Sump Pump Vs Ejector Pump – The Main Difference Explained

Poor drainage systems, sewage flooding, clogged drain pipes or wastewater from the neighborhood, etc. are some of the most common issues faced by the homeowners of the house with a basement or are built at lower ground level surrounded by a high water table.

In order to overcome these issues and to protect your basement from sewage and solid waste, homeowners install a sump pump and ejector pump in the basement that plays an important role in keeping it dry and protecting against flooding.

Sump Pump Vs Ejector Pump
Featured Image: Sump Pump Vs Ejector Pump

Ejector Pump vs Sump Pump – Getting Started

Below you will find a detailed explanation about sump pump and ejector pump as well as how they differ from each other!

What Is a Sump Pump?

Being smaller in size, a sump pump is a pedestal or submersible water pump that is located in the basement at the lowest spot. The basic function of this pump is to remove the groundwater or wastewater from the basement, protecting it from flooding and moisture damage. The best part of this water pump is that it can efficiently collect several thousand gallons of wastewater from the basement and pump it out.

How does Sump Pump work?

The basin of the sump pump is installed under the floor of the basement that’s function is to collect the wastewater. Once the water is accumulated, the float switch of this pump gets activated which expels the water out from the basin. This water is then pumped through drain lines that help in removing the water from the basement. Also have a look how sump pump works in the basement.

How To Install Sump Pump?

Select The Location

The first step in installing the sump pump is to identify the lowest spot in the basement where moisture is accumulated. With the help of a jackhammer or sledgehammer, break the basement floor and dig a deep and wide hole. Continue the digging process until the cavity is fixed in the basin of the pump.

Prevention Of Clogs

The noteworthy feature of the sump pump is the weep holes, allowing the water to enter from the sides as well as from beneath. The next important step is to cover the exterior of the basin with a filter fabric that protects the slit and prevents the basin from clogging. In order to establish a stable platform, place the pebbles over the fieldstone. After this, place the sump pump into the wide hole.

Testing Of The Sump Pump

The float valve plays an important role in the better functioning of the sump pump. This valve should move freely up and down in order to ensure that there is no obstruction in the pump. Before going any further, you should have to notice the movement of the float valve.

Testing Sump Pump

Cover The Area With The Concrete

The final step is to cover the hole of the sump pump with concrete. Properly seal the targeted area in order to prevent further leakage.

What Is an Ejector Pump?

The ejector pump has a similar appearance to the sump pump. This pump is also located in the basement at the lowest point. However, the task that this pump performs is different from that of the sump pump and is basically used to remove sewage and toilet waste. The basin of the ejector pump accumulates sewage and solid waste from the drains. This pump effectively removes the waste that is present below the sewer pipes. Check out the major difference between sump pump and sewage pump.

Ejector pump

How Does Ejector Pump Work?

As the pump is installed deep under the basement floor, the basin of the pump is there to collect the groundwater or wastewater and expel it out through sewer lines. As this water pump is specifically used for the removal of solid waste, its basin is covered and sealed with a lid that prevents the release of sewer gases. Furthermore, the best part of this pump is that it grinds the waste so that it can flush out easily.

Sump Pump Vs Ejector Pump

The presence of sewage is one of the main differences between the sump pump and the ejector pump. While talking about the maintenance, the sump pump requires regular maintenance for its proper functioning whereas the ejector pump does not need regular maintenance. Moreover, sump pumps are installed in the basements where flooding is most likely due to heavy rainfall or high-water table. While on the other hand, an ejector pump is required in those areas bathrooms or water-consumption appliances are installed in the basements.

Another main difference between a sump pump and an ejector pump is that the sump pump protects the basement from flooding whereas the ejector pump removes water and waste from the toilet in the basement. One of the main reasons for the failure of the ejector pump is the debris that is present on the float valve. Due to this, the raw waste can enter the basement, as a result causing health issues.

FAQs about Sump Pump and Ejector Pump

What are ejector pumps used for?

Ejector pumps are generally used to remove the raw sewage and water waste from the toilets that are located in the basement. These pumps are usually more sensitive than the sump pump. These pumps effectively grind the waste for its easy removal.

What is a sump pump and what does it do?

Sump pump is installed in the basement that removes the water and protects it from flooding. The main function of this pump is that it stops the groundwater from reaching the basement level. Furthermore, this pump is also considered beneficial equipment for floor insurance.

Conclusion on Ejector Pump and Sump Pump Comparison

Sump pump and Ejector pump both are highly beneficial equipment for the basements and houses that are built at the lower level. Sump pump helps in the removal of wastewater from the basements and keeps it dry whereas the ejector pump is there to remove solid waste and sewage from the toilet in the basement.

Both of them remove waste and sewage from the basement and drain it out into the sewer lines. For proper functioning, the homeowners need to install both of them in the basement.


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