The Disadvantages of Grinder Pump Systems

Essentially, a grinder pump system replaces a septic tank -- a tank in which solid organic waste is decomposed by bacteria -- with a holding tank. The grinder pump grinds the solid waste and pumps it from the holding tank to the sewer system.

Public Health

Grinder pumps deliver untreated, or raw, sewage to the treatment system. Some cities actively discourage the use of residential grinder pump systems on public health grounds; the failure of such systems may result in untreated sewage on top of the ground, ditches and streets.

Electric Power

Grinder pump systems require electric power. This means they can only be installed in locations where electricity supply is readily available and their operation can be interrupted by power outages, which can result in overflows.

Pump Maintenance

If communities adopt grinder pump systems, a grinder pump is needed at each individual residence or business. Grinder pump systems require periodic maintenance -- grease may build up within the system during low flow -- and a large number of individual grinders may introduce a maintenance overhead that reduces their impact.

References

• Eone: Low Pressure Sewer System Replaces Septic System in Lake Community
• Kansas Department of Health & Environment: Cluster Systems
• City of Chattanooga: Grinder Pump Policy