Where gravity drainage is not an option, a mechanical sewage pump known as a grinder pump is put to work in a small below-grade pit. Its job is to turn solids into a slurry so the wastewater can be pushed through force mains of a smaller diameter on its way to a septic system or the municipal sewer. The grinder pit is the basin that contains all of this: the pump, the float switch, discharge connection, and any alarm hardware. For properties in Northwest Florida and Navarre, FL in particular, a lift station and grinder pump are often the only sensible means of conveying waste across low-lying yards or uphill to the main sewer.
These are sealed units that deal with household sewage. Should a grinder pump go out, it is usually replaced rather than rebuilt, which is the norm for many systems here in Santa Rosa County and the rest of the Panhandle.
The trouble you might see with a grinder system is much like what plagues other sewer lines: root intrusion, bellies, or non-flushables such as wet wipes that come to a halt in the force main or the home’s ejector plumbing.
There is no time to dally when it comes to these issues. A failing pump can render fixtures useless or result in messy yard backups at lower elevations. Left unchecked, overflows present health hazards and odors, not to mention damage to the property.
Telling Signs of a Problem
Slow drainage or recurring sewage from several fixtures points to a blockage or failure in the pump or downstream system.
Noises from the lift station or pit area that don’t sound right.
The pump will cycle more frequently or run without letup if there is a leak in the discharge, a bad check valve, or a float that has gone bad.
Foul smells, water or sewage at the basin or in low spots of the yard and around the home.
An unexplained spike in the water bill or a pump alarm (where one is in place) is often the first cue that a professional should have a look.
What to Do in an Emergency
Cease water use and leave the toilets alone; putting more water in the system will only compound an overflow.
In the event of a major leak or sewage threat where help is not imminent, local emergency services can be called to cut off the water supply and stave off flooding.
Get a licensed plumber or pump service on the phone for an emergency call. A quick response is the best way to limit damage and determine if you are looking at a municipal main issue, a blocked force main or a simple pump failure.
Riptide Plumbing’s Method for Grinder Pump Repair
With over two decades of experience in sewer repair and both commercial and residential pump work, Riptide Plumbing is well acquainted with the needs of Navarre and surrounding Florida communities. When we are called in on a grinder-pit or pump matter, our process is straightforward:
We start with an assessment to isolate the cause — be it the pump itself, the control floats or switch, a leaking valve, a clogged discharge or something further down the line in the septic or main sewer branch.
If we suspect a leak or stoppage on the sewer main, we put camera and locating tools to use. Video allows us to identify cracks, root problems or bellies without resorting to needless digging.
For downstream obstructions we have the right equipment to clear them, whether that is hydrojetting to take care of heavy grease and buildup or mechanical rodding with the proper sized machines and cutters.
Replace the pump as needed. Most submersible ejector and grinder pumps are factory-sealed, so they are put in rather than rebuilt. In some cases a full system replacement is in order, covering everything from the basin, floats and check valve to the electrical controls.
Make sure check valves and discharge fittings are in place and properly installed. This is what keeps pumped sewage from returning to the pit where it can cause short cycling and put undue wear on the pump, leading to early failure.
Put in alarms or float systems. Homeowners should be given advance notice of any pump failure, high pit levels or electrical faults before they become an issue.
Maintenance and Prevention Tips
Do not put non-flushables down the line. Wipes and feminine hygiene products will lower the efficiency of a grinder and are a common source of stoppages in the sewer lines and pumps.
Discharge lines should be kept clear and easy to get to. That way one can spot a leak or damage and clear a blockage before there is an overflow in the yard or basin.
Should you see the same stoppage over and over, have a professional do some testing. Camera work and hydrostatic tests are the only way to safely put your finger on branch-line problems, pipe bellies or underground leaks that are beyond a homeowner’s means to diagnose.
A pump alarm is worth installing to give time to deal with an overflow before it turns into a messy situation.
For properties with a history of sewer trouble, a complete evaluation is advisable. Spot repairs are often just a temporary fix if there is already compromise in the cast-iron or root-intruded sections of the pipe.
When to Opt for a Replacement
Grinder and submersible types are sealed units from the factory, so replacing the pump and its float or electrical controls is the usual remedy for many failures. If the grinder has given out or the repair calls are mounting, a more permanent answer may be to replace the whole assembly, including the basin and controls, or to target the downstream force main and any damaged sewer sections.
Riptide Plumbing in Navarre, FL
We have been in the business for over 5 years in Navarre and the rest of Northwest Florida, handling all manner of pipe work, water-heaters, drain cleaning and sewer and leak detection.
Our field work makes use of video cameras, machine rodding and the like. We also handle the proper replacement of controls and equipment for lift stations, sewage ejectors and grinder pumps. Hydrojetting is part of our arsenal, though we are mindful of its power and will not employ it on old, brittle cast-iron without first giving it due consideration.
There are times when a grinder-pump problem cannot be put off. For those emergencies we offer 24/7 service and free estimates. Our area of operation extends to Pensacola, Gulf Breeze, Pace, Cantonment, Milton and portions of Okaloosa and Santa Rosa County in the Panhandle.
What to Do Next
Any sign of a failing grinder pit or pump, or persistent odours and backups in Navarre, is reason to call in a licensed plumber. A prompt diagnosis through camera and pump checks will go a long way to avoiding health hazards and damage to the property. Riptide Plumbing is on hand around the clock for emergency service and free estimates in Navarre and the surrounding area.
Our Warranty
We offer a one-year warranty on all plumbing and service work other than drain cleaning, unless the pipes are jetted. Contact us with any warranty questions.
Jeff did outstanding work. Very professional and courteous. Riptide gave a great price for new water heater replacement. Highly recommend Riptide and highly recommend Jeff.
I was very pleased with the expedited service and the knowledgeable and polite technicians. Everyone I was in contact with bent over backwards to make this a good experience.
They showed up within the time they said they would, quickly figured out what was needed, then got to work right away. They did a great job replacing my water heater connections and a broken spigot. Everything worked without any issues and they checked
inside my house to ensure nothing else was negatively affected. I would highly recommend them to anyone!
Had a blockage in our main drain line & was able to get on the schedule for a visit only 2 hours after calling on a Saturday. Chase was on time & had it taken care of pretty quick. Will definitely recommend Riptide to anyone I hear asking about plumbing services.
Riptide plumbing came through for me and my family. After calling multiple companies waiting over night waiting for someone to show up. I called riptide at 7am and they had someone to me in a few short hours. Work was done and efficient ALEC was professional and very friendly. If I could give them 100 star rating I would. Strongly recommend
