lift pump systems

**John Dirks Jr** · 11-14-2009, 05:33 PM

I'm inspecting a home tomorrow that has a sewage lift pump system. This one in particular is lifting from a holding tank into a public sewer line. The holding tank and control/alarm equipment are locked shut and the whole thing looks pretty old (maybe 25 years).

Since I choose not to do any extensive inspection of these systems, what type of contractor should I refer my client to?

PS. I was able to get a sneak peak because I was there to place radon testing equipment yesterday.

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**Scott Patterson** · 11-14-2009, 07:02 PM

Sounds like a grinder pump. Many times the city or municipality is responsible for them and maintains them. You should find an alarm box and most have a red light, this is to let the owner know when they break down.

About all you can do is to listen for the pump cutting on. I defer them to a plumber who knows about this type of system or to the city if it is a city owned pump.

**John Kogel** · 11-14-2009, 08:41 PM

What Scott said in my area as well. As far as who to talk to, I defer that subject to the realtor.

**Jim Luttrall** · 11-14-2009, 10:37 PM

Originally Posted by John Kogel

What Scott said in my area as well. As far as who to talk to, I defer that subject to the realtor.

Good place to defer to, they are used to shoveling crap.

**John Dirks Jr** · 11-15-2009, 06:10 AM

Come to think of it, the local municipality had their contact info on the alarm box.

**Ken Rowe** · 11-15-2009, 08:56 AM

Listen for it to start and stop, obviously check for leaking pipes, and it should be completely sealed. Lid bolted to the tank with no gaps on the rubber grommets between the pipes and tanks.