Purchasing a sewage ejector pump is a requirement for almost everyone that uses appliances in their basements. The reason is that you must fight gravity to get that wastewater to where to needs to go, a point we’ll discuss later in this article. While this equipment and its installation come with a cost, this investment could actually save you money in the long run. Below, we explain how.
What Do Sewage Ejector Pumps Do?
Most of your home will use gravity to carry out waste removal. This concept applies to any drain that is above your disposal pipes. The result is your bathrooms, kitchen, and laundry room experiencing straightforward draining, as long as they are located above your plumbing system’s disposal pipes. Where it gets more complicated is when one of your appliances is below that level. A typical example of this situation is a bathroom or washing machine located in a basement. These conditions are where a sewage ejector pump is necessary. This appliance takes that wastewater and pumps it up to the disposal lines. It is smooth sailing from then on.
How Much They Cost
There are two expenses when it comes to sewage ejector pumps. The first is the system itself, which can range anywhere from $200 to $1,000. That cost will depend on the quality and capacity of the pump. Some plumbing setups require less powerful machinery, while others will demand more. The second expense is installation, which will depend on the plumber you hire. No matter what, that total will be at least a few hundred dollars. You also may opt for regular checkups and maintenance, which are crucial in many situations.
The Disaster They Protect Against
The reason you need one of these appliances is that they save your basement from flooding with wastewater. No matter what you have down there, this is an unfavorable result. Not only will you have to replace every item that gets damaged, but you’ll need to hire somebody to clean up the mess.
The Monetary Cost of Flooding
The following three expenses are the most significant downsides of your basement flooding.
- Basement Property Damage – The precise amount of value lost will depend on your unique situation, but you can be sure that it will be significant. This will be especially true for people that use their basements heavily as game rooms or lounges.
- The Rest of Your Home – If the flooding occurs when you are away for a few days, the water might rise high enough to affect the rest of your home. If it does, your property damage will continue to grow.
- Drying Costs – You’ll need to hire a professional as soon as you notice the flooding. That person will happily come and pump out the sewage, but you’ll have to pay them a considerable fee to do so.
The Emotional Cost of Flooding
Another factor that you cannot ignore is the emotional cost of flooding. Families often store sentimental items in their basements, and every one of them is at risk when sewage hits. Additionally, a flood will cost you a significant amount of time and frustration, as you’ll be the one that has to pick up the pieces after this disaster.
The Math Behind Pump Savings
Installing a sewage ejector pump will likely cost you around $1,000. Regular maintenance will be something like $100 a year. While these expenses are significant, they are tiny compared to the potential cost of floods, which frequently rise to $10,000 or more.
If you have an appliance in your basement, you should already have a sewage ejector pump. Still, checking to ensure its functionality is always a smart idea. The best way to do so is by hiring a skilled plumber to do regular checkups. While this decision comes with some cost, it is much cheaper than risking a future disaster.
