Wicker Park Ejector Pump Repair: How to Get Rid of the Bad Smell
Many homeowners believe that a sump pump is the only thing they need for their basement. The reality is, there are two different types of pumps that can be found in basements.
Ejector pumps and sump pumps have both been designed to solve water accumulation problems, but they work differently.
Ejectors are typically installed in a basement to take on sewage grind it up and then pump it upwards into the sewer system. While sumps will periodically pump out stormwater as needed.
Ejectors require maintenance because they’re constantly running underwater which causes them to wear down more quickly than sump pumps do.
This blog post discusses what happened when one of these ejector pumps failed and how we restored the customer’s basement drainage.
Wicker Park Ejector Pump Repair
This job was completed in the late afternoon hours in the Wicker Park neighborhood of Chicago. The customer called us stating that his sump pump was making a noise and smelling really bad.
Upon arrival, the plumber conducted a diagnosis of the issue and it turned out it was not a sump pump but an ejector pump.
Many people do not know what an ejector pump is. An ejector pump is usually located in the basement area and takes on the sewage from the basement.
In this case, the ejector pump failed and rendered the basement drainage unusable. We replaced the pump and got the basement drains up and running.
What is a Basement Drainage System?
A basement drainage system is a series of pipes, pumps, and other equipment that protects the interior space below ground from flooding.
The basement drainage system in a home is made up of many components. Three components that are usually present though are; the sump pump, ejector pump, and building sewer.
The primary function of both pumps is to remove water from the low point of your basement floor by means of gravity or suction.
Sump Pump
A sump pump is a device that removes water from the lowest point in your building. In addition, sump pumps prevent flooding during heavy rains and storms.
Sump pumps are typically installed in a sump basin near a door or window so they can remove any moisture before it enters your house or business.
Pump systems remove stormwater in the bottom of your home’s foundation before it rises to toxic levels and outside air is drawn in.
Sump pumps are powered by electricity, exhaust air pressure, solar power, or an outside water source. They come in a variety of shapes and sizes for commercial buildings or residential homes.
Sewage Ejector Pump
Sewage ejector pumps are waste-water pumping devices that pump away sewage from a building through the sewage line.
Ejector pumps work like siphons, using atmospheric pressure as well as gravity to move water through pipes. A sewage ejector pump uses water at surface level to pump waste from lower levels.
It is commonly found in basements where sewage pipes enter houses or below-ground floors that have been flooded by overflowing sewers.
Lastly, ejectors have typically only a three-year warranty, but they do not last much longer than that because it is an electric motor running underwater.
Floor Drain
A floor drain is a plumbing system that will collect water from your home and dispose of it in the sewer or septic tank.
Ejector pumps are used to pump sewage water out of these drains, which can sometimes get clogged with dirt and other debris. These kinds of clogs can lead to an unpleasant bad smell coming up through your floors.
French Drain
A French drain is a type of drainage system that can be used to get rid of water, sewage, and other liquids in the ground. It consists mainly of perforated pipes or tubes installed underground.
It will carry liquid from low points on your property (such as near a septic tank) to an open area. Usually, it will drain into another body of water such as the ground near a creek.
The French drain can also be used to get rid of bad smells caused by the sewage. The liquid from your property will run through this system rather than being trapped on your land where you could risk a build-up of gases.
To The Rescue!
If you need to repair or replace your pump, contact the expert team at Rescue Plumbing. We’ve been rescuing people from their flooded basements for years.
Our team of plumbing experts is ready to help so you can be sure to stay dry. A qualified plumbing professional will come out and assess your problem and offer the best solution.
Rescue Plumbing provides 24 hour plumbing and sewer services. Free estimates are offered Monday through Friday from 9 am to 5 pm!
Our friendly staff is waiting for your call right now! You can reach us at (773) 799-8848 to schedule your free estimate today!
