Used to pump residential “greywater,” typically from a septic tank to a leach field, effluent pumps have high heads (the height a pump can lift water before there is no more flow) and high pressure, compared to sewage ejector pumps, to efficiently push treated water out to a drain field.

Effluent pumps are designed to pump liquid with minimal solids, three-quarter-inches or less in diameter. That’s compared to sewage pumps that can handle materials up to two-inches in diameter. If the application is passing solids larger than three-quarter-inches, you run the risk of pump burn out, clogging, or backups.

Working well for residential or light commercial, effluent pumps applications include:

• Laundry tub drains and discharge applications.
• Dishwasher and remote sink applications.
• Basement wet bar or sink that sits below the home’s main drainage lines.
• Floor drains, sump pits, and septic systems.

When choosing a pump, you need to determine total dynamic head, the length of the horizontal run, and the flow rate the pump needs to handle. Effluent pumps can pump higher levels and more efficiently than other types of sewage pumps because they don’t have to handle sewage solids.

When replacing an existing pump, typically the horsepower will be the same, unless the pump stopped working after only a few months. Then you may want to consider a different horsepower – after an analysis of the application. The larger the horsepower rating, the higher the head pressure and volume of water it can handle.

At JMI, we carry many effluent pumps of various performance specifications, including JMI branded, Little Giant, Barnes, etc. Horsepower ranges from 1/3 HP to 2 HP.

As with all our pump systems, the JMI Pump Systems professional staff can help you determine the correct pump for your application. For any of your effluent pump needs, contact us at 262-253-1353 or sales@jmipumps.com.