septic pump removal
#1
10-29-17, 11:55 AM
septic pump removal
I have a septic pump in the ground inside a plastic basin. I noticed it is not working so I need to pull it out and replace it. The basin is approx. 5 ft. deep so I made a gaff to grab the pump handle to pull it up but it will not move. Would it possibly have been connected to the basin in some fashion or weighted down? It is probably the original so it is approx. 35 years old.
#2
10-29-17, 12:01 PM
Group Moderator
Welcome to the forums.
So is that part of your septic system or is it for ground water removal ?
Normally the pump just sits there.
So is that part of your septic system or is it for ground water removal ?
Normally the pump just sits there.
#3
10-29-17, 01:33 PM
Group Moderator
You did not mention disconnecting the pipe. You will need to unhook the outlet pipe before you can raise the pump.
#4
10-29-17, 04:09 PM
It's part of the septic system. The liquid that flows out of the tank goes into this basin and is then pumped to the leach field which is about 100 ft. away. I figure the pump should lift right out but it will not budge. I tried using a long 2 x 4 to pry it loose but still no movement.
#5
10-29-17, 04:13 PM
The outlet pipe is off. I undid the union at the top that connects to the pipe going to the leach field. The bottom end of the pipe pulled right out of the pump. It should just pull right up but will not move at all.
#6
10-29-17, 04:30 PM
Member
I pulled several sump pumps out and they never were attached. MOF, I simply undid union at the discharge pipe upper outlet and pulled pumps out by discharge pump.
I am suspicious that some improver actually did bolt it to the floor for any reason available to come up with.
I am suspicious that some improver actually did bolt it to the floor for any reason available to come up with.
#7
10-30-17, 12:48 PM
I don't think it's ever been replaced before this. I am not certain that the plastic basin is actually not a basin, It almost appears to be a length of corrugated drainage pipe. Since there is still waste water in there I cannot see the bottom but I am suspicious that they might have poured cement in to form a bottom and then placed the pump on top and the cement hardened around the base of the pump. Any thoughts?
Last edited by bobtnc; 10-30-17 at 12:49 PM. Reason: left out the not word
#8
10-30-17, 02:25 PM
Group Moderator
If you can't simply lift the pump out your next step is to have a septic tank pumping company pump out your pump tank (how many times can you say "pump" in one sentence). Once the tank is pumped out you will be able to see the pump and what you are dealing with.
In almost all cases a septic tank or pump tank is a pre-made unit that is brought on site and dropped in place. They are not made on site so there is no concrete being poured. Long ago they did make tanks on site but even then the building of the tank was one process and installing something like a pump would come later, long after any concrete or mortar had cured.
The corrugated pipe you see may be a riser. It forms a round tunnel that allows access to the tank below.
In almost all cases a septic tank or pump tank is a pre-made unit that is brought on site and dropped in place. They are not made on site so there is no concrete being poured. Long ago they did make tanks on site but even then the building of the tank was one process and installing something like a pump would come later, long after any concrete or mortar had cured.
The corrugated pipe you see may be a riser. It forms a round tunnel that allows access to the tank below.
#9
10-30-17, 02:38 PM
What State /Province is this in ?
I think I'd investigate to find out who originally designed/installed the System, instead of guessing.
It's probably well documented in the Land Records or Zoning Permits at your Town or County.
I think I'd investigate to find out who originally designed/installed the System, instead of guessing.
It's probably well documented in the Land Records or Zoning Permits at your Town or County.
#10
10-31-17, 02:16 PM
I contacted a local septic company. They're coming out later this week to pump out the basin. Hopefully I'll be able to see the pump after that. I figure worst case is I'll have to dig out the entire basin and remove it and the pump as a unit and go from there.
