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*

• http://www.ci.hayward.ca.us/brochures_handouts/Wipes_Clog_Pipes.pdf  
• http://kreate.hubpages.com/hub/flushable_wipes_may_clog_drain_lines
• http://www.stsan.com/Wipes_Clog_Pipes.html
• http://www.celina-tx.gov/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=260&Itemid=271 
  
• http://www.ceasethegrease.org/

* 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.

Grind Videos Available on YouTube

Ever wonder what an E/One grinder pump can do to a paper towel, a t-shirt, or some old jeans? We posted a few videos on our YouTube page last week. See for yourself how the pump easily handles these items.

Have a suggestion for what you'd like to see the E/One pump grind? Let us know! eone@eone.com

New Alarm Panel for Duplex Grinder Pump Stations

E/One is pleased to announce the availability of E/One Sentry Protect Plus for duplex grinder pump stations.

E/One Sentry alarm panels are UL-listed and include lockable, NEMA 4X-rated enclosures. From basic monitored to advanced warning of pending service needs, E/One Sentry panels are customizable and designed for use with simplex and duplex Extreme Series grinder pump stations.

The Protect Plus panel's dead front includes a membrane switch with LED indicators and an LCD message display. The Protect Plus option provides protection from low voltage (brownout), run dry and high system pressure situations. With each condition a lockout cycle will prevent the motor from operating, the Trouble LED will illuminate and the LCD will display the lockout message.

Features exclusive to Protect Plus include: high/low voltage monitoring; high/low wattage monitoring; extended run time; cycle/event counter; adjustable run time limit; adjustable power-up and alarm delays; and system self-test.

Available options include generator receptacle with manual transfer; main service disconnect; E/One's Remote Sentry; and an external auto-dialer.

Get more information at E/One's web site.

FAQ: What's Wrong with Flushable Wipes?

Homeowners ask us about personal, flushable wipes. "If they're flushable, what's the problem?" The problem is, while they flush fine, they don't break down in water the way regular toilet paper does. and that can cause big problems.

Consumer Reports magazine conducted its own test of flushable wipes to see how they compare to regular toilet paper. Their recommendation? Toss, don't flush.

Search "flushable wipes clog" and you'll find tales from homeowners who have experienced sewage backups in their homes ... sometimes in graphic detail (consider yourself warned!). These homeowners don't even say whether or not they have grinder pumps -- the house plumbing clogged up, causing backups inside the home.

Problems have not been limited to homeowners. Municipal sewer workers around the country have had to spend a lot of time and money clearing clogs from lift stations and at the wastewater treatment plant that they say have been caused by wipes. Some municipalities have even made flushing them illegal!

Still not convinced? We came across an article in Contractor magazine that was written by a plumber. He's seen the problem first-hand.

Check Out Our Facebook Timeline

We're telling the E/One Sewer Systems story on Facebook -- find out how and when we were founded. From the first grinder pumps to more than one million users, E/One has been the market leader for household grinder pumps.

Wastewater Infrastructure in Prefurbia

The January issue of Pumps & Systems magazine features "Wastewater Infrastructure in Prefurbia."

Rick Harrison, the author of Prefurbia: Reinventing the Suburbs from Disdainable to Sustainable, and his team have spent 30 years designing more than 700 innovative neighborhoods in 46 states and 14 countries. More communities across the U.S. are becoming aware of Rick Harrison's vision and expertise and are actively taking part in planning committees and discussions about Prefurbia. Prefurbia incorporates Harrison's green neighborhood design thoughts, innovative ideas, techniques and methods.

Learn how E/One Sewer systems can be part of the solution.

Visit us at the International Builders' Show, Feb 8-11

Be sure to stop by the E/One Sewer Systems exhibit at the International Builders' Show, February 8-11 in Orlando.

Find out how to get a free hydraulic analysis for your next project. Also, enter to win a limited-edition E/One World hoodie!

Check out the popular E/One IDU in the Cape Cod Technology Home at Show Village.