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Cut-away view of an
EOne Grinder Pump
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General.
On most house sites, deploying traditional gravity sewage systems poses few problems. But for difficult terrain, gravity sewage removal can pose several problems. The most typical problem is that because of site conditions the sewer main is too shallow in the road to connect to it from a house and still maintain positive pitch. This means that effluent would flow back into the house from the road. Additionally, there is some areas and streets of Lancaster that have houses located in areas that are lower than the main trunk line There are several options to deal with these problems:
1. If there are many houses clustered in an area that have the same problem, then a pump station or a low pressure sewer, utilizing grinder pumps, is used. Which option used is determined by the number of houses requiring service.
2. When a single house is set lower then the road a grinder pump is used.
Grinder pumps are specialized pumps that grind up effluent and then pumps it up hill to discharge into a gravity sewer. The wastewater moves in small, 1 1/4 inch diameter, pipes installed below the frost line, making this method ideal for difficult terrain. A technology available since the late 1960s, grinder pumps are cheaper and more flexible than traditional gravity sewer systems.
Models.
The LSDC has designed the system to accommodate either an F.E. Myers brand or an Environmental One brand pump. Both Myers and EOne have been in the business for many years and are considered to be front runners in grinder pump technology.
The LSDC has specially designed the system to the specifications required for these pumps. The standard model pump chosen by the LSDC is an all-in-one unit installed outside of the home.
Both brands perform the same basic task of grinding and pumping effluent from the home. The significant difference between the EOne brand and the Myers brand is the pump itself. The EOne brand uses a 1 horse power positive displacement pump while the Myers brand uses a 2 horse power centrifugal pump. The housing for both pumps is very durable with the EOne being made of high density polyethylene (HDPE) and the Myers being made from spun fiberglass. Each is designed to provide some limited storage in the event of power loss but you should try to conserve water use during such events.
Installation.
If you need a grinder pump you are required to use either the EOne or Myers brand pumps. When a household is ready to make a connection they must file for General Service indicating that they require a Grinder Pump. The specifications for the model of grinder pump chosen must be pre-approved by the LSDC prior to installation.
Cut-away view of a
Myers Grinder Pump
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The homeowner is required to use a drainlayer who is licensed and approved by the LSDC to perform the installation. If needed, the LSDC will provide homeowners with a list of approved drainlayers.
Although these pumps fail infrequently, the pump requires that a switch box with an audible alarm and flasher be mounted on the outside of the house within view of the pump. This is needed for emergencies, such as pump failure. This portion of the installation needs to be performed by a licensed electrician. Usually this can be coordinated through the drainlayer that you hire.
The pump is approximately 6 feet tall out of the ground but when installed, only the top 6 to 10 inches is visible and can easily be concealed by plantings. It is often likened to look like a trash can cover left on the ground.
Because the Myers pump uses your homes internal plumbing system for ventilation it can be fully buried, although the LSDC does not recommend burial because of the need for periodic maintenance. The EOne pump cannot be fully buried because it has openings that need to be exposed for proper ventilation and maintenance. There should be no odors coming from the pump.
Reimbursement for Properties in the Center District and in the George Hill Road Project areas.
The LSDC has capitilized the expense of grinder pump units as part of the overall cost of the George Hill Road and Center District Project areas. In those areas, the homeowner is responsible for all up-front costs including the purchase of the pump and the installation. However, the LSDC will reimburse each homeowner requiring a grinder pump $3,500.00 to offset the purchase price of the pump. Please note that this reimbursement only applies to households that require a grinder pump. Those households that use grinder pumps only for their own convenience, -i.e. when it is easier to install a pump than re-route internal plumbing, will not be eligible for the reimbursement.
Operation Costs.
Homeowners are also responsible for the operation and maintenance costs for the pumps. However, these costs are minimal. EOne estimates that the typical homeowners cost to operate the pump is equivalent to that of a 40 watt light bulb burning rear-long.
Maintenance of the pump is minimal, both are very reliable model requiring only general service every ten years. Replacement parts are available from local service providers generally through your plumber.
More Information.
For more information check out the websites for F.E. Myers and Environmental One. The Myers site has general information and sales info for their pumps. EOne's site is full featured and includes case studies and technical information as well.
F.E. Myers: http://www.myerspump.com
Environmental One: http://www.eone.com
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