Ejector Pump vs. Gravity Flow

19 years ago

We're building an addition, which includes a first floor half-bath. Our current septic tank is located slightly higher than first floor level (don't know why!) - low enough so the kitchen sink can drain to it but not low enough that a first floor toilet can.

Our plans called for an ejector pump in the half bath, which I was reasonably comfortable with (I don't think that bathroom will get too much use). The builder has suggested, however, that instead we could put in a small additional septic tank (at a lower level) that we could hook up to our existing leach field. This would get rid of all of the potential maintenance issues with an ejector pump system. The additional cost of this is $1,350.

I'm not sure if this is worth the extra cost. Anybody have experience with ejector pump systems - are they a lot of maintenance?

Thanks

Rod

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Comments (8)

brickeyee
19 years ago
Gravity has yet to fail.
bus_driver
19 years ago
Not sure what the $1350 is buying. An ejector pump system has a cost. A second septic tank has a cost. One costs $1350 more than the other? Doubtful, since no additional leach field is in involved. I like gravity for handling sewage.
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trirod
Original Author
19 years ago
Surely you would expect a septic system to cost more than an ejector pump system? As I understand it, the ejector pump is around $350. I don't know what the actual septic tank costs but I imagine its quite a bit more than $350 -plus all the excavation and laying pipe to tie into the current leachfield.
lazypup
19 years ago
Most plumbing codes do not permit installing a Sewage Ejection Pump system if the drainage can be achieved by means of gravity flow.
castoff
19 years ago
Why not have your existing tank pumped dry, excavate it and reinstall it at a lower depth so that it will receive sewage from the first floor toilet?

If the leach field is low enough for a second tank then it must be low enough for the first one.

One tank, no pumps, nothing new to buy, it's a one day job and it solves all your problems.
trirod
Original Author
19 years ago
"Why not have your existing tank pumped dry, excavate it and reinstall it at a lower depth so that it will receive sewage from the first floor toilet?"

That's an excellent idea - I don't know why I or my septic guy didn't think of that. I have a call out to him now.
Thanks
brina
19 years ago
I have a question.

2 years ago a gardner installer pipes and a sub ejector pump
to drain water. It worked fine, however, yesterday, we had rain and it did not turn on? to have someone look at it would i call a gardner or who? this person who installed it
I think gave me a used one, but charged for a new one. thanks
castoff
19 years ago
This is a job for a plumber.