What Is A Septic System Pump And Why You May Need One

Are you hearing about septic system pumps for the first time? Maybe you have an aerobic treatment unit and just learned that you will also need a septic system pump to assist in its operation. Keep reading to learn what a septic system pump is and how it can help your septic system continue to run smoothly. 

Is your septic system experiencing more frequent backups, or have you noticed a strong, foul odor near your septic tank? If a septic technician has inspected the problem, they may have recommended septic system pump installation or replacement as a solution. But what is a septic system pump? Also known as effluent pumps, these devices help move wastewater (effluent) from your septic tank to your drain field. If this is your first time hearing about them, the pros from Acme are here to walk you through the basics and show how valuable they can be for your system.  

What Is A Septic System Pump? 

To explain the purpose of this device, let’s first look at how septic tanks and drain fields are typically set up. The septic tank is attached to your home’s plumbing systems and buried beneath the ground. Effluent moves through a pipe system to your drain field. In most cases, effluent relies on gravity to move from one location to the other, but in some cases, an effluent pump may need to be installed to fully accomplish this process. 

Effluent pumps are usually installed in a separate pump chamber or in the second compartment of a two-compartment septic tank. They function by detecting when the wastewater in your septic tank reaches a certain level. At this point, the pump is activated and moves wastewater toward your drain field, preventing overflow, backups, and potential breakdowns. So who needs a septic system pump? Here are a few of the most common situations when a homeowner might need one. 

Your Septic Tank Is Lower Than Your Drain Field

One of the most common reasons for installing a septic system pump is when your septic tank is located lower than your drain field. Ideally, septic tanks are installed at a higher elevation, allowing gravity to naturally move effluent in the direction of your drain field for its final phase of treatment. However, if your septic tank can’t be installed on a slope that directs effluent toward your drain field, a pump helps by keeping things headed in the right direction. 

You Live In Flood-Prone Or High Water Table Locations

As a resident of Florida, you know that heavy rains and flooding are often a part of life, especially during the rainy season that spans from May to October. When the ground becomes saturated, gravity often isn’t enough to move effluent from your septic tank to the drain field. That’s where a septic system pump becomes essential.

In areas with high water tables, the soil can become so saturated that gravity alone isn’t enough to move effluent from the tank to the drain field. Since roughly one-third of Florida’s population relies on septic systems – and the state receives some of the highest annual rainfall in the country – many homeowners benefit from having a septic system pump to keep things running smoothly.

You Have An Advanced Treatment Unit

Certain types of septic systems, such as mound systems, sand filter systems, or aerobic treatment units, rely on advanced components that require a septic system pump to properly transfer effluent from the tank to the drain field. These systems are often used in areas where more efficient wastewater treatment is necessary, such as in places with poor soil or a high water table.

In systems like these, gravity isn’t enough to move the effluent effectively, so a pump is needed to ensure proper flow and distribution. If you live in one of the many areas of Florida that require aerobic treatment units, a septic pump plays a critical role in keeping your ATU running as it should.

Need Help Choosing The Right Septic System Pump? We’ve Got You Covered

If you’re among the many Floridians whose septic system needs a little extra help, a pump might be the missing piece. No matter what your septic needs are, Acme is here to offer simple, effective solutions. 

Contact us today for fast, friendly septic system pump installations and replacement!