Sump pumps
Move groundwater and clear water out of basement sumps and drainage pits. They are built for small solids only.
Wastewater & Septic Pumps
Sump, effluent, sewage, grinder and non-clog pumps from HOMA, Myers, Little Giant, Zoeller, Champion, Tsurumi and Pioneer.
Picking the right wastewater pump starts with the liquid you are moving and the head it must overcome. This guide covers the main pump types, the brands we supply, and the details to have ready when you request a quote.
Types of wastewater pumps
Effluent pumps
Pump settled septic tank effluent or graywater to a drain field, mound or pressure-dosed system.
Sewage pumps and ejectors
Handle raw sewage with larger solids (often up to 2") from below-grade bathrooms or buildings to a gravity sewer.
Grinder pumps
Cut solids into a slurry for small-diameter pressure sewers, long force mains and high-head lifts.
Non-clog solids-handling pumps
Larger municipal and industrial pumps for lift stations, with single-vane, multi-vane or vortex impellers.
Self-priming and surface pumps
Sit above the liquid and lift by suction. Used for dewatering, transfer and bypass work.
Pump brands
HOMA submersible pumps
A, GRP, TP and C Series pumps from HOMA.
View →Myers Pumps
Pentair Myers sump, effluent, sewage and grinder pumps for homes, commercial buildings and municipal systems.
View →Little Giant Pumps
Franklin Electric's Little Giant range of sump, effluent, sewage and grinder pumps and systems.
View →Zoeller Pumps
Zoeller sump, sewage, effluent and grinder pumps and packaged systems. You may also see the brand written as "Zoller".
View →Champion Pumps
Champion Pump grinder, sewage and effluent pumps, including the CPG grinder range.
View →Tsurumi Pumps
Tsurumi submersible pumps for sewage, wastewater and dewatering.
View →Pioneer Pump
Pioneer Pump large surface and submersible pumps and packages, including the Pioneer Prime self-priming line.
View →Sizing considerations
- Flow (GPM): estimate peak inflow to the basin or wet well. For effluent dosing, use the dose volume and dosing time set by the system design.
- Total dynamic head (TDH): add the static lift (vertical rise from pump-off level to the discharge point) to friction losses in the pipe, fittings and valves. Choose a pump whose curve crosses your system curve near its best-efficiency range.
- Solids: clear water, effluent, raw sewage or fibrous waste each need a different impeller or cutter. Match the pump's solids-handling rating to the liquid.
- Power supply: confirm voltage and phase (115/230 V single-phase or 208/230/460 V three-phase) and whether start components sit in the pump or the control panel.
- Basin and controls: basin size, pump-down volume, float or level-sensor setup, and a high-water alarm.
- Environment: corrosive or abrasive liquids may call for stainless steel. Classified (hazardous) locations need explosion-proof, approved motors where the code requires them.
- Codes and permits: onsite septic and lift station work is regulated locally. Follow the approved design and local requirements.
Frequently asked questions
What is the difference between a sump pump and an effluent pump?
A sump pump moves groundwater or clear water with very small solids. An effluent pump moves settled septic tank effluent or graywater, which may carry small suspended solids.
When do I need a grinder pump instead of a sewage pump?
Grinder pumps macerate solids so sewage can travel through small-diameter pressure pipe. They are used for pressure sewers, long force mains and high lifts. Sewage pumps pass whole solids into larger gravity-bound lines.
How do I calculate total dynamic head?
Add the vertical lift from the pump-off level to the highest discharge point to the friction losses in the pipe, fittings and valves at your design flow.