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Triple master contractor Ed Del Grande
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By Ed Del Grande
Q: Ed, thanks for helping us contractors with advice as well! I've picked up a few tips from your column, and now I have a question. On one of my jobs, the homeowners have a sewer ejector pit and pump in the basement. On rainy days, even if the basement bathroom is not used, the ejector pump runs quite often. I'm not a plumber, but still a good general handyman contractor, and this sends up a red flag to me. Could this sewer ejector be working like a sump pump also? If that's the case, what is the best way to fix this, or should it be fixed at all since they have no sump pump? Burt (Louisiana)
A: Thanks, Burt! Whenever any contractors exchange ideas and listen to each other, everyone learns something. I have learned quite a bit from contractors and homeowners writing in with comments about my column. So, keep the letters coming!
A sewer ejector should be a self-contained closed pit used to eject only sewer wastewater into the septic or sewer system. A sump pump is for pumping out ground water only. Your instincts are right by most codes. If you have an ejector pit that is letting in ground water when it rains, that means that it's also letting sewer water out when it's dry! This may be a serious problem that needs immediate attention.
I recommend calling in a licensed plumber to test the pit and pump for proper operation. Also, if it's proven that your ejector pit is leaking, after you fix it make sure you install a separate sump and pump to handle the ground water.
Nice job, Burt, in sniffing out this sewer pit problem!
Ed Del Grande was born and raised in a family-owned plumbing business. With more than 25 years of experience in every aspect of construction, he holds current Master licenses in pipefitting, fire protection and plumbing. If you have a question for Ed, send him an e-mail at eddelgrande@hgtvpro.com.
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