Pumps can help perform a variety of tasks as components in an onsite system, including grinding biosolids, conveying effluent or sewage, and providing aeration in a lagoon or pond. Here are several pumps designed to perform various functions in onsite systems.

Effluent Pumps

Heavy-duty effluent pump

Heavy-duty effluent pumps from Ashland Pump are available in multiple horsepower sizes for various performance requirements, and feature efficient permanent split capacitor (PSC) motors. The oil-filled pumps feature upper and lower ball bearing design and handle solids up to 3/4 inch. They are made of heavy cast iron, with cast-iron impellers and equipped with a piggyback switch (20-foot standard cord) or in manual configurations. 855/281-6830; www.ashlandpump.com.

Effluent turbine pump

Effluent turbine pumps from Clarus Environmental are available in capacities from 11 to 85 gpm, with heads up to 500 feet. Pumps range from 1/2 to 3 hp. The 1/2 hp pumps are available in 115 or 230 volts, and are powered by Franklin Electric motors. They feature discharges of 1 1/4 inches for 11, 19 and 27 gpm models, and 2 inches for 35, 55 and 85 gpm models. Starting boxes are not required for pumps 1 1/2 hp and below, but are included with 2 and 3 hp models. They come standard with a 10-inch jacketed cord, but cord lengths up to 100 inches are available. It is recommended that all Clarus pumps are installed in a filtered STEP vault or in a pump tank receiving filtered effluent from a septic tank filter. 800/928-7867; www.clarusenvironmental.com.

Submersible cistern pump

C1 Series stainless steel submersible cistern pumps from Franklin Electric are used in graywater/filtered effluent septic system applications, and pass solids up to 1/8 inch in diameter without impacting pump life. Constructed of a 304 stainless steel motor and outer shell with engineered polymer hydraulics providing corrosion resistance and abrasive handling, features include a thermoplastic discharge head to avoid breakage during installation and operation, and a removable 5-inch-wide base for secure and reliable mounting. The motor lead connection is protected with a rubber boot and secured with a stainless steel strain relief, and its bottom-suction design allows for maximum fluid drawdown without compromising durability or pump life. Pumps are available with 115- or 230-volt, 1/2 hp single-phase motor, in flow ratings of 10, 20 and 30 gpm, and a maximum shut-off pressure of more than 100 psi. 800/269-0063; www.franklin-electric.com.

Ready-to-install pump package

Biotube ProPak packages from Orenco Systems are complete, ready-to-install pump packages. They are used for filtering and pumping effluent from single- or dual-compartment septic tanks to either gravity or pressurized discharge points, with no pump tank required. The filter cartridge filters up to two-thirds of solids, so that only liquid from the “clear zone” between the tank or basin’s scum and sludge layers is pumped. This reduces biological loading and clogging of downstream components, saving operation and maintenance costs and helping extend the lives of drainfields and other downstream components. The filter cartridge is easy to remove and clean – without pulling the pump vault. The PF-series high-head effluent pump is field serviceable and repairable, and pump controls are designed for the specific package. Multiple models are available. 800/348-9843; www.orenco.com.

High-head turbine pump

The Plus line of high-head turbine pumps from Quanics Inc. are available in 10, 20 and 30 gpm models, with head capacities of up to 250 feet. The 1/2 hp, 115-volt motors have minimum 24-hour dry run capability, and offer thermal overload protection. They are constructed of 300-grade stainless steel and engineered composite materials. The bottom intake design allows for greater drawdown and eliminates the need for flow inducer sleeves. 877/782-6427; www.quanics.net.

Aeration Pumps

Flood-resistant aerator

The flood-resistant 700++ aerator from Jet Inc. is the only mechanical component in the company’s 1500 Series BAT Media Plant, working in tandem with the BAT Media to provide complete biological processing. The aerator shaft spins and combines fresh, outside air with the wastewater in the treatment compartment. Air travels through the aerator and into the tank, providing oxygen for the treatment process. Foam is controlled by the foam restrictor. Operation is nearly silent. The aerator is sealed to protect it from damage by water; however it is not designed to operate under water for extended periods of time. 800/321-6960; www.jetincorp.com.

Long-life aerator

The Singulair Model 206C aerator from Norweco includes special alloy and molded plastic parts to prolong aerator life. With watertight integrity ball bearings, radial air intake openings, NEMA 6-rated waterproof electrical connections and a UL recognized fractional horsepower motor, it combines advanced electromechanical components with energy efficiency. It is UL listed and CSA certified. 800/667-9326; www.norweco.com.

Linear air pump

The STA80AL Whirlwind pump from Septic Services Inc. features an integrated audible alarm and warning light to monitor pump performance. It conforms to local codes that may require units to be equipped with an alarm system. It has a flow rate of 4.0 cfm and is capable of 2.0 psi. In addition, the unit has thicker diaphragms and an oversized shuttle helping to produce greater performance and longevity. It is easy to install and includes inside-threaded outlet pipe and a 6-foot power cord, as well as a toggle switch to test the alarm and warning light. It comes with hose and clips. 800/536-5564; www.septicserv.com/store.

