Grinder Pump Maintenance and Replacement in Houston

Grinder pumps are an essential part of the septic system that handle breaking down waste and effectively pumping it through the system. Here are some signs you may notice if your grinder pump requires professional grinder pump maintenance or a replacement:

The pump is running constantly or can’t seem to keep up with waste output
The pump is producing unusual noises during operation
Foul odors are detected
The pump has sprung one or more leaks somewhere in the system

Most grinder pump systems are equipped with an alarm that will sound off if there’s a malfunction or failure in the grinder pump or motor. If you notice this alarm, minimize water usage until a septic system expert is able to inspect your grinder pump.

What Does it Mean if Your Grinder Pump is Showing Signs of Impending Failure?

If your grinder pump system is showing any of the above problems, it could be due to one of several reasons, most of them related to inevitable wear, tear and damage to the system’s components. Here is a better look at each example and what may be happening:

If your grinder pump is running constantly or inefficiently – If your grinder pump system seems to operate without stopping, then it’s likely having issues efficiently processing and pumping effluent. This could be due to a dull grinder blade, a malfunctioning motor or a float switch that’s triggering too often (which can be caused by excessive grease or oil covering the switch).
If your grinder pump is producing odd noises – You won’t usually hear your grinder pump operating, so if you do, that could be a sign of something going wrong. For example, a gurgling noise suggests that waste isn’t being completely processed before the pump is engaged. A whining sound may indicate a worn bearing or a motor that’s about to go out.
If your grinder pump is leaking – Leaks require a full system inspection, as this may indicate a rupture in the tank or pump body. Such issues must be addressed right away to prevent a large-scale disaster. Leaks may also result from a failing gasket or seal, and these are generally quick to resolve.
If your grinder pump is giving off foul odors – Foul odors and leaks tend to appear with each other, so if you notice an unpleasant stench when you are near the septic tank or grinder pump system, this may also indicate a failing gasket or seal.

How Much Does Grinder Pump Maintenance or Replacement Cost?

In general, replacing a grinder pump will cost more than repairing one, but not always. Here’s what to expect in both cases:

Repairing a grinder pump system – In general, it costs less to repair a grinder pump than to replace it, but there are exceptions. Depending on the nature and extent of the failure, the variance in repair costs can be considerable, ranging between a few hundred dollars to a couple thousand dollars.
Replacing a grinder pump system – Replacing a grinder pump typically starts at a couple thousand and may cost more depending on its size and whether or not the job will require additional work, such as trenching out additional dirt and burying the pump deeper.

In some cases, replacing the grinder pump is the more cost-effective option. This is most often true when the pump is near the end of its expected life. In this instance, repairs may only provide a brief improvement in performance, if any.

Ultimately, it won’t be clear which is option is better until a septic system professional closely inspects the system. Once the failure is isolated and the cause is revealed, your septic expert will recommend the right approach.

Why Regular Grinder Pump Maintenance is Important

Grinder pump systems are designed to function with minimal maintenance, but that minimal maintenance is essential to preventing an expensive (and messy) failure. Here’s why:

Regular professional maintenance will spot easy-to-fix issues early – Most grinder pump (and septic) problems progress slowly, often the result of wear and tear slowly revealing a failure point in the system. If caught early, a lot of grinder pump issues can be addressed without resorting to extensive repairs or replacing major components. By scheduling your grinder pump maintenance on time, you’ll keep those minor issues from becoming major problems.
Regular maintenance will ensure worn parts are identified and removed – Many grinder pump issues can be isolated to a single worn component. It could be a gasket, a seal, a bearing, a blade or something else, but if the failure is contained to a single component, your problems may be resolved by replacing that one part. Regular grinder pump maintenance will spot these worn components before they fail entirely, so your technician can provide a replacement in time.
Regular maintenance will extend the system’s longevity by several years – With proper maintenance, your grinder pump should provide around 10 years of reliable performance, although some will last nearly 20 years. On-time maintenance will prevent your system from failing early, extending its useful life by several years and maximizing the return on your investment.

Your Septic System Expert Can Recommend the Right Maintenance or Replacement Option

If your wastewater system relies on a grinder pump system, then it’s critical to keep that grinder pump in good condition. Any failure can cause sewage to back up onto the property, produce clogs and reduce effluent quality.

If your grinder pump is showing signs of inefficiency or wear, responding immediately is key to preventing a catastrophic failure. A trusted septic system company can perform a full grinder pump inspection for your system, provide expert troubleshooting and either repair the system, or replace it if repairs aren’t considered cost effective. If you believe your grinder pump system is showing signs of distress, schedule an inspection with a reputable septic company right away.