Why do you need a tap for the sump pump?

[Darrell B. Hadler]

I often see gate valves in these systems. I thought they were to cut off any circulation or to stop gases from entering living spaces during pump replacement or repairs. Especially when tied into a septic system...you wouldn't want a load coming back down that pipe while you were changing it out? yuchhhk, The second picture looked more like an effluent tank, to pump sewage up to a gravitational septic system, was it? These are necessary when you have systems in the basement eg. bathroom...laundry...floor drain etc. because they are lower than the gravity main going out to the septic tank, they need a lift to pump the sewage up to the main.

[Yuri Olhovsky]

Thank you, Darrell. I rarely perform inspections for the properties with septic tanks, and I feel that this maybe the case that you describe.

[David P. Valley]

Looks like a sewage ejector to me. As Darrell stated....

The second picture looked more like an effluent tank, to pump sewage up to a gravitational septic system, was it? These are necessary when you have systems in the basement eg. bathroom...laundry...floor drain etc. because they are lower than the gravity main going out to the septic tank, they need a lift to pump the sewage up to the main.

"click to enlarge"
Attachment 8232

[Yuri Olhovsky]

Thank you, David. Now I know for sure why they had this arrangement. It amazes me how we always learn something on each inspection.

[David P. Valley]

Originally Posted by yolhovsky

Thank you, David. Now I know for sure why they had this arrangement. It amazes me how we always learn something on each inspection.

If that's the case....Did you note that that pump must be a sealed container?

[Yuri Olhovsky]

Originally Posted by dvalley

Did you note that that pump must be a sealed container?

No, but as you can see from my picture, the sump pit was completely sealed by concrete, so I could not see anything other than leaks from fittings on discharge pipe. This I noted on the report. Thanks again.

[dhelm]

It is still stupid to discharge sump pump water directly at the foundation. I wonder if the pump runs often (keeps recycling the same water!)

[Yuri Olhovsky]

Originally Posted by dhelm

It is still stupid to discharge sump pump water directly at the foundation. I wonder if the pump runs often (keeps recycling the same water!)

Yes, and it was noted on the report.

[Joe Farsetta]

David,

Excellent call. It is indeed a sewage ejector. One pipe is for discharge and the other may be for venting.

Make sure it is connected to a simplex receptacle and not to a GFCI.

Also ensure that the top is secured and sealed.

Check valves are needed...

[Jason1]

Originally Posted by jfarsetta

David,

Excellent call. It is indeed a sewage ejector. One pipe is for discharge and the other may be for venting.

Make sure it is connected to a simplex receptacle and not to a GFCI.

Also ensure that the top is secured and sealed.

Check valves are needed...

As is an alarm.

[ccarrington]

I will add in that in many jurisdictions the septic system is licensed by the local environmental department or health department... as such they have a maximum daily capacity like 300 gallons in our area. If a sump was hooked directly to the septic tank, there is no way to determine how many gallons is being pumped into the on site waste treatment facility, and in my jurisdiction this would void the license and subject you to civil/criminal fines and fees...