Sewage Pumps

Backup pumping system

Designed to deliver all the benefits of our sound-attenuated silent pumps, the ReliaPrime emergency bypass station from Gorman-Rupp Company operates on natural gas, making it quiet, efficient and environmentally friendly. It features a 6-inch Super T Series pump capable of passing a 3-inch spherical solid, and offers a soundproof, lightweight aluminum enclosure with lockable door panels that are easily removed for engine or pump maintenance. This unit is a complete backup package ready for emergency hookup in power outages, for primary pump repair and for additional pumping capacity. 419/755-1011; www.grpumps.com.

Sewage pump

S Pumps from Grundfos Pumps can be used for transferring unscreened raw sewage or water, pumping water containing sludge or pumping industrial effluent. They feature a SmartTrim impeller clearance adjustment system and SmartSeal for leakage prevention. The SmartTrim system makes it easy to adjust factory-set impeller clearance to maintain efficiency. The SmartSeal auto-coupling gasket provides a leakproof connection between the pump and the base unit of the auto-coupling system. The shaft seal is capable of rotating in either direction. When installed with separate pipework, sludge sedimentation can be avoided by back-flushing at regular intervals. 800/921-7867; www.grundfos.us.

Submersible sewage pump

ABS submersible sewage pumps from Sulzer Pumps / ABS USA use premium-efficiency IE3 motors for low operating cost and reduced carbon footprint. Long-term reliability limits the risk of overflows. A Contrablock Plus impeller provides quality rag handling. 800/525-7790; www.sulzer.com.

Grinder Pumps

Grinder pump

The 2 hp grinder pump from Champion Pump provides up to 133 feet TDH option. The starting components are optional, eliminating the need for expensive control panels. Also available in a three-phase system, its quick-disconnect cord is available up to 50 feet, allowing it to be replaced without disturbing the wiring in the panel and conduit. It is offered as a packaged system complete with guide rails built to specifications. 800/659-4491; www.championpump.com.

Grinder pump station

The E/One Extreme grinder pump station from Environment One Corporation provides 185 feet TDH, corrosion protection and expanded communications. It needs no preventive maintenance and is available in prepackaged wet well/drywell systems. The grinder pump station collects wastewater, grinds solids and moves the effluent through 1 1/4- to 4-inch pipe to treatment. 518/579-3068; www.eone.com.

Progressive cavity pump

The M3068.175 progressive cavity pump from Flygt – a Xylem Brand, brings a municipal-grade wastewater pump for residential use. Engineered to meet the rigors of wastewater systems, it features an impeller for optimum hydraulic efficiency and a heavy-duty cutting device that grinds solids into 1/4- by 5/8-inch particles for easy transport through small-diameter pipes, eliminating the risk of clogging. It utilizes a Griploc seal system consisting of two mechanical seals that provide double security against water intrusion. It is equipped with an air-filled motor having stators that are trickle-impregnated with resin to eliminate air pockets and allow 30 starts per hour. Its radial grinding mechanism has been used successfully in municipal pumps for more than 20 years. 704/409-9700; www.flygtus.com.

Buildup-preventing grinder pump

The 1GA and 2GA 1 1/2- and 2-inch grinder pumps from Goulds Water Technology – a Xylem Brand, are ideal for high head and pressure sewage systems in municipal, commercial or industrial applications. The cutter system is designed to reduce sewage to a fine slurry, preventing buildup. A standard feature on these pumps is the float leakage sensor (FLS), a small internal float switch used to detect the presence of water in the stator chamber. When this is activated, a monitoring relay will signal an alarm, and if desired, stop the pump. The impeller and casing are made of cast iron and designed for high efficiency. The pumps are painted with a two-coat system to ensure superior surface protection. 866/325-4210; www.goulds.com.

Pressurized grinding system

The InviziQ pressure sewer system uses grinding and pumping to move sewage efficiently to treatment facilities regardless of the terrain, slope, environmental sensitivity or topography. It offers a dry-well design and clean access to the system motor and other working parts. Network monitoring and control is built in. 513/226-6961; www.inviziq.com.

Residential grinder pump

The ProVore grinder pump from Liberty Pumps is designed for use in residential applications where the addition of a bathroom or other fixtures below sewer lines requires pumping. It features the same V-Slicecutter technology utilized in Omnivore Series 2 hp grinder pumps. Powered by a 1 hp motor, it is designed to operate on a standard 115- or 230-volt circuit requiring a 20-amp breaker. No special wiring is needed. Compact factory-assembled systems are available in both simplex and duplex versions. 800/543-2550; www.libertypumps.com.

Durable grinder pump

MVP Series grinder pumps from Weber Industries - Webtrol Pumps are constructed from type 304 stainless steel and cast iron. The hardened, antiwear grinding ring and cutter and recessed, cast-iron vortex impeller are designed to provide years of trouble-free service. This series features double mechanical seals, as well as potted epoxy cord seals, to prevent water intrusion into the motor, extending the life of the pump. They are available in 1 and 2 hp, with up to 100 feet TDH. 800/769-7867; www.webtrol.com.