Many homeowners don’t realize they have a sewage pump until it stops working, and by then, they’re often dealing with an unpleasant backup.
Sewage pumps and sump pumps are frequently confused, but they serve completely different purposes. Understanding the difference, knowing what should (and shouldn’t) be flushed, and investing in a quality pump can help you avoid expensive repairs and messy cleanups.
Sewage Pump vs. Sump Pump: What’s the Difference?
Although they’re both installed in pits and both move water, that’s where the similarities end.
Sump Pump
A sump pump removes groundwater that collects around your home’s foundation. Its job is to keep your basement or crawl space dry and protect your home from flooding and water damage.
The water it pumps away is relatively clean.
Sewage Pump
A sewage pump handles wastewater from plumbing fixtures located below your home’s main sewer line, such as:
- Basement bathrooms
- Basement laundry rooms
- Basement utility sinks
Because sewage can’t flow uphill on its own, the pump lifts wastewater up to your home’s main sewer line so it can drain normally. Unlike a sump pump, a sewage pump is designed to handle wastewater that contains solids and toilet paper.
If a sewage pump fails, the result isn’t a wet basement from groundwater, it’s sewage backing up into your home.
How Do You Know if You Have a Sewage Pump?
Many homeowners aren’t aware they have one because it’s hidden inside a sealed basin in the basement. You may have a sewage pump if your home has plumbing fixtures below the level of the sewer line leaving your house. Homes with basement bathrooms are some of the most common examples.
If you’re unsure whether your home has one, we’re happy to help identify it during a service visit.
What Should Never Be Flushed?
This is where we see the majority of sewage pump failures.
A sewage pump is designed to handle human waste and reasonable amounts of toilet paper. It is not designed to process everything that people send through the toilet.
Some of the most common items that damage or clog sewage pumps include:
- “Flushable” wipes (despite the name)
- Baby wipes
- Feminine hygiene products
- Paper towels
- Cotton swabs
- Dental floss
- Diapers
- Cleaning wipes
- Cat litter
- Grease or cooking fats
Many of these items don’t break down like toilet paper. Instead, they wrap around the pump’s impeller or create blockages that can lead to pump failure.
Can Too Much Toilet Paper Cause Problems?
Yes, and it’s more common than many homeowners realize. While toilet paper is made to break down, flushing excessive amounts at one time can overwhelm a sewage pump, particularly if the pump is older or already working harder than it should. We regularly see service calls where the pump itself is fine, but the amount of toilet paper being flushed has contributed to a clog or backup. Using reasonable amounts of toilet paper and flushing only what’s intended for the toilet can go a long way toward extending the life of your sewage pump.
Don’t Cheap Out on a Sewage Pump
When a sewage pump fails, you’re not just replacing a pump. You could also be dealing with sewage cleanup, damaged flooring or drywall, and an unusable basement bathroom. That’s why we recommend installing a quality sewage pump rather than choosing the least expensive option available.
At Lohmeyer Plumbing, our standard sewage pump is the Glentronics GE7055NS, a heavy-duty ½ hp pump designed to provide dependable performance for years to come.
Quality pumps typically offer:
- More powerful, longer-lasting motors
- Better construction and durability
- Improved handling of solids
- Greater reliability when you need them most
It’s one of those plumbing products where investing in quality upfront can save significant money and frustration later.
Signs Your Sewage Pump May Be Having Problems
If you notice any of these warning signs, it’s a good idea to have your pump inspected before it fails completely:
- Slow-draining basement fixtures
- Gurgling sounds from basement drains
- The pump runs constantly
- The pump hums but doesn’t move wastewater
- Frequent breaker trips
- Sewage odors near the basin
- Sewage backing up into basement fixtures
Addressing these symptoms early is almost always less expensive than waiting for a complete failure.
Can a Sewage Pump Be Maintained?
Yes.
While sewage pumps don’t require frequent maintenance, periodic inspections can help identify worn switches, aging motors, or developing issues before they become costly repairs.
The best maintenance, however, starts with good habits:
- Flush only human waste and toilet paper.
- Never flush wipes, even if they’re labeled “flushable.”
- Never flush feminine hygiene products.
- Avoid flushing excessive amounts of toilet paper at one time.
- Call if you notice changes in how your basement plumbing drains.
A few simple habits can significantly increase the life of your sewage pump.
Trust Lohmeyer Plumbing for Sewage Pump Service in Columbus, Indiana
Whether you need a sewage pump repaired, replaced, or simply want peace of mind that yours is working properly, Lohmeyer Plumbing is here to help. We’ll inspect your system, recommend the right solution for your home, and install a quality pump that’s built to last. Most importantly, we’ll help you understand how to protect your investment so you can avoid one of the messiest plumbing problems a homeowner can experience.
If you have questions about your sewage pump, or you’re not sure whether your home even has one, give Lohmeyer Plumbing a call. We’re always happy to help.