Pump for forced sewage (with and without a chopper) - Sololift and other models
What if the sewer outlet is located higher than the plumbing outlet? How then to organize the drainage of drains? In private houses, a pit was made into which drains were collected, from there they were pumped with a submersible pump into the sewer or septic tank. Today there is another solution - a sewage pump. In many cases, its installation is cheaper, and even easier - that's for sure.
The content of the article
Device and purpose
A pump with a grinder is a surface sewage pumping unit that allows you to organize the drainage of waste where it is not possible to do it using a gravity system. It is a small plastic container with a powerful built-in pump that pumps wastewater down the drain. Moving drains can be both vertically and horizontally. There are installations with a grinder, which can be connected to toilets, there is one without a grinder - for "gray" drains from sinks, showers, bidets, etc.
Application area
A sewage pump is used in cases where it is impossible to make a gravity sewer system. In most cases, when a plumbing fixture, washing machine or dishwasher is installed below the entrance to the sewer. For this purpose, forced sewage pumps were invented. This solution allows you to transfer bathrooms and technical rooms to basements or semi-basements.
Another pump with a grinder is installed if it is decided to make a bathroom after the repair is completed and the sewage system is not connected to the place of the proposed installation of plumbing. In this case, the installed equipment is connected to a compact sewage pump, and it is connected to the sewage system. What's the Difference? In the following:
- the diameter of the drain pipes for the sewage pump is much smaller than for the gravity system (28-40 mm);
- drains can rise up to a height of 9 meters;
- horizontal discharge of wastewater is possible up to 100 meters (requires a minimum slope of 1-4%).
All this makes it possible to organize a connection to the existing sewage system with minimal costs almost anywhere.
Device and principle of operation
The sewage pump consists of a storage plastic tank and a pump. Some models that can be connected to the toilet have a shredder. The fill level is monitored by a sensor. When it is triggered, the chopper and the pump are turned on, the waste is pumped into the sewer system. The shutdown is monitored by a second sensor - it cuts off the power when the drain level falls below a certain level. This is a simplified algorithm for the operation of a pressure sewer.
There are sewerage pumping stations designed to connect devices of different types and quantities. The simplest one is designed to connect one or two devices, the most productive one has three additional pipes (and one main one).Accordingly, the container has one or more inlets (depending on the model) and one outlet. The pipes from the plumbing are connected to the inlets, and the outlet is connected to the sewer.
There are special models made of heat-resistant materials for pumping high-temperature drains from washing machines, dishwashers, bathrooms. A conventional sewage pump cannot cope with such a load. Therefore, to connect such equipment, you need to look for certain models.
Advantages and disadvantages
The main advantage of compact individual sewage systems is that they allow you to equip the sewage system without large-scale construction or repair work. With their help, complex tasks are solved:
- Drainage device when plumbing fixtures are located below the entry point into the sewer system.
- Bathroom equipment without large-scale general construction work.
Another positive point is the use of small diameter pipes. Most of the toilet pumps are connected to the sewage system using plastic pipes with a diameter of 28 mm - 32 mm - 40 mm. Only high-capacity installations require 50 mm pipes. Such plumbing networks are easier to hide. Even if they could not be hidden, they do not attract as much attention as the standard one hundred millimeters.
However, there are also disadvantages:
- Dependence on electricity. No power supply - the sewage system is not working. A redundant source is required for smooth operation.
- The pumps are noisy. Manufacturers improve their products, install pumps with less noise, but they are still present.
- Compliance with certain operating rules is required. For example, it is undesirable for fibrous materials to enter the shredder. Modern shredders handle toilet paper well, but fibrous components and hair are a problem. They are wound around the screw, reducing the chopping quality. Sooner or later, the screw is blocked. The installed overheating sensor will not allow the equipment to burn out - it will turn it off earlier. But the installation will have to be disassembled and cleaned, and this is not the most pleasant experience.
