Sewage ejector pump not shutting off

Overview of the Problem

Sewage ejector pumps play a crucial role in removing sewage and wastewater from a home or building. These pumps are designed to activate automatically when the water level in the sump pit rises above a certain level, and they are meant to shut off once the water has been evacuated. However, in some cases, the sewage ejector pump may not shut off properly, causing a host of problems.

If the pump doesn’t shut off, it may result in continuous pumping, even when there is no wastewater inflow. This can lead to overuse of the pump, leading to wear and tear of the pump impeller, motor, and other components. It could also create a risk of overheating or even a potential pump failure.

There could be several reasons why a sewage ejector pump may not shut off. It could be due to a stuck float switch, a malfunctioning check valve, or a defective pump plug. Sometimes, the discharge pipe could be blocked, which may result in the pump continuously running to try and clear the pipe. It is essential to have an experienced plumber examine the pump and surrounding area to identify the root cause of the problem accurately.

In the next sections, we will take a detailed look at the common causes and solutions for a sewage ejector pump not shutting off. We will also discuss the importance of proper maintenance and inspections to prevent such issues from occurring.

What is a Sewage Ejector Pump?

A sewage ejector pump is an essential component of any home’s plumbing system. It’s responsible for pumping waste from a home’s basement or lower floor into the main sewer line. This type of pump is often used in homes with a bathroom or laundry room in the basement or a lower level where the home’s main drainpipe is higher than the grade of the basement or lower floor. In these scenarios, the sewage ejector pump is designed to push waste upwards, overcoming the natural flow of gravity to reach the main sewer line.

Sewage ejector pumps are typically located in a sump basin that collects the wastewater from the various drains in the basement or lower floor. The pump will activate once the liquid level in the sump basin reaches a certain height. The pump then begins to move the wastewater against gravity, forcing it up and out of the house through a discharge pipe that connects to the main sewer line.

It’s important to note that a sewage ejector pump should not be confused with a sump pump. While they both sit in a sump pit and move water, the two pumps are designed for different purposes. A sump pump is used to remove excess water from the sump pit due to natural water inflow from rain or groundwater. A sewage ejector pump, on the other hand, is designed to handle waste from toilets, sinks, and washing machines.

In conclusion, a sewage ejector pump is a vital component of a home’s plumbing system. It moves wastewater from a basement or lower floor against gravity, ensuring it reaches the main sewer line. Regular maintenance and inspection of the sewage ejector pump are necessary to ensure it operates efficiently and avoid potential issues.

Causes of Non-Shutoff Issues

Sewage ejector pumps are an essential component of any basement or lower-level bathroom. However, like any other mechanical device, they can experience issues that need to be addressed. One such problem is when the pump does not shut off after it has completed its task. This issue can be caused by several factors, including:

1. Malfunctioning float switch: The most common cause of a sewage ejector pump not shutting off is a malfunctioning float switch. The float switch is responsible for detecting the liquid level in the sump pit and telling the pump when to turn on and off. If the float switch is faulty, it may not detect the correct liquid level, resulting in the pump continuously running.

2. Defective check valve: Another cause of non-shutoff issues in sewage ejector pumps is a defective check valve. The check valve is responsible for preventing water from flowing backward into the sump pit after the pump has shut off. If the check valve is defective, water will flow backward, causing the pump to activate continuously.

3. Stuck float switch: A stuck float switch can also cause non-shutoff issues in sewage ejector pumps. If the float switch gets stuck in the up position, it will continuously activate the pump, even after it has completed its task.

4. Overuse of the pump: Overuse of the pump can cause the impeller to wear down, resulting in the pump not shutting off. When the impeller wears down, it cannot spin correctly, which means that the pump cannot generate enough pressure to turn off.

5. Incorrect pump capacity: If the pump’s capacity is not correct for the sump pit’s size, it can result in non-shutoff issues. If the pump is too small, it will struggle to keep up with the inflow of water, causing it to run continuously. Alternatively, if the pump is too large, it will pump too much water out of the sump pit, resulting in the pump running continuously.

If you experience non-shutoff issues with your sewage ejector pump, it’s essential to contact a licensed plumber immediately. They will be able to inspect the pump, diagnose the problem, and perform any necessary repairs to get your pump back up and running correctly.

Malfunctioning Float Switch

A malfunctioning float switch is one of the most common causes of sewage ejector pump failure. The float switch is responsible for detecting the liquid level in the sump pit and communicating with the pump when to turn on and off. If the float switch is malfunctioning, it may not detect the correct liquid level, causing the pump to continuously run, which can lead to system failure.

There are various reasons why a float switch may malfunction. One possibility is a build-up of debris or particles that interfere with the switch’s movement. Small particles, such as dirt or sand, can accumulate around the float switch, causing it to become stuck in position. This can cause the pump to run continuously, regardless of the actual water level in the sump pit.

Another reason for a malfunctioning float switch is wiring issues. Electrical problems or damaged wiring can prevent the switch from communicating properly with the pump. In some cases, the wires connected to the switch can become damaged, disconnected, or corroded, leading to a malfunction in the switch’s operation.

If you suspect that your sewage ejector pump is not shutting off due to a malfunctioning float switch, it’s crucial to get it checked by a professional plumber immediately. Experienced plumbers can provide comprehensive inspections of your system and diagnose and replace any faulty parts, including the float switch. They can also provide ongoing maintenance to ensure your pump system functions correctly and prevent future issues from occurring.

In conclusion, if you notice that your sewage ejector pump is not shutting off, it’s crucial to investigate the cause quickly. A malfunctioning float switch is a common cause of this issue, and it should be addressed immediately to prevent further damage to your pump system. By having regular maintenance and inspections of your sewage ejector pump, you can ensure that your system functions to its full capacity for many years to come.