. Oil isn't good for the pump, but again, the problem isn't limited to grinder pumps -- oil isn't good for ANY sewer system. Even if you fry up a pound of bacon, you'll have more grease than should go down the drain. Scrape it into the garbage can, wipe the pan, then wash it. Any residue will be minimal -- and the pan will be easier to wash.
Get a copy of our Grinder Pump Owners Guide
Typically, people have used the "flush and forget" rule: If they can can flush it down the drain without clogging, then they can forget about it ... never mind what may happen to the sewer mains, lift stations and treatment plant because it's not their responsibility. That's changing, though: some municipalities have said that if they can determine which household is responsible for flushing prohibited items, they will charge that household for repair costs.
References*
* These municipalities may or may not be E/One customers. We selected these links based on the quality of content and suggested "use and care" of their sewer systems.
"I heard you can't use Charmin toilet paper."
"I heard you can't use drain cleaner."
"I heard you can't use cooking oil."
"I heard you can't ...."
The list goes on. We hear from homeowners who are worried about all of the things you "can't" do if you have a grinder pump -- not just an E/One grinder pump, but any grinder pump. Let's put the fears to rest:
Boiling water: We heard this one recently. If you're making pasta, yes, it's OK to pour the water down the drain. The water will stop boiling as soon as you turn off the stove, and by the time the water reaches the grinder pump, it will be cool.
Toilet paper limitations: You are free to use whatever brand of regular toilet paper you like ... but beware of flushable wipes! They don't break down in wastewater the same way regular toilet paper does (so they don't fall apart while you're using them). See post below for link to a Consumer Reports video and opinions from plumbers who have had to clear clogs. Even if they get through your drains and grinder pump, they're wreaking havoc on the lift stations and at the wastewater treatment plant. (Remember: your taxes pay for these services!)
Drain cleaner: Normal, household-use drain cleaner is fine to use (as opposed to commercial-grade, which is incredibly strong), but flush plenty of clean water down the drain until the pump turns on and clears out any drain cleaner that may be in the tank.You wouldn't leave chemicals soaking in your sink; you shouldn't do it to your grinder pump.
Cooking oil/Grease: Using cooking oil isn't the problem ... pouring large amounts of cooking oil down the drain is the problem. Oil isn't good for the pump, but again, the problem isn't limited to grinder pumps -- oil isn't good for ANY sewer system. Even if you fry up a pound of bacon, you'll have more grease than should go down the drain. Scrape it into the garbage can, wipe the pan, then wash it. Any residue will be minimal -- and the pan will be easier to wash.
Get a copy of our Grinder Pump Owners Guide
Typically, people have used the "flush and forget" rule: If they can can flush it down the drain without clogging, then they can forget about it ... never mind what may happen to the sewer mains, lift stations and treatment plant because it's not their responsibility. That's changing, though: some municipalities have said that if they can determine which household is responsible for flushing prohibited items, they will charge that household for repair costs.
References*
* These municipalities may or may not be E/One customers. We selected these links based on the quality of content and suggested "use and care" of their sewer systems.
Thursday, May 7, 2009
Grinder Pump Repair: Why not Call my Plumber?
We’re often asked if any plumber can repair an E/One grinder pump. The answer is “probably not.” While some plumbers may have experience working with sump pumps and septic tanks, grinder pumps are different and should be repaired by a trained service center.
We’ve heard E/One grinder pumps referred to as “throwaway pumps,” meaning that instead of being repaired, they must be replaced. This is not true at all. There are thousands of E/One grinder pumps that were installed in the 1970’s that are still in operation. Have they been serviced in some way? Likely. But we do hear from homeowners who have never needed repair on their pumps, even after 25 years of operation. The average mean time between service calls? Eight to 10 years.
E/One has a network of sales and service providers around the country. We recommend that you contact the distributor closest to you for service and/or repair. Our distributors are trained and can diagnose your pump’s problem – and tell you whether the pump requires repair or replacement. Contact information for E/One’s distributors is available here, on E/One’s web site.
We’ve heard E/One grinder pumps referred to as “throwaway pumps,” meaning that instead of being repaired, they must be replaced. This is not true at all. There are thousands of E/One grinder pumps that were installed in the 1970’s that are still in operation. Have they been serviced in some way? Likely. But we do hear from homeowners who have never needed repair on their pumps, even after 25 years of operation. The average mean time between service calls? Eight to 10 years.
E/One has a network of sales and service providers around the country. We recommend that you contact the distributor closest to you for service and/or repair. Our distributors are trained and can diagnose your pump’s problem – and tell you whether the pump requires repair or replacement. Contact information for E/One’s distributors is available here, on E/One’s web site.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)