Septic tanks are an efficient way to dispose of household waste. Not only are they cost-efficient, but they’re economically friendly. That being said, for this system to work, everything has to be in order. What does this mean? It means that it needs to be the proper size for your household, it needs to have naturally occurring bacteria to break down solid waste, and it’s pump needs to work properly. There are 3 main reasons why a pump may not be working: pump problems, control problems, or electrical problems. There are different causes for each of these possibilities, but we’re going to focus on common causes of electrical problems. (Related topics: Poughkeepsie NY septic tank pumping)
Reason #1: Pump Power Cord Isn’t Properly Wired
If your system uses a piggyback plug-in, we’ll check the pump cord cap prongs for tightness and corrosion. We’ll then replace the plug or have the electrical receptacle replaced.
Reason #2: The Branch Circuit Wiring Is Too Small To Carry The Pump Load
To check if this is the cause, we’ll need to check the line voltage and compare it with the manufacturer’s specifications. If the circuit breaker feeds power to outlets other than it’s own, an outlet will need to be installed so that it can have it’s own breaker.
Reasons #3: The Voltage Is Too Low
To check this, we’ll need to read the voltage at the control box, as well as any other area that power is running through. The reason being is that the voltage needs to be at a plus or minus 10% of motor ratings. If the voltage is too high or low, the electrician may need to repair the circuit and contact the energy provider.
Reasons #4: Damaged Conduit
To check if the conduit is damaged, we’ll check all of the electrical splice connections for corrosion or other signs that the power is not getting to the pump.
This article identifies a couple of reasons why your septic tank pump could be having electrical problems. At Jones Septic Services, we offer Poughkeepsie NY septic tank repairs in the case that your septic tank isn’t functioning properly. We’ll make sure to do the necessary Poughkeepsie NY septic tank repairs so that your septic tank will last longer.
