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Author:
Ghost (MI)
Hello. I am new to the whole septic/well scenario.
I've lived here a year and the sewage pump would come on about 2 times a day.
A couple months ago I noticed it began more frequently.
The last week it began every 8-10 minutes.
I can hear it remove the water and then a clunk .From reading I guess the clunk is normal.
But I called a friend down south and he suggested I turn the water off in the basement bathroom, figuring a leak must be the cause of the constant cycling.
I did that but it continues.
I'm working on limited funds and desperately needing help.
I've read a faulty check valve is possible, but surely it is not recycling the same batch of water.
It is the sound and length of time as if a toilet were being flushed.
I called a couple different people and was told possibly a well leak,or sump leak.
I wondered about unplugging it altogether?
Since we don't use that bathroom, what would be the danger of just unplugging it?
There is a shut off valve on the pipe that I assume is for changing the check valve and out of curiosity I tried to turn it,but can not without force. I'm afraid to break it by forcing it.
I appreciate any and all help and please answer in "dummy" language because I am that.thank you.
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Author:
george 7941 (Canada)
It is possible your main sewer line is clogged and water ends up in the sewage pit because it is lower than the sewer line. The pump tries to rid of the water but it works its way back to the pit because the sewer line cannot take it.
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Author:
hj (AZ)
There are several possibilities;
1. the check valve is bad so the water cycles back and forth when the pump runs and then shuts off
2. There is water infiltration into the system and them pump runs to dispose of it
3. Something in the lower bathroom is leaking which fills the tank
These are the most common problems, but you could have some other problem. You need a plumber to diagnose the system, but if the problem is NOT a bad check valve, unplugging the pump could flood the basement.
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Author:
Wheelchair (IL)
I Hate When That Happens. Its kind of like rowing a boat with holes in the bottom and as you bail the water out... more comes in. What does one do.
Boat Holes Are Obvious. In a septic system with sewer ejector, its all concealed which makes it difficult to impossible to resolve via the internet.
Keep in mind that you are having to deal with the human waste factor... and then some. Unless you are comfortable with diving into this issue, without tangible knowledge.. I'd consider a licensed plumber. I know that is not what you want to read, but in the end, your peace of mind is more important.
Best Wishes
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Author:
Ghost (MI)
Thank you everyone that repliedI spoke with several plumbers and got different scenarios from each.
One said it could be my well leaking into the ejector pit.
I asked him wouldn't that make the well pump cycle too?
He said maybe it was and I just didn't hear it.
Another suggested all the snow melt/groundwater flowing in from the sump.
A third said a cracked basin allowing groundwater in the ejector pit.
A friend said that the well leak was not probable.He suggested that if each cycling lasts about 20-30 seconds, I should unplug the ejector pump for an hour or two and surely if it was taking in water,than it would take longer than it has to dispel it.
I tried it for an hour and it was about the same.So now I'm waiting for 4 hrs to see a significant time difference, assuming that surely there should be more than usual.
He said if it is the same,chances are that it is the check valve gone bad.
He said if that is the case and it is about the same amount and cycling length,to just keep it unplugged and plug it in a couple times a day to empty til I can get the check valve changed.
Myself,of course I am praying for the cheapest of the outcomes but appreciate if anyone can add to what I just put.
Edited 1 times.
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Author:
hj (AZ)
Just 'speaking' to a plumber would be the same as writing TO US. Someone has to actually BE THERE to see what is happening to make a diagnosis.
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Author:
Ghost (MI)
Yes I know that. I was asking opinions/experience etc on what I posted. How likely is it to be the well leaking into the basin?
I thought that was the purpose of this forum,to ask/discuss.
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Author:
Wheelchair (IL)
My lawyer always tells me.... Don't Take Legal Advice, without paying for it. I'm sure the same applies to those offering their speculation without plumbing certification.
Best Wishes
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Author:
hj (AZ)
VERY unlikely to be a well problem. Your question, however, is like asking "How high is up?" because it is something we CANNOT diagnose just from your description of the symptoms.
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Author:
hj (AZ)
or even those WITH "plumbing certification".
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Author:
m & m (MD)
As posted already, it is very unlikely to be a well-related problem, if the sewage pump is ONLY serving a basement bathroom. Are you certain that the valves are shutting the water off to the bathroom? Have you turned faucets on to verify that the water is off? The only way water from another source (outside the bathroom) can be affecting the pump would require very abnormal circumstances- plausible but not probable.
Where does the pump discharge to?
Edited 1 times.
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Author:
Ghost (MI)
Hj I untrstand and wasn't trying to be wise.
It comes up to the main sewer line.And I realize that without inspection it's hard to diagnose.I'm just kind of grapsing for answers.
I know to use discretion but if nothing can be believed here or helpful, then what's the point of this type of board I figure.
I'm just hoping to pick up enough bits to learn a little.
GOD willing.
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Author:
packy (MA)
i like the advice about timimg the discharge cycle. indeed, if it is ground water the cycle should be longer. and if it is a check valve it should be the same if no other water was used.
check valves are easy to change unless it is really old and threaded onto galvanized pipe.
the bad part of having a leaking basin is the really smelly water can leak out of it.
so, put on your sherlock holmes hat and do a little detective work. post back for more advice...
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Author:
gmac (PA)
hello I am curious if you found out what was causing your issue? I am having the same problem.......
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