Residential sewage pumps are typically used in solids handling applications. Two common applications would be where you have a bathroom in a basement and the sewage needs to be pumped up or when you have a septic tank up a hill and the sewage needs to be pumped from the house up to the tank.
Inspection. Inspect pump for damage immediately upon receiving.
Be Prepared. Have a Start-up Report, control panel wiring schematic, electrical meter, and pump technical data on hand.
Start-up Report. Prior to installation, record the following information on a start-up report: model number, serial number, amps, voltage, phase and hp from the nameplate for future reference. Also, record the voltage and amp readings at startup. Record make, model, and pump specifications inside the pump control panel.
Read. Read and follow all the instructions in the manual.
Important! Electricity can be very dangerous, especially if you are inexperienced. Electrical wiring and protection must be in accordance with National Electrical Code and any other applicable local codes. Installation must also be in accordance with your local plumbing codes.
Electrical. Verify that the pump's voltage and amp rating are compatible with the power source and panel.
Basin. Remove any debris from the basin. Basin must be installed in accordance with applicable codes and specifications. Be sure that the pump will have a hard, level surface beneath it.
Discharge Plumbing. Install discharge pipe making sure to include vent hole and check valve described below.
Vent Hole. Make sure that a vent hole has been drilled between the pump and the check valve in the discharge pipe at a level slightly above the pump's "on" point.
Check Valve. Install an in-line check valve to prevent flow backwards through the pump when the pump shuts off.
Pump, panel, floats, junction box. Install pump, panel, junction box, and floats. Verify that all connections going to and from the junction box are correct and the conduit entries to the panel are properly sealed.
Alarm. A high water alarm should be installed on a separate circuit from the pump circuit. The alarm should have the ability to be tested for proper operation.
Power Cords. Attach power and float cords to the discharge pipe so they are out of the way for proper float operation.
Test System.
- Add water to the basin.
- Power up the system.
- Use the test switch to test the high water alarm.
- Operate the pump in the “hand” or “manual” switch position.
- Check and record voltage and amp draw on Start-up Report
- Also, check that pump comes on when on float tips up and off when the off float tips down in the “auto” switch position.
- Check for any leaks in the piping.
- For 3 phase pumps, verify that the pump is rotating in the proper direction.
- Complete other parts of Start-up Report and store it in a permanent file with the pump’s technical data, service manual, and panel wiring schematic.
Call, email, or chat with us today at RC Worst & Company if you have any questions that you may have during start-up.