This document discusses 4 main types of pumps used in plumbing applications: 1) sump pumps which remove excess water from basement pits, 2) effluent pumps which transfer gray wastewater after solids have settled, 3) sewage pumps which can handle liquids with small solid pieces, and 4) grinder pumps which break down solids before wastewater passes through. Each pump type is commonly used for drainage or wastewater transfer in homes, septic systems, or light commercial settings.

1. Guide to Pumps Used In
Plumbing Applications

2. There are a few different types of pumps used in plumbing applications
to remove excess water and unwanted wastewater.
The most commonly used pumps include:
1 – Sump pumps
2 – Effluent pumps
3 – Sewage pumps
4 – Grinder pumps
Learn More About Different Plumbing Pumps

3. 1 – Sump Pumps
• Used to remove excess water in sump
pits (also known as basins)
• Commonly used in flood-prone
basements of homes
• Sump pumps are either submersible or
pedestal
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• Submersible pumps work while
• Little Giant Sump Pumps
under water
• Zoeller Sump Pumps
• Pedestal pumps are held up by
• Grunfos Sump Pumps
supports and start operating when
• Liberty Sump Pumps
water reaches a certain level
Learn More About Sump Pumps

4. 2 – Effluent Pumps
• Used to transfer effluent wastewater,
which is the gray wastewater left over
after solids have settled
• Commonly used in septic line and
sanitary sump drainage applications
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• Little Giant Effluent Pumps
• Grundfos Effluent Pumps
• Zoeller Effluent Pumps
• Liberty Effluent Pumps
Learn More About Effluent Pumps

5. 3 – Sewage Pumps
• Used to remove liquids that contain solid
pieces up to about 2 inches wide without
getting clogged
• Commonly used in sewerage, septic line,
and drainage applications
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• Little Giant Sewage Pumps
• Zoeller Sewage Pumps
• Liberty Sewage Pumps
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6. 4 – Grinder Pumps
• Used to break down solids into smaller
pieces before being passed through
• Commonly used in light commercial and
residential applications for wastewater
from appliances (toilets, washing
machines, bathtubs, etc.) to pass through
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• Liberty Grinder Pumps
Learn More About Grinder Pumps

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