One of the most common questions we receive from customers is how long they can expect their sewage pump to last.
This really depends on the circumstances of usage, but as a general rule, one can expect a residential sewage pump to last five to seven years and a commercial sewage pump to last five to 15 years. Occasional septic pump repair and regular maintenance are factors that are known to extend the life of a pump.
The life expectancy for this part depends on a variety of other factors, including the pump quality, how much it runs and the electrical supply it receives.
If you’re having problems with your pump and believe you should still have years to go before you need to make a replacement, you should get in touch with a professional who can perform septic pump repair for you. Here are just a few examples of some of the issues you can resolve before jumping straight to replacement as a solution.
The pump isn’t starting or running
Just because the pump isn’t operating doesn’t mean it’s the pump itself that’s the problem. There are a variety of potential causes you should investigate and correct first before deciding to replace the pump.
One common cause of septic and sewage pump issues is a blown fuse. Check your fuse box and replace the fuse, then start the pump back up and see if this resolves the problem.
You should check to make sure the check valve is installed correctly. Sometimes it accidentally gets installed backwards, which can prevent proper operation. Make any necessary corrections and test again.
The shutoff valve is another common source of problems. If it’s closed, your pump isn’t going to work. Open up the valve to restore normal operation.
You may also have a defective float switch, in which case replacing this part might restore normal pump operation.
If, however, the motor is defective and there’s nothing you can do to get it working again, you may need to replace the entire pump, regardless of how old it is.
The pump runs but isn’t giving any flow
So, you’ve got the pump starting up and running—that’s a good sign. But if it’s not delivering any flow in the system, you’ll need to figure out why.
In some cases, you might be trying to pump the materials to a vertical elevation that is beyond the pump’s capabilities. In this case, you’ll need to replace the pump with one that has the necessary power to send the water up. This is why it’s always important to research pump specifications and know your needs before you make a purchase.
You may be able to get away without replacing the pump, however. Check the pump inlet and make sure it’s not clogged. If it is, remove the pump and clean the inlet before reinstalling it and trying it again.
The float could also be obstructed, in which case simply removing the obstruction should be sufficient to restore normal operation.
For more tips about septic pump repair and maintenance, contact the team at Mike’s Septic & McKinley Sewer Services today with your questions.