Well, and the main drawback is that the pumps burn out. If the power and performance are selected correctly, unsuitable items do not fall into the sewer system, they can work for years. But in the event of a selection error, when the equipment is operated at the limit of its capabilities, the pumps often do not withstand. Therefore, when choosing a sewer pump for a toilet, it is better to take with a margin of performance. It will cost more, but this setup will last longer.
Classification and types
There is no unified classification of forced sewage installations, but they can be divided according to several parameters:
- The presence of a chopper. It is needed if the sewer pump will be connected to the toilet.
- Performance. This is the amount of wastewater that can be pumped out per unit of time. There are installations with low productivity and a very solid one. The choice depends on the number and type of connected devices.
- The temperature of the pumped out medium is from 40 ° С to 90 ° С. Everything is clear here - drains from the dishwasher and washing machine, bathtubs require sewer pumping stations capable of pumping wastewater with high temperatures.
- Duration of work. There are installations that can only be switched on for a short time (put on one or two devices), and there are more "long-playing" ones (can be used to drain the drains of the whole house). This is usually indicated in the characteristics as the duration of work. It can be a percentage - 50%. This means that the installation works for 30 seconds and rests for 30 seconds. A work / cool-down interval in seconds or minutes can be specified.
When choosing a pump for forced sewage, it is worth remembering that they are not designed for connecting a bath.Bathrooms contain too much water, which, when pumping out, will overheat and block the pump. As a result, it will take a long time to drain the water from the bathroom. There are only a few forced sewerage models that can cope with this task - SFA Saniplus Silence and Sololift C3. These sewage pumps do an excellent job of handling large amounts of drained warm water.
Other companies propose to make an intermediate pit for forced drainage from the bathroom, into which to drain the water. From it, pump it into the sewer with any suitable device. Considering that the pit should be below the runoff level, this method is far from always acceptable. And, despite the high cost of SFA Saniplus Silence and Sololift C3, it is more profitable to install it than to carry out a huge amount of earthwork.
There is an additional alarm device to prevent overfilling of the tank. In some companies, it simply beeps about the overflow of the container, in others it also disconnects the device connected through it (washing or dishwasher).
Installation and connection rules
Installation and connection of pumps for toilets and forced pumping of wastewater from different manufacturers follows very similar rules. But before installation, you should read the instructions for a specific product - there may be features.
Connection
The installation location must be selected so that the pump can be reached. It does not require special maintenance, but periodically there is a need for cleaning. If a dishwasher and a washing machine are connected to the pump, it is better to regularly check whether the sewer system is clogged with grease, dirt, salt deposits. Cleaning with mild agents is possible if necessary. It is better not to use aggressive chemicals, as they can damage the plastic and rubber parts of the unit.
So here are the general rules:
- The individual sewerage system must be grounded. Therefore, the socket must be three-wire with a working ground. (We read about the arrangement of the ground loop in a private house here).
- For safety, the power line must be circuit breaker and RCD.
- During installation, the unit is fixed to the floor. To reduce the noise level, installation on a vibration-damping base (rubber gasket) is desirable. It is undesirable to press the housing against the wall - so that vibration from the pump is not transmitted. These measures are needed to reduce the noise level.
- The outlet pipeline is made of rigid plumbing pipes. There are two recommended options - plastic sewer and copper pipes. Fittings are recommended rigid, one-piece.
- Piping must be securely fixed (to walls, floor, etc.).
In general, installing and connecting a sewer pump for a kitchen or toilet is not a very difficult event. But on condition that you already have some idea of working with plumbing. In this case, you can do everything yourself.
Features of the discharge pipeline
Compact sanitary toilet pumps can pump waste not only vertically, but can also lift them up. If there is a vertical section in its lower part, it is advisable to provide for the possibility of draining - if you have to clean the pipeline from the blockage, it is better if the drains are drained in a certain place, and not start to pour out during work.
The height of the vertical section of the discharge pipeline is determined taking into account the minimum slope of the horizontal section. Each manufacturer (sometimes each model) has its own minimum slope, but in most cases it is 1-4% (1-4 cm per 1 meter).
