Sewage pumps

Elpumps submersible cutter pumps for sewage are engineered for maximum reliability and efficiency. The Elpumps BT series is specifically designed for a range of dewatering, drainage and wastewater applications, where solids have to be cut into small particles to enable the liquid to move smoothly and minimize the clogging that may occur with regular pumps. Elpumps cutter pumps can handle waste solids of up to 30 mm and feature automatic shutdown when the water level drops, as well as thermal overload protection. For additional protection, Elpumps cutter pumps are equipped with a residual-current device that instantly breaks the electric circuit when the impeller becomes clogged to prevent serious damage to the motor.

Features and benefits

Powerful 900W / 1600W motor	Able to pass solids of up to 30 mm in diameter
Flow rate of up to 28.000 liters/hour	Integrated float switch, auto start/stop function
Maximum immersion depth of 5 meters	Fitted with 10-meter H07 RN-F 3G 1 mm² cable
Maximum delivery head of up to 18 meters	Thermal overload protection
Durable, non-corrosive, rust-proof materials	2-year guarantee

Frequently Asked Questions About Sewage Pumps

What is a sewage pump?

A sewage pump, also known as a wastewater pump, is a type of water pump specifically designed to handle and transport wastewater containing human or animal waste.

In what domestic applications are sewage pumps typically used?

Sewage pumps are commonly used for emptying cesspools or septic tanks that collect and store wastewater and sewage from households or farms. These systems may contain biological or organic waste, liquids, and toilet paper. Such pumps are especially useful where no municipal sewer system is available, or where the toilet is located below the main sewer line, such as in a basement or underground room—making gravity drainage impossible.

Sewage pumps are also frequently used to pump wastewater into low-pressure sewer networks, where sewer pipes maintain a constant pressure of about 1 bar until reaching a wastewater treatment plant. Homes connecting to such systems must meet two requirements:

Use a sewage pump capable of generating pressure higher than the system’s back pressure
Install a non-return valve to prevent backflow when the pump shuts off.

In summary, sewage pumps are especially useful in rural areas without access to a public sewage system, where blackwater (sewage water) is stored in cesspools or septic tanks requiring periodic emptying. They're also used in municipal systems for transferring sewage—even into pressurized sewer networks.

Sewage pump or dirty water pump – what’s the difference?

Technically, a sewage pump is a type of dirty water pump, but with an important difference: it has not only an impeller, but also rotating blades (grinders) at the inlet to chop solid particles. This creates a more homogenous liquid without solids, making it easier for the impeller to transport.

What should I consider when buying a sewage pump? How do I choose the right submersible pump model?

When selecting a sewage pump, consider key factors such as flow rate (liters per hour), head (meters), pressure (bar), and power consumption (W). The float switch must have enough space to function and shut off the pump when the liquid level drops below a critical point, preventing dry run. It’s better to overestimate the required performance than to choose a pump that’s too weak for the task.

If you need to extract relatively clean water from deep wells or situations requiring higher pressure, consider using a high-pressure submersible pump. If high pressure or deep pumping is not required and the water doesn't contain large solids, a clean water pump may also be sufficient.

How do sewage pumps (macerator pumps) work?

A sewage pump works by grinding sewage and wastewater from households and toilet paper into smaller particles, which can then be easily pumped through pipes. The impeller then moves the liquid through the outlet and into the discharge piping.

To what depth can Elpumps sewage pumps be submerged?

The Elpumps sewage pump models can be submerged up to 5 meters deep. This depth is always measured from the water surface, not from ground level.

How does a sewage pump with an automatic sensor or float switch work?

The float switch includes a power cable and a floating chamber. Inside the float is a metal ball and air, allowing it to rise and fall with the water level. The power cable is directly connected to the pump motor and can switch it on or off.

When the water level rises above the top of the pump, the float switch automatically activates the pump.
When the water level drops below a critical level, usually just beneath the top of the pump, the switch turns the pump off.

This function not only supports the intended use of the pump but also prevents overflow during heavy rainfall and protects the motor from overheating, as the pump is cooled by the liquid it’s submerged in. It also helps avoid dry running, which could damage the pump.

How should a submersible sewage pump be placed in the water? How is it installed and started?

Always use a rope or stainless steel cable to lower the pump into the liquid—something that can safely support the pump's weight over time. Never lift or suspend the pump by its power cable.
Firmly attach the discharge hose to the pump’s outlet. Then fully submerge the pump into the tank or pit. The pump will start working once plugged in and stop when unplugged. Make sure the pump is switched off before removing it from the liquid.

What type of hose is recommended for a sewage pump?

It’s strongly recommended to use a rigid-walled hose rather than a flat hose. Most sewage pumps operate at relatively low pressure (1–2 bar) but with high flow rates. Flat hoses can easily kink or collapse—especially around corners—blocking fluid flow.
Also, use a hose with the same diameter as the pump’s outlet, as reducing the diameter can drastically cut the flow rate and increase the risk of blockages. For best results, use reinforced hoses specifically designed for sewage pumps—built to resist abrasion and corrosion from wastewater and debris.

What should I watch out for when using a sewage pump?

Submersible sewage pumps are designed to handle liquids only. The rotating grinder blades cannot process foreign objects that shouldn’t be flushed, such as condoms or tampons. If such items reach the pump, they may block the grinder or impeller, causing the pump to stop.
In places with high risk of improper waste disposal—like hotels or restaurants—it is recommended to inspect and maintain the pump regularly, checking components such as the impeller, grinder blades, discharge pipe, and float switch. Always ensure that the wastewater level in the tank is appropriate, and that the pump is operating without obstruction.

What should I do if a foreign object gets sucked in and blocks the pump?

All Elpumps sewage pumps are equipped with a current protection relay, a safety device that cuts power to the pump if the grinder blades become blocked, preventing motor damage.
If the pump suddenly stops working, unplug it for at least two minutes to reset the relay. Then unplug the pump from the power source, remove it from the water, and clear the blockage. After that, place the pump back into the tank, and once the two minutes have passed, plug it in again—the pump will resume normal operation.