Septic Dose Pump Diagnosis, Repair, and Replacements
If your septic system doesn’t rely on gravity to disperse effluent into your septic field, then you likely have a system that relies on a dose pump. The dose pump is responsible for delivering the effluent from the pump tank to the next part of your system which could be a holding tank, lift station, or into your septic field.
Common Signs You Need Your Dose Pump Inspected?
- Backing up and the alarm is going off
- Dose pump not turning on and off as it should
- Dose pump needs to be replaced
Coleman Tank Solutions, Inc. is a vacuum truck company that specializes in pumping out septic tanks of all sizes. We are based out of Brandon, FL and serving all of Hillsborough County and the surrounding area. Whether you need a septic tank pumped as part of your regular system maintenance, or because of a septic system emergency, Coleman Tank Solutions, Inc. can help!
Septic Dose Pump Services We Offer:
- Septic dose pump repair
- Septic dose pump replacement
- Septic dose pump troubleshooting
Which Type Of Dose Pump Do You Have?
There are two primary types of septic dose pumps we see in the field and we will be able to tell you exactly which system you have when we inspect your septic system. They can either be controlled with a float and when the effluent reaches a certain height in the tank it triggers the float switch and the pump comes on, or the dose pump can be controlled via a timed switch that controls when the pump is on and when it’s in a rest cycles. They both have their specific applications.
Float Controlled Dose Pump: This is the most common form of dose pump we see in the field. The pump motor is operated by a special switch on the float. Modern float switch systems usually have two floats. One float turns the pump on and the other float turns the pump off. Your float control should usually be equipped with a “cycle counter” or “meter” that can record the number of cycles the pump has been run for and how long. This is helpful information when someone is inspecting your pump for problems.
Timer Controlled Dose Pumps: For a timed dosing system you will have an adjustable timer that can be adjusted to control the pump rest interval and run times. The pump can be programmed for your specific septic system needs. Timed dose pumps allow the effluent to be released into your field more equally which can result in more efficient treatment and longer septic field life. Timer controlled septic pumps allow for greater flexibility and can be setup a variety of ways depending on the size of your septic system.
Common Problems We See With Septic System Pumps
- Clogged pump screen or inlet: This is common when non-septic safe items are flushed down your toilets. Baby/flushable wipes, feminine hygiene products (tampons), and too much solids in the tank can all cause the pump screen to clog.
- Pump motor is running continuously: This can be an electrical issue or a problem with the dose pump switch whether it's on a float switch or a timer. We can tell you the problem with a simple inspection and troubleshooting procedure.
- Clogged or broken impeller: The pump has an impeller (like a propeller) inside the housing to move the effluent through the pump. The impeller can easily be clogged by someone flushing baby/flushable wipes or tampons and other items down the toilet. The impeller can be damaged when it encounters items that should not be in your septic system.
- The tank has too much sludge in the bottom: Your dose pump cannot operate properly if it's immersed in sludge. The sludge will block the pump intake and will cause the pump to work much harder than it should which results in eventual pump damage and/or failure. The solution to this is to have your tank pumped out at the recommended regular intervals.
- Improperly installed pumps: All septic dose pumps are not created equal. They all carry different ratings and there will be specific pumps for specifically sized systems. It's not uncommon to find pumps that are not suited to the task. This results in the pump being not able to keep up with the effluent and early pump failure.
- Electrical supply problems: Your septic pump needs a source of electricity and every pump can have different requirements depending on their size. It's not uncommon for us to find pumps hooked up to insufficient electrical supply or poorly executed wiring.
If you need to have your septic tank dose pump inspected, repaired, or replaced please call (813) 687-4990 or fill out our online contact form and we will get back to you promptly to schedule a time to provide services.
