Grinder Pumps

Often confused with sewage pumps, grinder pumps are needed for sanitary applications with high head and back pressure. Many houses, businesses, and commercial sites have a grinder system installed to handle all the fixtures in one pit (shower, sink, toilet, dishwasher, and clothes washer). While there are some sewage pumps that would be capable of moving this high volume, grinder pumps are unique in that they can overcome the back pressure of a forced main and pump the long distances required to reach them. Grinder pumps should not be used in septic systems.

Grinder pumps chop, grind, and shred sewage–reducing it to a slurry. This is an added benefit for scenarios where foreign objects contaminate the waste stream (see video below). Grinder pumps normally have 1-1/4” discharge whereas sewage pumps have primarily 2”. Grinder pumps should always be paired with brass check and globe valves to prevent check valve failure and allow the installer to throttle the pumps output up or down. Note that grinders are not designed to handle anything other than sewage.

The most common JMI stock pumps from this category are shown below. Contact us for information on pumps not shown below.