Sewage ejector pump question

[Mark B.]

My basement bathroom uses a sewage ejector pump. This past weekend Jr. clogged the toilet, a chip off the old block indeed. At least he had the sense to get me right away to avoid a mess. I cleared to blockage and all seemed fine until I noticed the ejector pump would not shut off. It is located through a closet on the other side of the toilet wall. I shut it down for the last few days so I could just enjoy the family that was visiting for the holiday.

Time to troubleshoot (or troubleshit in this case). I plug the pump in today and it turns right on and I can hear it pumping out fluid at the drain pipe that goes out of the house. The fluid seems to stop after a few minutes but the pump stayed on. I figured I would let it run for a while to see what happens. Sure enough I come back home after forgetting about it a few hours later. The pump was off. I start flushing to see if would kick on by itself or if I burned out the motor by leaving it on too long. Sure enough it did kick back on and pumped the well dry again. I pulled the plug this time after waiting about 10-15 minutes.

Does anyone have any experience with these types of pump? I am not sure if they are suppose to run this long after draining (not likely) or if I just have a sticky or stuck float and the pumped turned it self off because it just got too hot earlier. I am thinking maybe I should let the ejector pump empty the tub then flush some type of liquid plumber into it until it turns on the pump then pull the plug to let the fluid do it's magic on the moving parts. Any other input would be greatly appreciated.

[Will'sdad]

I don't know anything about these types of pumps but I have dealt with numerous pumps in my past. It sounds like your float is hung up by some debris. Is there anyway you can get to it? I'm not sure I'd use the liquid plumber, though. You might eat up some gaskets or seals or something in the pump if you use it straight.

[Cubfan]

I would tend to agree with Will about something being stuck. I dont know anything about these pump either, but my sump pump gets stuck "on" quite often, I'm amazed it hasn't burned itself out yet, it gets really hot after a while. However, my sump pump is a pressure switch type, not the float. When it gets stuck on, I have to reach my arm down into the water, and find the pressure switch and jostle it until it goes off. Been wanting to fix this for a while but just haven't gotten around to it.

ANYWAY - from my experience, I agree with Will that something is just stuck and keeping it running.

[DarthDaddy]

The only experience I have had with these pumps is to REPLACE ONE LAST WEEK!!!!!

A couple months ago it got jammed and my basement flooded!!! Fixed that. Last TUESDAY the SWITCH BURNT out and I luckily caught it. ($4.99 water sensors at Home Depot) This time the switch esembly that turns it off and on BURNT OUT!!!!

Called my neighbor plumber friend and he brought home this MONSTER new unit and replaced... He said the ones in the houses here are CRAP!!!

So my experience is $500 in replacement cost after THOUSANDS of $$$ in basement refinishing costs!!!!

[Mark B.]

Sorry to bring back bad memories Darth. I have a feeling that is the way my pump is going but I want to see if there are any other solutions first. The pump is only for the downstairs bathroom which is used very seldom. I am not in a big rush.

[chuck]

I know a thing or three about these systems so I'll try to help you out, first off, is it the type that is actually below the floor line? It may also be the type that is part of a full unit that doesn't require the whole bust up the concrete dig hole insert tank than pump inside the tank.
If it's one of the one unit deals, find out the brand, there are only a few common ones, once you find the brand name head for their web site and contact them directly (don't attempt to fix it without talking to them) they will advise you how to proceed.
If it's the below floor type, remove the top from the unit,(make sure you turn off the breaker first!!!) you may need to remove a vent pipe first, make sure you have some ventilation, the pump will simply be sitting at the bottom of the tank, take a flash lite and see if you see anything hanging up the float rod or the float itself (sounds like your problem) if the float is free and seems in good working order (moves up and down freely) try turning on the breaker and move the arm up and down, pump should come on when float is lifted and shut off when moved down, if it fails to turn off even after determining the float is free than you may have a internal problem within the pump, not a real big deal it can be repaired by a qualified pump repair shop.

My guess is your float is just sticky or the hinge is worn no biggie either way just be very careful not to get your hands near that pump when it's running you can probably think on your own as to what could happen.
A good googleing can tell you lots more as well. Good luck!