Be careful.In the description of sewage pumps, the maximum lifting height of the wastewater and the maximum horizontal transportation distance are indicated. For example: 8 m up, and 80 m horizontally. But this does not mean that by lifting the pipe 4 meters up, it will be possible to transport another 80 meters horizontally. In this case - after a four-meter rise - the length of the horizontal section will be no more than 40 meters. Just lifting 1 meter up "takes" about 10 meters of horizontal transportation. This is important and worth remembering.
Manufacturers and models
Not many companies produce individual sewerage systems. However, the price range is quite wide. Traditionally, European manufacturers are of good quality but high prices. No one will be surprised if we say that Chinese sewage pumps cost less, but their quality is worse. In general, the choice, as usual, is expensive and of high quality, or cheaper and ...
Installations of forced sewerage Grundfos (Grundfos) - Sololift (Sololift)
The well-known manufacturer of sanitary ware Grundfos (Grundfos) produces pumps for forced sewage Sololift (Sololift). At the moment, a modified Sololift2 line has been launched. It has no moving parts in contact with drains. The exception is the shredder, but its drive is also "dry". This makes the renovation less unpleasant. There are several models of Sololift for different cases:
- WC1 - with chopper, one main and one additional input. Suitable for connecting a toilet and washbasin.
- WC3 - pump with a grinder for connecting a toilet bowl and three additional inputs.
- CWC3 - same as WC3, only for connecting wall-hung toilets.
- C3 is a large-capacity sewage pump, it can pump wastewater with a temperature of up to + 90 ° C, pump wastewater from a bath, from a washing machine and / or a dishwasher.
- D2 - pump for hot waste water (up to + 90 ° С) without solid impurities. Can be connected to a shower, washbasin, washing machines and dishwashers.
Sololift sewage pumps are not the cheapest equipment, but they work reliably and correspond to the declared characteristics. The firm also supports warranty repairs.
Pumps for toilets, bathrooms, kitchens and technical rooms SFA
This company specializes in the production of sanitary pumps. There are several lines for solving different problems, connecting various devices:
- Saniaccess is a household toilet grinder pump with the ability to connect a washbasin and a shower (modifications with numbers 2 and 3, respectively). Has little performance.
- Sanibest is a high performance toilet and sewerage pump. Suitable for private houses with a high intensity of use and for public places.
- SANIBROYEUR - a silent toilet pump, has a grinder, can transport drains 4 m up or 100 m to the side.
- Sanipack is a compact sewage pump to which you can connect a wall-hung toilet and a shower / sink / bidet. It can be built into the partition due to its small size.
- Saniplus Silence is a powerful pump that can drain water from several plumbing fixtures. Differs in low-noise operation and high productivity. Can handle bathroom drain.
- Sanipro XR Silence is the quietest model for pumping sewage from a full bathroom (no bathtub).
- SaniTop - installation of a forced sewerage system for connecting a toilet bowl and a sink. This newer model is quieter than Saniaccess and has a more powerful pump.
SFA products work reliably and cost a little less than Grundfuss. You can choose a model for any combination of plumbing. In general, an SFA sewage pump is a good option. Installation of equipment is standard - put it in any convenient place. There is only one limitation - it is better that the branch piping starts from a vertical section, if there is one on your route.If this is not possible, the length of the horizontal section should be no more than 30 cm.
The height of the vertical section is calculated taking into account the fact that the horizontal must have a slope towards the inlet of at least 1% (1 cm per 1 meter of pipe).
Sewage pumps CompactLift from Aquatik
Toilet pumps Compact Lift are manufactured by the Chinese company Aquatic. This is a more budgetary option for individual sewer installations. They feature low noise levels.
At the moment, there are only three modifications:
- Compact LIFT 250. Installation for pumping gray wastewater (without faeces and toilet paper). The low power of 250 W and the flow rate of 119 liters / min allows you to connect a shower and a sink.
- AquatikCompact LIFT 400. Compact faecal pump with the possibility of connecting a toilet with direct outlet and three additional sanitary fixtures. Power - 400 W, productivity 149 liters / min.
