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.