Most homeowners in Lackawaxen, PA, don’t think about their plumbing until it stops working. That is a dangerous game to play, especially if your home relies on a septic pump. Unlike a standard gravity-fed system, a pump system uses mechanical parts to move wastewater against gravity.
Mechanical parts eventually break.
However, they break much faster if you ignore them. Replacing a burnt-out pump is expensive. Dealing with a sewage backup in your basement is even worse.
This guide provides a comprehensive maintenance checklist to help you get the most life out of your grinder or effluent pump.
Know Your Equipment: Grinder vs. Effluent Pumps
Before you can maintain your system, you have to know what you have. Triple J Services handles both types, but they function differently.
Effluent Pumps These are typically used in systems with a septic tank that flows into a dosing tank. The solids stay in the first tank. The effluent pump sits in the second tank and pumps the liquid (effluent) up to a leach field or sand mound. If you have a “Turkey Mound” system, you almost certainly have an effluent pump. These pumps are designed to move dirty water, not solid waste.
Grinder Pumps These are essentially heavy-duty garbage disposals for sewage. They are used when the main sewer line or septic tank is located uphill from the house. The pump grinds up solid waste and toilet paper into a slurry and pumps it under pressure to the destination. These are much more sensitive to non-flushable items.
The Daily Habits Checklist
Maintenance isn’t just about opening the tank. It is about how you live in your house every day. Your daily habits are the biggest factor in pump longevity.
1. The “Three P’s” Rule Only flush three things: Pee, Poop, and Paper (toilet paper). That is it.
2. Ban the “Flushable” Wipes This is the single biggest killer of grinder pumps. Wipes are often marketed as “flushable.” They are not. They do not break down like toilet paper. They wrap around the impeller of the pump, causing it to jam and burn out the motor. Never flush baby wipes, makeup wipes, or cleaning wipes.
3. Grease Disposal Never pour cooking grease or oil down the drain. Grease cools and solidifies in the pump chamber. It coats the float switches, which tell the pump when to turn on and off. If the floats get coated in grease, they won’t trigger the pump, and your tank will overflow.
4. Space Out Water Usage Pumps have a “duty cycle.” They are not meant to run continuously. If you do six loads of laundry back-to-back, you risk overheating the pump motor. Spread high-water chores out over the week.
The Monthly Visual & Auditory Checklist
You don’t need to be a septic professional to perform basic inspections. Take five minutes once a month to check the system’s vital signs.
1. Check the Alarm Panel Your pump system should have an alarm box, usually mounted on the side of the house or near the tank. It typically has a green light and a red light.
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Green Light: This usually indicates power is on.
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Red Light: This indicates a high-water alarm or pump failure.
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Test the Button: Most panels have a “Test” or “Silence” button. Press it to ensure the audible alarm and the light still work.
2. Listen for the Hum Walk near the pump tank when water is being used in the house. You should hear the pump kick on. It should be a smooth, steady hum.
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Vibrating/Rattling: This suggests the pump is loose or the impeller is damaged.
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Grinding/Screeching: This is a sign of a failing bearing or a jammed grinder.
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Running Forever: If the pump runs for long periods without stopping, you might have a stuck float switch or a leak in the discharge pipe.
3. Inspect the Lid Ensure the lid to the pump station is secure, not cracked, and locked (if applicable). You do not want rainwater getting in, and you definitely don’t want children or pets falling in.
The Professional Annual Inspection Checklist
While daily care is up to you, the heavy lifting requires a pro. You should schedule a Septic System Inspection with Triple J Services at least once a year if you have a pump system.
Here is what we look for during a professional maintenance visit:
1. Cleaning the Float Switches Float switches hang inside the tank. As water rises, the float tips up and turns the pump on. As water drops, it tips down and turns the pump off. Over time, these get covered in grease, sludge, and debris. We pull them up and pressure wash them to ensure they move freely. A stuck float is the #1 cause of pump burnout.
2. Amp Draw Reading We use an electrical meter to check how many amps the pump draws while running.
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High Amps: The pump is working too hard, likely due to a clog or bearing failure.
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Low Amps: The impeller might be worn out, or the pump isn’t moving water effectively.
3. Inspecting the Check Valve The check valve prevents wastewater from flowing back into the tank after the pump shuts off. If this valve fails, the same water keeps rushing back in, forcing the pump to cycle on and off constantly. This “short cycling” kills motors quickly.
4. Pump Chamber Pumping Solids can build up in the bottom of a pump chamber, even with effluent pumps. We check the sludge level. If it’s too high, we recommend Emergency Septic Pumping to clear the chamber so the pump isn’t sucking up mud.
Winterizing Your Pump System
Lackawaxen winters are tough. Frozen ground and sub-zero temperatures pose specific risks to pump systems.
1. Insulate the Lid If your pump tank lid is exposed, consider placing a specialized insulated cover over it or piling straw/leaves over it (if marked clearly) to prevent the liquid inside from freezing.
2. Fix Leaking Fixtures A dripping faucet or running toilet trickles a small amount of water into the system constantly. In extreme cold, this slow trickle can freeze in the discharge line because it isn’t moving fast enough to clear the pipe. This leads to a frozen line and a backed-up house.
3. Check Drainage Ensure downspouts and French Drains redirect surface water away from the pump station. You do not want melting snow pooling over the tank and freezing the lid shut.
Recognizing the Signs of Failure
Despite your best efforts, parts eventually wear out. Knowing the early warning signs can save you from a full blown disaster.
The Alarm Sounds If your alarm goes off, stop using water immediately. Do not flush the toilet. Do not run the sink. Call Triple J Services for Emergency Septic Pumping and repair. The alarm usually means the tank is full, and you have very little “buffer” space left.
Sluggish Drains If drains throughout the house are slow, the pump may not be keeping up with the inflow.
Wet Spots in the Yard If you see soggy soil around the pump tank or the discharge line (Leach Field), you likely have a broken pipe. This requires Excavation & Utility Trenching to locate and repair.
Why Choose Triple J Services?
Your septic system is the most expensive utility in your home. You cannot afford to trust it to amateurs.
Triple J Services is locally owned and operated in Lackawaxen, PA. We understand the specific soil conditions and weather challenges of our region.
We don’t just fix problems; we prevent them.
Whether you need a routine Grinder Pump Repair, a complex Effluent Pump Service & Replacement, or High-Pressure Drain Jetting to clear a stubborn line, we have the tools and the training to do it right.
We believe in transparency. We explain what went wrong, how we fixed it, and how you can prevent it from happening again.
Take Action Today
Don’t wait for the red light to flash. A small investment in maintenance now prevents a massive repair bill later.
Is your pump older than 10 years? Have you heard strange noises coming from the tank? Or has it simply been too long since a professional looked at your system?
Contact Triple J Services now.
Let us give you peace of mind. Visit our services page to learn more about our pumping and repair options, or call us to schedule your inspection. Keep your system running smooth and your home safe.
