5.0 20 Google reviews Sacramento (916) 706-7460
Certified Plumbing & Drain
Sewage Ejection Pump Installation and Repair

Family-owned · Sacramento Local

Sewage Ejection Pump Installation and Repair

Expert installation, repair, and replacement with upfront pricing and no hidden fees.

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5.0 · 20 Google reviews
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How Sewage Ejection Pumps Actually Work

Certified Plumbing & Drain installs, repairs, and replaces sewage ejection pumps for residential and commercial properties throughout the Greater Sacramento area. A sewage ejection pump is a sealed basin and pump system that moves waste from below-grade plumbing fixtures, think basement bathrooms, laundry rooms, or bar sinks, up to the main sewer line when gravity alone can't do the job. If you've got a basement toilet that suddenly won't flush, or you're planning a bathroom addition below your home's main drain elevation, call (916) 706-7460 and we'll assess the situation the same day.

The function of a sewage ejector pump is straightforward: waste flows into a sealed pit, the pump activates when the basin reaches a set level, and it forces effluent upward through a discharge pipe into the gravity-fed sewer line. What's not straightforward is the installation. Proper venting is critical. An unvented or incorrectly vented ejector system will pull a vacuum, slow drainage, and force sewer gases back into the living space. We size the pump to the fixture load, set the vent according to code, and pressure-test before we consider the job finished. Cost depends on pit depth, pipe run distance, whether a new basin needs to be set, and the horsepower rating required for the fixture count. Every job is different, so contact Certified Plumbing & Drain for an accurate estimate.

What Ejection Pump Work Covers Ejection Pump

We handle the full scope, from new installations to emergency pump failures.

01

New Basin and Pump Installation

We set the pit, install a properly sized pump and sealed basin lid, and run the discharge and vent lines to code. Common on basement bathroom additions and below-grade laundry rooms.

02

Pump Replacement

A failed pump is a plumbing emergency. We stock common horsepower ratings so we're not waiting on parts while your basement bathroom is out of service.

03

Float Switch Repair

Most ejector pump failures aren't the motor. They're a stuck or failed float switch. We test and replace floats before recommending a full pump swap.

04

Vent Line Correction

Sewer gas odors near a basement fixture almost always point to a vent problem, not the pump itself. We trace and correct improper vent terminations that let gas migrate into the home.

05

Check Valve Replacement

The check valve prevents backflow into the basin after each pump cycle. A worn valve causes the pump to short-cycle and burn out prematurely. Cheap fix now vs. a pump replacement later.

06

Commercial Ejector Systems

High-volume commercial applications, restaurants, retail basements, multi-unit buildings, need larger basins and higher-horsepower units. We spec and install commercial-grade systems built for continuous load.

How We Work

Three Steps from Call to Commission

Every ejection pump job follows the same sequence so nothing gets missed.

  1. 01

    Assess

    We inspect the existing system or the planned fixture layout, check the elevation difference between the fixture drain and the main sewer, and identify any vent or discharge path issues before we quote.

  2. 02

    Install or Repair

    We set the basin, install and wire the pump, run discharge and vent lines to code, and connect to the existing drain system. Repairs follow the same sequence: diagnose the component, replace it, verify the fix.

  3. 03

    Test and Verify

    We cycle the pump multiple times, check float activation and deactivation levels, confirm the check valve holds, and verify there's no sewer gas entry before we leave the job.

Warning Signs

Signs Your Ejection Pump Needs Attention

  1. 01

    Slow Drainage or No Flush

    If a basement toilet drains slowly or won't flush at all, the pump may have failed, or the float switch is stuck. Stop using the fixture and call. Raw sewage backing up into a basin is a health issue.

  2. 02

    Sewer Gas Odor

    A sealed ejector basin that starts producing odors points to a cracked lid, a failed gasket, or a venting problem. Gas buildup in an enclosed basement is not a cosmetic issue.

  3. 03

    Pump Running Constantly

    Continuous pump cycling without a fixture in use means either a failed check valve letting water back-flow, groundwater infiltration into the basin, or a stuck float. Each scenario accelerates motor burnout.

Our Promise

What You Get With Every Pump Job

Certified Plumbing & Drain has been in the trade 13 years, holds a 5-star rating across 20 Google reviews, and we don't subcontract pump work to someone else's crew.

Call (916) 706-7460
  1. 01

    Upfront pricing before any work starts

    No hidden fees, no surprise line items after the job.

  2. 02

    Proper venting, every time

    Sewer gas issues are almost always a vent problem. We don't skip that step.

  3. 03

    100% satisfaction guarantee

    We stand behind the installation and the repair.

  4. 04

    24/7 availability for pump failures

    A basement flooded with sewage isn't a 9-to-5 problem. Call any time.

Ejection Pump Questions We Hear Often

What is the function of a sewage ejector pump?
A sewage ejector pump moves waste from below-grade fixtures, like a basement toilet or laundry sink, up to the home's main sewer line, which runs at a higher elevation. Gravity can't do that job, so a sealed basin collects the waste and a pump forces it upward through a discharge pipe. Without one, you simply can't put a functional bathroom or laundry room below the level of the main drain.
How does a sewer ejector pump need to be vented?
The ejector basin requires its own vent that ties into the home's main vent stack or terminates through the roof. The vent prevents a vacuum from forming in the discharge line and, more critically, stops sewer gas from pressurizing the sealed basin and finding its way into the living space. An improperly vented ejector system is both a code violation and a health hazard. We don't cut corners on vent runs.
Can an ejector pump handle toilet paper?
Yes. Sewage ejector pumps are designed to handle toilet paper along with human waste. They're not the same as macerating toilets, which grind waste into a slurry. A standard ejector pump has a larger impeller that passes solids. What it can't handle: wipes labeled 'flushable,' feminine hygiene products, paper towels, or any non-dissolving material. Those will eventually jam the impeller or clog the discharge line.
How long does a sewage ejection pump typically last?
Most residential ejection pumps last 7 to 10 years under normal use. Commercial units handling higher fixture counts may need replacement sooner. Float switches and check valves often fail before the motor does. If your pump is over 8 years old and showing any sign of sluggish performance or irregular cycling, it's worth having it inspected before it fails completely, usually at the worst possible time.
What's the difference between a sewage ejector pump and a sump pump?
A sump pump moves groundwater, not sewage. It sits in an open pit and discharges clean or gray water to a drain or exterior location. A sewage ejector pump handles actual waste and solids from fixtures, sits in a sealed airtight basin, and discharges into the sewer line. Using the wrong pump for the application is a code violation and will destroy the equipment quickly. If you're unsure which one a project requires, call us before you buy anything.
Do sewage ejector pumps require a dedicated electrical circuit?
Yes. Most residential ejection pumps run on a 120V dedicated circuit with a ground fault circuit interrupter. Larger commercial units may require 240V. Running an ejector pump off a shared circuit creates nuisance trips and can void the pump warranty. We verify electrical requirements during the assessment and coordinate with an electrician if new wiring is needed before installation.

Where We Install and Service Ejection Pumps

We cover the Greater Sacramento region, including communities that see a high concentration of older homes where basement plumbing additions require ejection systems. If you're in one of these areas and need an ejection pump inspected, repaired, or installed, we're available now, including emergency calls after hours.

10Communities
served

Ready to Install or Repair an Ejection Pump?

Don't wait until a failed pump turns into a flooded basement. Call (916) 706-7460 now or send us a message and we'll get back to you the same day.

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