Sewage Ejector Pump Services
Zenco Plumbing · Northern Michigan
If you've ever wanted to add a bathroom in the basement or install plumbing fixtures below the level of your main sewer line, a sewage ejector pump is what makes it possible. These systems aren't something most homeowners think about until they need one — and when you do need one, you want it installed correctly.
What Is a Sewage Ejector Pump?
Gravity does the work for most household plumbing — waste flows downhill from your fixtures to the main sewer line or septic system. But when you have a fixture — a toilet, sink, shower, or laundry drain — that sits below the level of your main drain line, gravity isn't enough. A sewage ejector pump collects waste in a sealed basin and pumps it upward to meet the main sewer line.
Unlike a sump pump (which only handles groundwater), a sewage ejector pump handles actual waste and must be properly vented, sealed, and connected to your home's drain system. This is not a DIY project — incorrect installation can result in sewage backing up into your home or failing inspection.
When You Need an Ejector Pump
- Adding a bathroom, toilet, or shower to a basement
- Installing a laundry room below grade
- Finishing a basement with a wet bar or utility sink
- Any below-grade fixture that sits below the main drain line
Installation
We handle the full installation: sizing the right pump for your application, excavating or cutting the basin into the slab if needed, connecting drain lines, installing the sealed lid and vent, and tying everything into your home's existing plumbing. All work is done to code and properly permitted where required.
Maintenance & Repair
Sewage ejector pumps have moving parts and will eventually need service. Signs of a failing ejector pump include slow draining, gurgling sounds, sewage odors from the pit area, or the pump running continuously. Regular maintenance — checking the float switch, inspecting the check valve, and flushing the system — can extend the life of your pump considerably.
If your ejector pump is showing its age or has stopped working, we can diagnose the problem and replace the pump, float switch, check valve, or the entire system depending on what's needed. We've been handling these systems in Northern Michigan homes since 2011.