Pump stations are sometimes the only answer for difficult septic situations. We have talked about avoiding pump systems whenever possible, but sometimes a suitable alternative is just not available. It is during these times that a pump system must be installed. It s not that pump stations are very difficult to put in; it is the cost that makes them hard on a builder. The routine maintenance and potential for failure, along with the cost, make it tough for the property owner. But if a pump system is the only way to have a septic system, it s the only way.

If you build in rural areas long enough, you will eventually come across a piece of land where a pump is necessary to drain the plumbing fixtures in the house you are about to build. I ve only installed one whole-house pump station during my building career. But I ve installed countless pump stations for plumbing fixtures located in basements, garages, and similar locations. It is not always necessary to pump the discharge of all fixtures. Sometimes it is only one fixture that needs to be pumped. It may be an entire fixture group that has to be pumped, such as a full bathroom. If you can avoid installing a whole-house pump station, do it.

There are three types of drainage pumping that we will discuss in this chapter. The first is a single-fixture pump. Our second topic will be basin pumps that are located within a house. The third type of pumping...