User Instructions for Grinder Pumps
General Information
If your home is served by a low pressure sewer system; the key element is a grinder pump. The tank collects all solid materials and wastewater from the house. The solid materials are then ground to a small size suitable for pumping as slurry with the wastewater. The grinder pump generates sufficient pressure to pump this slurry from your home to the wastewater treatment receiving line and or disposal plant.
This device complies with Part 15 of the FCC rules. Operation is subject to the following two conditions: 1) this device may not cause harmful interference; and 2) this device must accept interference received, including interference that may cause undesired operation. Any changes or modifications not expressly approved by the party responsible for compliance could void the user’s authority to operate this equipment.
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Grinder Pump System Maintenance Ordinance
Click here to view the ordinance
Care and Use of the Grinder Pump
The grinder pump is capable of accepting and pumping a wide range of materials, and an extensive grind test is required in order to obtain NSF approval. However, regulatory agencies advise that the following items should not be introduced into any sewer, either directly or through a kitchen waste disposal unit:
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Glass, seafood shells, diapers, socks, rags or cloth, syringes, cotton swabs, personal cleaning wipes and sponges, disposable toothbrushes, latex/vinyl items, metal, plastic objects, kitty litter, dental floss, aquarium gravel, sanitary napkins or tampons, cigarette butts.
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Caution: Kitchen garbage disposals do not keep grease/oil out of the plumbing system.
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In addition, you must never introduce into any sewer:
Explosives, strong chemicals, lubricating oil and or grease, flammable material, gasoline.
Periods of Disuse
If your home or building is left unoccupied for longer than a couple of weeks, perform the following procedure:
Purge the system. Run clean water into the unit until the pump activates. Immediately turn off the water and allow the grinder pump to run until it shuts off automatically.
Duplex units. Special attention must be taken to ensure that both pumps turn on when clean water is added to the tank.
Power Failure/Caution: Do not disconnect power to the unit
Your grinder pump cannot dispose of wastewater without electrical power. If electrical power service is interrupted, keep water usage to a minimum.
Pump Failure Alarm
Your grinder pump has been manufactured to produce an alarm signal (120 volt) in the event of a high water level in the basin. The installer must see that the alarm signal provided is connected to an audible and or visual alarm in such a manner as to provide adequate warning to the user that service is required. During the interim prior to the arrival of an authorized service technician, water usage must be limited to the reserve capacity of the tank.