Survival Guide for Grinders

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1. Place a small lined trash can at all toilets. Do not flush baby wipes, premoistened wipes, dental floss, sanitary napkins, condoms, cloth, metal or plastics.

2. Strainers and screens on the kitchen sink. What they catch goes in the trash.

3. Tin can next to the stove.  Grease and oil from cooking must go into the trash.

4. Garbage Disposals are not for garbage disposal. The kitchen disposal process flows from the dishwasher and sink strainers to prevent clogs.  Garbage should go into the trash. Modern wastewater treatment must meet higher standards, and cannot treat garbage.

5. All things in moderation. A little bleach is ok. A lot can be bad. Absolutely, no solvents, oil, gasoline, toxic or corrosive material can enter drain.

6. Use liquid detergents. I have encountered sites with extreme solid build ups from the new pods and powders

What they do not tell you

1. Pumps can be rebuilt or overhauled. The price of parts and labor will determine if it is economical.

2. If the house will be vacant for more than a week. Flush the pump tank and lines with clean water. I recommend dumping 2 bathtubs or laundry loads before you leave.

3. Beware of carpet installers and cleaners. You must insure they do not dump their wash tanks down the drains. Carpet fibers can be very bad for these pumps.

4. Beware of tile installers. Precautions should be taken to prevent cement grout from entering the drains.

5. Beware of landscapers. The pump basin rim must stay an inch above ground level. And above rain runoff level. If rain cannot flow away from the basin, you will be pumping storm water and the sand that flows with it.

6. Inform guest and cleaning crews that you have a grinder pump. 

7. Keep the basin and panel accessible. Please do not plant cactus, agaves, or trees at the basin. 

8. If the property is to be used as a rental, the tenants should sign a notice regarding grinder pumps.

9. Education and awareness of grinder pumps will lead to a happy pump life.

Service

I recommend an inspection at least once a year

1.  I ensure it was installed correctly. These units are not part of the normal regulatory building permit inspection. 

2.  I observe for any signs of impending failure or grease build up, and routine electrical checks. Flush and clean equipment

3. The owners are informed about their system.