What Is an Effluent Pump?

Effluent pumps remove natural liquid waste.

An effluent pump removes natural or pretreated liquid waste discharge from a sewage treatment system that has seeped into surface water. Types of pumps include submersible and non-submersible. These pumps are used to transport waste from residential, commercial and industrial properties.

Effluent Defined

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) defines effluent as liquid waste that has been treated or untreated and flows out of treatment plants, sewers or industrial outfalls into surface water.

Submersible Effluent Pumps

The most popular method of pumping effluent is through a submersible effluent pump. According to the Government of Alberta website, submersible effluent pumps are installed in the effluent chamber of the septic tank. Dangerous gases are present in the septic tank, therefore it is crucial that special provisions be made for installation, removal and servicing of the pumps and controls so that entering the tank becomes unnecessary.

Non-Submersible Effluent Pumps

Non-submersible effluent pumps are installed in the basement of a building. A suction line should be installed from the septic tank to the pump and a discharge line to the point of disposal.

References

• Government of Alberta: Municipal Affairs: Connection to Municipal Sewer or Private Sewage System
• EPA: Industry Effluent Guidelines

Resources

• Hydromatic: Effluent Pumps