- AquatikCompact LIFT 400 A. For connection of wall-hung toilet bowls. The specifications are similar. series
Aquatik provides a 1 year warranty on its bathroom pumps and toilets from the date of sale. Violation of operation (presence of fibrous inclusions in the drains) may result in refusal of warranty repair.
Sewage pumps Willo
The German company Willo is known for producing reliable devices. Toilet pumps are no exception. Good quality plastic, thick tank walls, reliable pump. The following models are available:
- HiDrainlift 3-24 - for the maintenance of clean waste water without faeces and toilet paper (shower, washbasin, urinal). Power 300 W, consumption 58 l / min.
- HiDrainlift 3-25 is a pump for connecting a toilet bowl with a direct outlet and three additional nozzles for connecting a shower, washbasin, etc. Power 400 W, maximum productivity 100 liters / min.
- HiSewlift 3-15 - for connecting one floor-standing toilet. Plus has one additional input for connecting a washbasin / shower / urine / bidet. Power 450 W, maximum flow 75 liters / min.
- HiSewlift 3-35 - one inlet for pumping out toilet drains and three inlets for connecting devices with gray drains - washbasin / bidet / urine / shower. Power consumption 450 W, capacity 75 liters / min.
- HiSewlift 3-I35. More compact unit with parameters similar to HiSewlift 3-35.
- DrainLift KH 32. For connecting a wall-hung toilet, it is equipped with three additional fittings for connecting plumbing equipment with clean drains. Power consumption 450 W, can pump no more than 75 liters / min.
- DrainLift XS-F - similar to DrainLift KH 32, but in smaller dimensions, for installation in a wall niche.
- DrainLift TMP 32. For connecting gray drains - no faeces and toilet paper. There are two taps to which you can connect washing machines or dishwashers.
- DrainLift TMP 40. For pumping domestic waste water (without faeces). It can be connected to the kitchen - it is possible to bring drains from the sink, dishwasher. It differs from all models in its standard equipment - it has a float switch that will turn off the dishwasher pump if the tank is overflowing.
The range of Willo sewage pumping units allows you to solve any problem if you need to equip bathrooms and toilet rooms in private homes. For commercial or more intensive use, Villo has other solutions.
Pressure sewerage pumps STP (Jemix)
These customized sewer systems are made in China. The price category is medium. Reviews, as usual, are different - someone is completely satisfied, someone categorically does not like it.
So, here are the sewage pumps Jemix offers:
- STP-100 Lux. For connecting a toilet bowl with two additional inputs (washbasin, urinal, shower). Power 600 W, productivity 200 liters / min, vertical lift - 9 m, horizontal - 90 m, maximum temperature + 90 ° С.
- STP-400 Lux. Toilet pump with similar connection possibilities. Only the temperature of the effluent is not higher than + 40 ° C, the power is 400 W, the capacity is 100 liters / min, the height of the effluent is up to 8 meters, and the horizontal transportation is up to 80 m.
- STP-800. You can also connect one floor-standing toilet + two additional inputs. But the power is 800 W, the head is 150 liters / min, the rise is 9 m, horizontally - 90 m. Only warm drains can be transported - up to + 40 ° С.
- STP-200. With one input for connecting a toilet and two additional ones. Lower power - 400 W, can pump out 100 liters / min, maximum height - 8 m, horizontal transportation - 80 m, temperature of the transported medium is not higher than + 40 ° С.
- STP-250. For draining gray waste water (no solids). Has two entrances (shower, washbasin, bidet). Power 250 W, lifting height of drains - up to 5 m, horizontal transportation no more than 50 m, can pump no more than 80 liters / min.
- STP-500 Lux. This pump is for toilet use only. No additional outputs
It differs from those described above in increased power - some models raise drains by 9 meters. Most of the sewage pressure pumps described above can lift drains up to 4-5 meters. So in this the Jemixes win. According to this parameter, they have only one competitor - Sololift Grundfos with its lifting height of 8 meters. But its price category is completely different (as well as quality, by the way).
Better, of course, to take a pump with a chopper, checked!