Differences Between Sewage Pumps And Grinder Pumps

Differences

Sewage pumps and grinder pumps sound similar but operate very differently to dispose of raw sewage. They both pump raw sewage from your home to another destination, but they do this in different ways.

Sewage Pumps

Sewage pumps do not have the grinding blades that give grinder pumps their name. Instead, sewage pumps use spinning impellers that move raw sewage through the pump. Pressure then forces the sewage through the discharge pipe. Sewage pumps are high volume and low pressure in that they can move sewage quickly but with little pressure into a tank or sewer main that utilizes gravity flow. Sewage pumps can handle solids up to 2” (two inches) in diameter. Sewage pumps range from 3/10-7-1/2 HP. These pumps can pump sewage for distances under 700’ (seven hundred feet) at up to 166 GPM (one-hundred-and-sixty-six gallons per minute). Sewage pumps are the cheaper option of the two pumps.

Grinder Pumps

A grinder pump is like a beefed-up sewage pump. The grinding blades that give grinder pump their name can grind sewage and other objects into slush before discharging it. They are high pressure and low volume in that they will push sewage slowly, but for longer distances. They also can do it for greater heights and support higher pressures at the sewer main. A grinder pump can also handle 2” (two inches) solids. Besides, they can also handle items such as hygiene products, napkins, rags, and things that should not be flushed down the toilet but often are anyway. Grinder pumps range from one to several horsepowers. Grinder pumps can send sewage over several thousand feet up to 50 GPM (fifty gallons per minute). Grinder pumps are usually more expensive than sewage pumps, but that is because they can do more than sewage pumps and for a longer time.

Best in the Business

Both sewage and grinder pumps handle sewage, but grinder pumps can also handle any trash that might get flushed. For commercial use, grinder pumps are a better choice, albeit more expensive. For residential use, sewage pumps usually do the job just fine. Two of the top brands for sewage and grinder pumps are easily Liberty and Zoeller.

Liberty Pumps

Liberty sewage pumps are commercial-grade powerhouses made of cast iron. Their ½ HP (one-half horsepower) motors are efficient and feature lubricated bearings and stainless steel fasteners. They also feature impellers made of a corrosion-resistant high-temperature polymer. The motors are oil-filled and thermally protected.

Many of their models are rated at over 50,000 hours. The model LE51A is one of the best on the market. It has very few competitors in its price range, the closest being the Zoeller M267. Compared to the Zoeller M267 sewage pump, Liberty is faster and has a larger max head. The Liberty pump can also handle hotter fluids and has options for power cord length. The liberty pump is expected to have a lifespan of 15 years, while it is expected to get 20 years out of Zoeller’s sewage pump. 

If you’re looking for a quality Liberty Grinder Pump, the Liberty PRG101A is an excellent choice. It is one of the best on the market for less than $1,000, and many professionals swear by it. It features a 1 HP(one horsepower) motor with a 2,760 GPH (two-thousand seven-hundred-and-sixty gallons per hour) max flow rate and a max head of 50’ (fifty feet). It is housed in class 30 cast iron and has a class 25 cast iron impeller. It can handle everything the LE51A can and many things that would cause the LE51A to jam.

Zoeller Pumps

One of the best sewage pump on the market today is the Zoeller M267 sewage pump. Installation is a breeze; you just connect it to your discharge pipe, plug it in, and lower it into the pit. It is not the quietest pump, but it is much quieter than the comparable Liberty pump. One of the best things about Zoeller sewage pumps is that they come with a three-year warranty, but most people never need it. Many people report having theirs for over 20 years.

Zoeller pumps do a great job of keeping sewage moving by reducing clogs from the waste. Zoeller pumps grind the waste to a finely ground slush so that it easily pumps the waste into the elevated sewer mains. They also feature cooling fins to dissipate heat. Zoeller grinder pump cutters and discs are made of stainless steel. The cutters and discs are designed to prevent hang-ups, which enhances the life of the blade. Zoeller pumps also have powder-coated epoxy finishes to resist corrosion. These pumps are perfect for residential and light commercial settings.

One of the best grinder pumps on the market, which is readily available, is Zoeller 915. It is the industry’s only 115-volt ½ HP (one-half horsepower) grinder pump, which handles tough situations that cause other sewage pumps to fail. Zoeller’s cutters require little maintenance if any at all. It is small, yet powerful, handles most debris, and installation comes preassembled.

Sewage pumps and grinder pumps have a lot in common, but also many differences. Understanding those differences will help to make the right decision for you. And no matter which pumps you need, you can’t go wrong with a Liberty or Zoeller model. When you’re ready to purchase your Liberty or Zoeller pump, check out PumpProducts.com, we specialize in both Liberty and Zoeller brands, and many more!

We are a national distributor of pumps, pump parts, and electric motors. We have extensive experience and stock only the best pumps and parts. Whether you are a consumer or contractor, we can help you! PumpProducts.com offers one of the largest selections in the country and the Lowest Price Guarantee! So check out our website or give us a call at 1-800-429-0800 today!