m 8 dredge pump manual

Ejector Pump vs. Sump Pump: What are Their Differences?

What is an Ejector Pump?

An ejector pump looks a lot like a sump pump and can be installed similarly: In a pit or basin built into the floor of a basement. The purpose of an ejector pump, however, is quite different from a sump pump. A sewage ejector pump is designed so that its basin fills with accumulated water from the basement floor drains or the gray water coming from a washing machine or spare sink. It can also be necessary for wastewater if the home has a below-grade bathroom. If an ejector pump must process wastewater, then the basin will have a sealed lid with a vent pipe for gases from the sewer. If an ejector pump only processes gray water you can expect it to have a lid, but no vent for gases. Both types of ejector pumps will be connected to a sewer line, like all of your home’s plumbing and drainage systems.

What is a Sump Pump?

A sump pump is a small, submersible water pump that’s typically installed in a pit in the basement that is at least two feet deep. It doesn’t need to be installed near any water-consuming equipment, so it won’t necessarily be beside a washer and dryer, basement bathroom, or spare utility sink. Groundwater from the soil surrounding your home drains to this pit, accumulating until the waters rise enough to lift the sump pump’s float switch, triggering the sump pump to activate. When this happens, your sump pump pushes the water out of your basement, through the discharge pipe, forcing it away from your home and into your lawn or sewer system. A sump pump is designed to keep your home from flooding and to keep groundwater from seeping into your home. If a sump pump ever fails, your entire basement could flood since there isn’t anything keeping the water out anymore.

Do I Need Both an Ejector Pump and a Sump Pump?

The truth is, both types of pumps perform different tasks. A sump pump is necessary for basements since heavy rainfall or snowmelt can cause flooding and excess water accumulation. Without a sump pump, this water collection can severely damage your home’s foundation, basement, and anything you keep in your basement. An ejector pump is needed for any water-consuming equipment, appliances, or plumbing fixtures installed in the basement of your home. If your home doesn’t have anything like this in its lower level, then an ejector pump isn’t necessary. However, if you have a washing machine, bathroom, or utility sink in your basement, then you can switch your “sump versus ejector pump” conversation into a “sump and ejector pump” discussion.

Ejector Pump Versus Sump Pump Installation

Like all the other equipment, appliances, and machinery in your home, your various water pumps require certain maintenance and attention to operate properly, something you should only trust an expert to handle.