Sewer Pump Services

When a bathroom or laundry room sits below the main sewer line, gravity is no longer enough to move wastewater out of the home. In these situations, a sewer pump system is required to lift that waste up to the main drain line so it can exit properly.

Fixed HVAC & Plumbing installs and services residential sewer pump systems for homes with below-grade plumbing fixtures. Whether you are finishing a basement bathroom or replacing an aging unit, the system must be sized and installed correctly to prevent backups and drainage problems.

How a Sewer Pump System Works

A sewer pump, often called a sewage ejector pump, is installed in a sealed basin beneath the floor. When water from a sink, shower, or toilet flows into the basin, the liquid level rises until it triggers a float switch. The pump then activates and pushes the wastewater up through a discharge pipe until it connects with the main sewer line.

Because this system handles wastewater from inside the home, it must remain sealed and properly vented. A tight basin lid prevents odors from escaping, and a correctly installed vent line allows the system to operate without pressure issues. When installed properly, the pump cycles on, clears the basin, and shuts off without excessive noise or vibration.

Sewer Pump Installation

Installing a sewer pump starts with evaluating how many fixtures will drain into the system and how far the wastewater must travel vertically. A half bathroom places different demands on a pump than a full bathroom with a shower and laundry connection.

A standard residential sewer pump installation typically involves:

• Setting a sealed sewage ejector basin below floor level

• Installing a pump rated to handle solids from toilets and sinks

• Connecting discharge piping to the main sewer line

• Installing a check valve to prevent backflow

• Connecting vent piping according to plumbing code

• Testing the system to confirm proper activation and discharge

Once complete, the system should cycle on, clear the basin efficiently, and shut off without excessive noise or vibration.

Sewer Pump Replacement

Sewer pumps wear down over time, especially in homes where basement fixtures are used daily. Replacing an aging unit before it fails reduces the risk of interior wastewater backup.

Sewer pump replacement may be recommended if you notice:

• Slow drainage from below-grade fixtures

• Frequent or irregular cycling

• Unusual motor noise

• Persistent odors near the basin

• Wastewater backing up into floor drains or toilets

In many cases, replacement also provides an opportunity to inspect the basin, check valve, and discharge piping for wear.

Sewer Pump Repair

Not every issue requires a full system replacement. Mechanical components can fail independently, and targeted repairs may restore normal performance.

Common sewer pump repairs include:

• Clearing obstructions inside the basin

• Replacing a stuck or worn float switch

• Repairing or replacing discharge piping

• Installing a new check valve

• Verifying proper vent connection

A proper inspection confirms whether the issue is isolated to a component or signals the need for full pump replacement.

Choosing the Right Sewer Pump

Not all sewer pumps are the same. The correct model depends on the number of fixtures draining into the system, the required lift height, and the configuration of the discharge line.

Standard residential ejector pumps are designed to handle solids from toilets without clogging when properly matched to the application. Selecting the right horsepower and basin size helps prevent premature wear and keeps the system operating smoothly over time.

A properly installed sewer pump should not require constant attention. It should activate, clear the basin, and shut off without disruption.

Schedule Sewer Pump Service

Sewer pump systems operate quietly in the background until something goes wrong. When drainage slows or wastewater backs up, the problem demands immediate attention.

If you are adding below-grade plumbing or experiencing issues with an existing pump, Fixed HVAC & Plumbing provides sewer pump installation, replacement, and repair as part of its full range of plumbing services. Proper sizing, sealed installation, and thorough testing help ensure the system works as intended.

Contact us today to schedule sewer pump service.