Sewage Pump Buyer's Guide

Sewage pumps don't get the credit they deserve.

They do the dirty work for you, pumping waste to your sewage system or septic tank.

What separates sewage pumps from ordinary sump pumps is their ability to handle solids.

Although not designed to pump large volumes at a time, sewage pumps are built with heavy-duty materials and components to withstand the the worst elements.


There are two primary applications for sewage pumps:

Basement Bathrooms
Probably the most common application for sewage pumps is when you install a bathroom in the basement. Because the basement is below grade, or situated below the sewage line entrance (usually about 4 feet below the house), the pump is needed to get waste and water out of the house.

Once you have a sewage pit dug out in your basement, the installation is very similar to a traditional sump pump. The main difference is you will need an extra pipe running out of your home
to remove the gas and odor that occurs as a result of waste.

Sewage pumps are can have 2-3 times the output of a regular sump pump, but they aren't quite intended for the same purpose. They are designed to run less often, but have more torque and power to eject water with solids or debris, as opposed to clean water.

Septic Systems
For homeowners without access to public sewers, a septic field is the other option. In this case, a sewage pump is used to help break down and pump waste out of the house, into the septic tank.

Look for a pump constructed of cast-iron. This heavy-duty material should ensure a long and reliable life for your sewage pump. If you've ever installed one you know it can be a dirty, smelly job, so the less often you need to do it, the better.

Sewage pumps are great for this application because they have a larger intake to pass solids.