Why some hillside homes need one
On a hillside, some homes are built below the level of the street. If the public sewer runs in that street, wastewater from the house cannot reach it by gravity alone. The same can happen with a lower-level bathroom or laundry added below the main drain line.
An ejector system collects waste in a sealed basin, and when the level rises a float switches on a pump that pushes it up through a pressure line to a point where gravity can take over. Not every downslope home has one; many drain by gravity to a sewer behind or below the property. If you are not sure how your home drains, a plumber can find out.
Parts of a typical system
- Basin
- Sealed tank, usually buried or set into the floor, that collects waste
- Pump
- Submersible pump designed to handle solids
- Float or switch
- Turns the pump on and off as the level rises and falls
- Check valve
- Stops pumped waste from flowing back into the basin
- Vent
- Lets gases escape safely and air move as the level changes
- Alarm
- Warns of a high level when the pump fails or cannot keep up
Signs the system needs attention
Looking after an ejector system
- Always
- Flush only toilet paper. Wipes, even ones labeled flushable, and grease are frequent causes of pump jams.
- Every few months
- Test the alarm if it has a test button, and listen for normal pump cycles.
- On a schedule the plumber recommends
- Professional inspection of the pump, float, check valve and basin.
- Before a long trip
- Make sure the alarm is audible to someone or connected to a notification if available.
Repair or replace the pump
Repair
- Stuck float or switch
- Jammed by debris that can be cleared
- Failed check valve
- Pump otherwise sound
Replace
- Motor burned out or seized
- Repeated failures
- Pump not sized for the fixtures it serves
- Corroded or damaged housing
Questions to ask
- Which fixtures drain to the basin?
- Is the pump sized for the lift and the fixtures it serves?
- Does the system have a working alarm and check valve?
- Should the pump be on its own circuit?
- Is a permit required for replacement? Check with the City of Fullerton if unsure.
Common questions
Is an ejector pump the same as a sump pump?
No. A sump pump handles groundwater or drainage water. An ejector pump handles sewage and is built to pass solids.
What happens in a power outage?
The pump stops, so the basin can fill. Limit water use until power returns. Ask a plumber whether backup options make sense for your system.
How do I know if my home has one?
Look for a sealed lid in a lower floor, garage or yard, and an alarm panel. A plumber can confirm how the house drains.
General information for Coyote Hills, not a quote or professional advice. In an emergency, call 911.