water pump for water tank

Noisy exterior Sewer/Grinder Pump

Original Question:

Hi - we are on a county sewer system. The waste collects in a small (24" round, few feet deep) well outside the house. After indoor water use, a pump kicks on within the well to presumably pump everything to the treatment plant. My question is how can I make the pump quieter? It is right next to my deck and every time someone uses the toilet, the pump does its process for all to hear. It is not a "thump" noise at the completion of the cycle (like other issues I read about), but really just a loud, perhaps normal, sound during the process. Imagine sitting with a beer, enjoying the view and boom, all eyes are on the pump sound! Yuck! Are there quiet pumps I could have installed? Or should I look to insulate it? It has a thin plastic cover now. I welcome all ideas, and thank you!

Answer 1:

It could be some debris or rust interfering with the impeller. More than likely it is a worn bearing on the pump shaft or a slightly bent shaft. There is no way to fix this. Replacement is the only option. You can have someone open the tank and haul the pump out to have a look at it. But, the thing is, by the time you go thru all of that, you might as well replace the noisy pump. So, put up with the noise but look for a replacement on sale and keep it on the shelf.

Answer 2:

With that size pit, it should take MANY toilet flushes before the pump operates.

Answer 3:

Floats/actuators may be set too low creating an 'overpumping' situation / pump activating 'too low' and churning after tank is 'empty' may be as simple as adjustment of controls or may need new pump time for 'on site' inspection / adjustment / repair / replace

Reply to Answers:

Thank you! I'm happy to have someone out to adjust and/or replace the pump. I was afraid you all were going to say this is just how they are and I had to live with it! Appreciate the help....

Answer 4:

That could also be a possibility, since ALL pumps make a "noise" while pumping. We just do not know if yours is the normal sound or not.

Answer 5:

Noise very well maybe the check valve closing. These lift stations can be problematic because people don't like to check them. You have an alarm in your house for when the pump fails.? Or do you have a dual pump system?

Answer 6:

You say the cover is plastic. Plastic by it self is noisy. Can you insulate the cover? That should help.