BEST SUBMERSIBLE SEWAGE PUMP FOR SEPTIC TANK: TOP PICKS & BUYING CONSIDERATIONS
Introduction
Let’s be honest: when your septic system backs up, it’s more than just a pain. It might be a costly, dirty, and smelly issue.
That’s where a good, reliable submersible sewage pump comes in handy, especially for people who need one to set up their septic tank.
If you need to transfer sewage, wastewater, or effluent away from your tank or basement, you’ve probably seen a lot of different pump alternatives.
Not all pumps are made the same way, though. Some are made to work with pure water. Some can handle solids, sludge, and everything else in between.
This tutorial will tell you all you need to know about choosing the best submersible pump for your septic tank.
We’ll talk about what makes a good submersible septic pump, go over several varieties—including submersible wastewater pumps, sewage pumps, and even models with grinders—and give you our best picks to help you make the correct choice—without too much technical jargon.
What Is a Sewage Pump That Goes Underwater?
A submersible sewage pump is a pump that is made to work while it is submerged in wastewater.
This pump is different from most others since it can handle both liquids and solids. This makes it great for septic tanks, basements, and sewage ejector systems.
These pumps are installed inside the septic tank or pit and turn on automatically when the level of wastewater reaches a specified point.
They are often used to transport sewage from a septic tank to a drain field or from a basement to the main sewer system.
People will call them by many different names:
- Pump for a septic tank that goes underwater
- Wastewater pump that can be submerged
- Water pump for sewage that goes underwater
- Pump for sewage that can be submerged
- And even a sewage water pump that can go underwater
In general, all of these are pumps that live underwater and deal with waste (a.k.a. “trash”).
Why You Really Need a Good One for Your Septic System
You might be wondering, “Why can’t I just use any old pump?”
The truth is that septic systems handle more than just water.
An incorrectly chosen pump might get clogged or broken by sediments, grease, toilet paper, and other debris.
A good submersible sewage pump does a few extremely vital things:
- Depending on the model, it can move both liquids and solids without getting stuck.
- Does the dirty work that other pumps can’t do.
- When properly cared for, it runs reliably for years.
- Keeps your property safe against backups and expensive repairs.
It’s important to have the best submersible pump for septic tank applications, no matter how big or little your home system is.
Different Kinds of Submersible Pumps You Can Come Across
It’s important to know the difference between different types of submersible pumps.
Here’s a quick list of the most popular types you’ll find when you shop:
Submersible Pump Types at a Glance
| Type | What It Does | Best Use Case |
| Submersible Sewage Pump | Can handle raw sewage with tiny particles | General use in septic tanks |
| Septic Pump That Goes Underwater | Often used interchangeably with sewage pumps; handles septic effluent | Septic tank discharge |
| Submersible Effluent Pump | Moves lighter wastewater (no large solids) | Drain fields, gray water systems |
| Submersible Wastewater Pump | Broad term covering many types of waste | General wastewater handling |
| Submersible Sewer Pump | Moves sewage from a building to a sewer line or tank | Urban & rural setups |
| Submersible Sewage Pump with Grinder | Has built-in blades to break up solids | Systems with lots of debris |
| Sewage Submersible Water Pump | General term for any submerged sewage pump | Catch-all reference |
Things to Think About When Buying a Submersible Sewage Pump
It’s not enough to merely grab the first pump you see on the store shelf or in a Google search.
Before you make a choice, here are the most important things to think about:
Pump Power (HP Rating)
- 5 to 1 HP→ Good for small houses or light use
- 5 to 2 HP→ Good for homes with medium-sized families
- 3 HP and higher→ Best for heavy-duty or commercial work
Handling Solids
- Is the pump able to handle real solids?
- Most home pumps can handle solids that are up to 2 inches wide.
- A submersible sewage pump with a grindercan be the ideal choice if you have a lot of toilet paper, wipes, or other debris to deal with.
Size of the Discharge & Height of the Pump (Head Pressure)
- Discharge size(typically between 1.5 and 4 inches) needs to fit your pipes.
- Head pressuretells you how high and far the pump can push water.
→ The greater the distance or height, the stronger (higher HP) the pump needs to be.
Quality of the Build
- Pumps made of cast iron, stainless steel, or high-quality plasticsare best.
- Cheaper pumps may save money in the short term, but won’t last as long, especially in corrosive environments.
Making Things Automatic
- Most good pumps have float switchesthat turn them on and off by themselves.
- When the tank fills up, no one likes to have to run down to the basement to flip a switch.
How Loud It Is
- All pumps create noise, although some are quieter than others.
- This is especially important for pumps used in homes or indoor spaces.
Things to Think About Before You Buy
Here are a few last-minute recommendations to make sure you’re getting exactly what you need before you click “Add to Cart”:
- Measure your tank and pitto make sure the pump fits and has enough space.
- Check your plumbingto ensure the discharge line can handle the output.
- Plan for the future: It’s worth spending a bit more now on a pump that won’t break down after a year.
- Setting up the electrical system: Make sure you have the proper voltage supply (most are 115V or 230V).
- Easy access for maintenance: Pick a location where you (or a pro) can get to the pump easily when needed.
Taking Care of Your Submersible Sewage Pump
A little maintenance goes a long way for any mechanical system.
Here are some tips for keeping your pump functioning well:
- Test it often, especially before busy seasons.
- Check the floats and switchesto make sure they work right.
- Get rid of trash— don’t let it pile up in the pit or pump housing.
- Pay attention to strange sounds; grinding or rattling could suggest something is wrong.
- Change out worn parts— seals and bearings don’t last forever.
In Summary: How to Choose the Right Pump for Your Needs
The ideal submersible pump for septic tank systems is the one that fits the specific needs of your home.
There are pumps that can handle everything from normal wastewater to tougher solids.
You now have a solid foundation to make an informed choice.It’s not just about moving water — it’s about protecting your home, preventing expensive repairs, and having peace of mind for years to come.
VIRHEOS
References & Further Reading
- Wikipedia – Sewage Pumping– Learn more about the role and types of pumps in sewage systems.
- IQSDirectory – How Submersible Pumps Work– Insight into submersible pump mechanics and applications.
- Pumps.org – Selection Guide for Wastewater Pumps– Technical guidance on selecting the right pump for various fluids.