Handling Wastewater by Gravity or Lift Pump

Wastewater, and sewage, flows towards the lowest point of the plumbing system. This trait is used in most home plumbing systems. The wastewater pipes of each level of the home slope towards a central stack that carries the materials to the lowest level of the home.

The base of the stack connects to the wastewater disposal system. This may be a municipal sewage treatment system or a home septic system. The inlets to these systems are lower than the end of the stack allowing gravity to carry the waste into the treatment system.

In the case of a home septic system, the waste first flows into a septic tank where much of the sewage breaks down from bacterial action. The remaining solids sink to the bottom of the septic tank while the liquid waste flows from the top of the tank into a drain or leech field. In most systems, the septic tank and drain field are below the level of the floor of the lowest inhabited level of the home allowing waste to drain by gravity.

Some home designs do not allow for placement of the septic system below the lowest level of the home. In these situations, a sewer lift station pumps the waste from the lowest level of the home to the septic system or municipal sewer system. Sewer lift stations are also used within municipal sewer systems to pump sewage up hills where it can then gravity flow through the system.

Sewer lift stations add cost to the wastewater handling system of the home. There are also utility costs associated with operating the pump. Pump failures can lead to sewage backup in the home.

Always work with a professional plumber like the crew at All About The Pipes Plumbing, Inc. when dealing with gravity or lift station wastewater systems. Any failure by these systems results in sewage backup within the home. Get the job done right and avoid the mess.