Article: Using Grinder Pumps to Prevent Sewer System Backups

Nobody wants to endure a sewer system backup into his home. Unfortunately, they happen more often as sewer system infrastructure in the United States ages. Combine age with storms that seem to produce heavier and heavier rains, and you have a recipe for disaster.

Combined sewer systems, which combine both wastewater from homes and stormwater from drains, still exist throughout the Northeast and Great Lakes regions of the United States. Overflows result from insufficient capacity to transport the wastewater and stormwater flows. Unfortunately, during heavy rain, this combined sewer overflow (CSO) can back up into the basements of homes and businesses, costing tens of thousands of dollars in damage.

Backflow prevention valves and catch basins have been typical solutions, but they have big drawbacks: backflow prevention valves, when engaged, prevent wastewater from backing up, but they also prevent wastewater from going out -- ie, the building's plumbing cannot be used. Catch basins can be overwhelmed by heavy rains, as the water goes to the sewer system anyway through manholes and other entry points.

A new best practice for preventing these CSO overflows and backups is installing a grinder pump station to handle the home's wastewater. How does it work, and where has this solution been used? Find out in Grinder Pumps for Basement Flood Prevention, which appeared in the October 2013 issue of Pumps & Systems magazine.

Have questions, or need more information? Visit the E/One web site, or contact us at eone@eone.com.

Case Study: Prevent Basement Flooding with E/One Grinder Pumps

The October issue of Pumps & Systems magazine features a case study about basement flood prevention using E/One grinder pumps.

Basement flooding caused by sewer backups is damaging, expensive and a common occurrence in towns across the United States. Especially susceptible are low-lying properties.

A common approach for preventing basement flooding is the installation of a backflow prevention valve system. A backflow prevention valve system is a mechanical device installed on the 4-inch outlet pipe between the building and the mainline sewer. While offering some protection from sewage flowing back into private property, when the device is activated in the closed position, wastewater from the property cannot be discharged. Toilets, sinks, showers, washers, dishwashers or any appliance that discharges wastewater should not be used. 

The grinder pump station allows water to be used inside the home while prevented backflow from the sewer system. 

A common approach for preventing basement flooding is the installation of a backflow prevention valve system. A backflow prevention valve system is a mechanical device installed on the 4-inch outlet pipe between the building and the mainline sewer - See more at: http://www.pump-zone.com/topics/pumps/pumps/grinder-pumps-basement-flood-prevention#sthash.qmyytJ5X.dpuf

A common approach for preventing basement flooding is the installation of a backflow prevention valve system. A backflow prevention valve system is a mechanical device installed on the 4-inch outlet pipe between the building and the mainline sewer - See more at: http://www.pump-zone.com/topics/pumps/pumps/grinder-pumps-basement-flood-prevention#sthash.qmyytJ5X.dpuf

Read the entire article here.

Have questions or need more information? Contact E/One and we'll help you determine the best solution.