Plumber Solves Homeowner's Sewage Woes with Innovative Grinder Pump

Plumbing contractor replaces failing sewage pumps with innovative grinder solution to resolve homeowner’s ongoing sewage problems

Veteran plumber Chris Arnold upgrades Orillia home's sewage system with the Sanipit 24 GR retrofit grinder pump, a reliable “game-changer” solution to eliminate frequent blockages and basement flooding issues that had plagued the owner.

Problem

ORILLIA, ONTARIO — Chris Arnold, the owner of ASK Mechanical and a licensed plumber since 1994, has offered his customers a wealth of experience in solving plumbing problems for three decades. Recently, he was called in to address recurring sewage system issues at a residence in Orillia.

The home’s sewage system presented significant challenges. All its plumbing fixtures drained into a single pit, and the existing sewage ejector pumps were prone to frequent failures due to blockages mainly caused by sanitary items and hair. The unpleasant upshot? Basement flooding.

In sum, the homeowner needed Arnold to provide a proven, reliable solution to handle the home’s high volume of wastewater and prevent future flooding.

Solution

While researching potential solutions, Arnold decided to install SFA Saniflo’s Sanipit 24 GR, an innovative and hassle-free sewage pump-replacement solution. This new retrofit pump kit with its built-in, 1-horsepower grinder motor offers versatility and compatibility with existing pump systems.

It can be easily retrofitted into existing 24-inch basins and replace pumps from manufacturers such as Liberty Pumps, Zoeller, and Myers. The current basin stays in place, and the Sanipit 24 GR cover readily adapts to it.

“The Sanipit came with everything we needed, making the installation process straightforward and efficient,” Arnold explains.

Arnold began the installation by removing the old, blocked pump and cleaning the pit thoroughly to ensure no debris was left. The all-inclusive Sanipit 24 GR package provided all necessary install components, such as a check valve and even a control panel and alarm, making the replacement process smooth and easy.

The newly retrofitted sewage grinder pump was carefully placed into the pit, with all essential connections, including the vent and discharge, seamlessly hooked up using the rubber couplings included in the package. Following installation, the system underwent thorough testing to guarantee its proper function. The installation was executed cleanly and without any serious issues, leaving no trace of leaks or odours.

The unit also offers a number of advanced features, such as an external control panel and alarm system. Designed to give the homeowner peace of mind, the alarm ensures that any issues are promptly detected and addressed. Capable of discharging up to 66 gallons per minute through a 2-inch discharge line, the Sanipit’s robust construction ensures long-term performance and reliability.

Key to the Sanipit solution is its use of short cycling thermo-magnetic motors. The Sanipit has a triple-redundant pressure switch system, each with its own dip tube, designed to make failure nearly impossible. This setup ensures continuous, clog-free wastewater flow, significantly reducing the need for repairs.

“The system tested perfectly, with no leaks or odours,” Arnold comments.

Results

Arnold reports that the system has performed exceptionally well since its installation in January 2024. The homeowner has not experienced any issues, and the alarm system has successfully alerted them during power outages, preventing potential flooding. Arnold plans to add a second valve eventually to further enhance the system’s reliability by automatically shutting off the water supply when the alarm is triggered.

The benefits of this robust replacement solution are numerous, according to Arnold. Citing its comprehensive components package and clear, straightforward instructions, he says that “the Sanipit’s reliability and ease of installation are unmatched. It’s a game-changer for residential and commercial sewage management.”