What’s the Difference Between a Sewage Pump and a Sump Pump?

When dealing with sewage or groundwater in your property, using a pump is usually the best way to go. Pumps efficiently move wastewater away from your property, making sure it stays dry, clean, and safe to inhabit.

In both residential and commercial settings, you’ll come across two common types of pumps: sewage pumps and sump pumps. While they both work to remove water, their specific purposes set them apart.

Below, we’ll take a closer look at sewage and sump pumps, explain what makes them different, and help you decide which one best suits your needs.

What is a sewage pump?

As the name suggests, a sewage pump is used to transport sewage from a property to a treatment facility or a septic system.

Sewage pumps are typically installed in a septic tank or in a pit below the ground level. They’re designed to withstand the corrosive nature of sewage and wastewater, and often have features like a grinder or cutter to break down solids and prevent clogs.

There are a few different types of sewage pumps out there, including submersible sewage pumps and sewage ejector pumps. Submersible sewage pumps are placed directly in the sewage and are designed to handle larger volumes. Sewage ejector pumps, on the other hand, are used in residential or small-scale applications to move sewage from lower levels, like basements, to a higher-level sewage system.

What is a sump pump?

A sump pump is a mechanical device used to remove excess water from basements or crawl spaces. It’s typically installed in a sump pit, which is a small, excavated basin in the lowest part of the basement or crawl space.

Sump pumps are often used in areas prone to water accumulation, especially during heavy rain, or in regions with a high water table. Their main purpose is to prevent basement flooding, which can lead to property damage, damp, mould growth, and other issues.

There are two main types of sump pumps: submersible and pedestal. Submersible pumps are installed within the sump pit, while pedestal pumps have the motor located above the pit. Both types expel water through an outlet pipe, which directs the water away from the house to a location where it won’t cause any harm, such as a storm drain, dry well, or drainage ditch.

How do sewage pumps and sump pumps compare?

It’s easy to confuse the two, but sewage pumps and sump pumps differ in a few key ways:

Sewage pumps handle wastewater containing solid organic matter, while sump pumps handle clean or slightly contaminated water. This is reflected in their design: sewage pumps are built to handle solids, making them more durable and capable of grinding waste than sump pumps. Sump pumps are smaller, lighter, and less powerful overall.
Sewage pumps are placed inside a septic tank, working to move wastewater from bathrooms located below ground to the sewage system. Sump pumps can instead be found in a sump pit in your basement or crawl space to manage groundwater.

For the best results, always make sure you’re choosing the right pump for your needs. Using a sump pump for sewage can lead to blockages and malfunctions, while using a sewage pump for clean water may not be the most efficient choice and can take up more of your time than necessary.

Talk to the South’s go-to drainage experts

If you’re feeling unsure about the best option or looking to have a pump installed on your property, don’t worry – our accredited team are here to help!

Greenstar are your local plumbing specialists, with over 30 years’ experience dealing with pumps, drains, and all kinds of wastewater disposal systems. When you get in touch with us, we’ll carefully evaluate your needs and recommend the perfect option for you. We’ll then install your new pump quickly and safely, taking care to minimise disruption to your property.

We combine high-quality workmanship with a warm, professional service, which is why we’ve built a rock-solid reputation in the local area. But don’t take our word for it – read through some of our five-star reviews to see for yourself!

Our services cover all of Dorset, Hampshire, Wiltshire, and the surrounding areas. If you’re ready to get started, get a quote online or call us on 01202 355 344 today!