Many homes in Central Texas use a grinder pump in the plumbing system to move sewage from the property to municipal sewer lines if a property is on a pressure sewer located below a sewer line. A grinder pump is a major component of a property’s plumbing system as it manages waste and eliminates backups in sewer lines.
Grinder pump are designed to last for many years although annual inspections are recommended and occasional repairs are needed on this equipment. This blog discusses three common grinder pump issues residential properties often have to deal with.
If you are experiencing grinder pump issues – no worries, we have you covered. Lantz’s Lakeside Plumbing & AC has specialized in grinder pump repairs, service, and replacements since 1971. We offer trusted, affordable grinder pump services 7 days a week. We also offer free second opinions of any grinder pump repairs or replacements you have been quoted by another company. Call (512) 267-1188 or contact us today for service!
3 Common Grinder Pump Issues Requiring Service or Repair
1. Unwanted debris in the motor
A grinder pump effectively manages organic waste, although it does not grind up many other items that are flushed down a toilet which cause blockages in sewer lines, such as:
- Feminine products
- Any cotton-based products
- Heavy Fiber
- Any type of grease
Most common grinder pump problems are due to unwanted items being flushed down the toilet and then getting caught in the pump tank. When the pump tank gets filled with unwanted debris, it causes the grinder pump motor to jam up and stop operating.
If unwanted debris causes your motor to quit working, the motor will need to be removed, cleaned, and unlocked before being re-installed and turned back on. If this is happening to you, call Lantz’s Lakeside Plumbing & AC for a grinder pump repair today at (512) 267-1188.
2. Electrical Components in the Panel Stop Working
A grinder pump control panel manages the operation of the grinder pump motor to ensure it runs smoothly. At times, the components of a control panel go bad and need to be replaced.
A few common electrical components that can go bad in a grinder pump system include:- Start Capacitors
- Run Capacitors
- Relays
- Contactors
- Breakers
- Fuses
- Transformers
- PC Boards
A malfunctioning grinder pump control panel will affect the unit’s running status, speed, alarm status, and/or pressure level. These components, however, can often be easily replaced and do not require the unit to be replaced.
If your grinder pump is having a problem, call Lantz’s Lakeside Plumbing & AC today at (512) 267-1188. We will inspect your unit, determine the problem, and then fix it quickly and affordably. We are grinder pump experts and have been serving Central Texas for over 50 years.
3. Mechanical Failure of Key Components
There are also various non-electrical components in a grinder pump that can stop working over the life of a unit. Failures can involve the following components:
- Grinder Pump Motor – The motor powers the entire system and can fail for many reasons which causes the system to stop operating.
- Grinder Pump Float Switches – Float switches are used to gauge water levels to manage waste effectively, and a failure can cause damage to other equipment in the system. Float switches can fail because of poor maintenance, incorrect configuration, or using an incorrect float switch.
- Grinder Pump Piping – Piping failures in grinder pumps can occur from corrosion, poor installation, high pressure, age, settling, or improper materials. Annual inspections are recommended to identify any current/potential issues so they can be addressed quickly and affordably to reduce the potential for future problems and costly repairs.
Often, these grinder pump components can be replaced and do not require the replacement. If you are experiencing grinder pump problems, we are here to help every day of the week. Call Lantz’s Lakeside Plumbing & AC today at (512) 267-1188 today.
Lantz’s Lakeside Plumbing & AC – Grinder Pump Experts
Lantz’s Lakeside Plumbing & AC is a trusted grinder pump repair expert in Lago Vista, Cedar Park, Leander, Liberty Hills, Marble Falls, Jonestown, and greater Austin. Our licensed technicians have been serving Austin and surrounding communities with repairs of grinder sump pumps and other plumbing services since 1971. We provide professional, affordable service, repairs, and replacements for grinder pumps to residential and commercial customers, backed by our commitment to superior craftsmanship and customer service.
Our technicians run service calls 7 days a week, and we are open late until 9 pm (Monday – Saturday). We also offer second opinions on grinder (pump) replacement quotes.
Call your local plumber today to get your grinder pump issues handled by professional, licensed plumbers near you.
