Why Grinder Pumps Fail & How to Extend Their Lifespan

If your home relies on a grinder pump system, you already know one thing: when it fails, it’s never convenient. Grinder pumps are designed to move wastewater from lower-level plumbing areas up to a sewer line or septic system—especially in homes where gravity drainage isn’t possible.

But here’s the problem: grinder pumps work hard, and they’re not invincible.

At Easy Peazy Plumbing, we help homeowners deal with grinder pump issues quickly, safely, and correctly. In this guide, we’ll break down why grinder pumps fail, the most common warning signs, and the best ways to extend their lifespan so you can avoid expensive emergencies.

Need help now? Visit our Grinder Pump Repair service page to schedule fast service.

What Is a Grinder Pump (And Why It Matters)?

A grinder pump is a wastewater pump with cutting blades that “grind” solids into a slurry before pumping it through a pressurized pipe. It’s commonly used when:

Your home is located below the sewer line
Gravity drainage isn’t possible
Your property uses a septic system with a lift setup
You have plumbing in a basement or lower level

Unlike standard sump pumps (which move clean groundwater), grinder pumps handle wastewater, which means they face more wear and tear over time.

7 Common Reasons Grinder Pumps Fail

Grinder pump failure is usually caused by one of these issues—and many of them are preventable.

1. Flushing the Wrong Things (The #1 Cause of Failure)

This is the biggest reason grinder pumps stop working.

Even though grinder pumps grind waste, they’re not designed to handle things like:

“Flushable” wipes (they’re not really flushable)
Paper towels
Feminine hygiene products
Dental floss
Cotton swabs
Diapers
Grease and food scraps

These items can jam the pump, damage the cutting blades, or clog the discharge line.

📌 Pro Tip: Only flush human waste and toilet paper. Everything else goes in the trash.

For official guidance on what not to flush, check out this helpful resource from the EPA:
EPA: Septic System Do’s and Don’ts

2. Power Surges & Electrical Damage

Grinder pumps rely on electrical components like:

Control panels
Float switches
Alarm systems
Motors

A power surge from lightning, storms, or grid issues can damage the system and cause it to fail unexpectedly.

This is especially common in Florida storm season.

✅ How to prevent it:

Install surge protection
Consider a backup power option
Have your pump system inspected after major storms

3. Float Switch Problems (Pump Runs Too Much—or Not at All)

Float switches tell the grinder pump when to turn on and off. If a float switch gets stuck or fails, the pump may:

Not activate when the tank fills
Run continuously and burn out
Trigger alarms

A float switch can fail due to buildup, debris, or normal wear.

If your grinder pump seems like it’s cycling too often, that’s a red flag.

4. Overuse and Excessive Cycling

Every grinder pump has a designed workload. If your pump runs constantly, it can wear out much faster.

Excessive cycling can happen if:

There’s a plumbing leak adding extra water to the system
Multiple fixtures are draining at once too often
The pump is undersized for the home
The check valve is failing

A properly functioning system should run only when needed—not every few minutes.

5. Clogged or Frozen Discharge Line

Once the pump grinds and pushes wastewater out, it flows through a discharge pipe. If that line becomes clogged, the pump may work harder and overheat.

Common discharge line issues include:

Grease buildup
Debris obstruction
Tree root intrusion
Pipe damage or sagging

Even though freezing isn’t common in Florida, temperature drops can still cause problems in exposed areas.

If you’re noticing backups or slow drains, check out our related blog:
How to Prevent Clogged Drains

6. Pump Age & Normal Wear

Grinder pumps don’t last forever.

Most grinder pumps last around 7 to 15 years, depending on:

Frequency of use
Quality of installation
Maintenance habits
What gets flushed
Power stability

If your grinder pump is older and repairs are becoming frequent, replacement might be more cost-effective.

7. Poor Installation or Wrong Pump Type

If a grinder pump was installed incorrectly, it may fail early. Common installation issues include:

Incorrect basin size
Improper venting
Incorrect check valve placement
Undersized discharge pipe
Incorrect electrical setup

This is why hiring a licensed plumbing team matters.

At Easy Peazy Plumbing, we install and repair grinder pumps the right way—so your system stays reliable.

Warning Signs Your Grinder Pump Is About to Fail

If you catch issues early, you can often prevent a complete breakdown.

Watch for these warning signs:

🚨 Grinder pump alarm is going off

Many systems have an alarm that activates when the tank level gets too high.

If you hear an alarm, stop using water immediately and call a plumber.

🚿 Sewage smells or slow drains

If wastewater isn’t being pumped out properly, you may notice odors or sluggish draining.

🔊 Strange noises (grinding, rattling, humming)

Some noise is normal, but loud grinding or constant humming can signal a jam or motor issue.

⚡ Pump trips the breaker

Electrical problems may cause the pump to shut off repeatedly.

💧 Wet yard or pooling near the tank

Leaks or overflow can show up outside, especially near the pump basin or discharge line.

How to Extend the Lifespan of Your Grinder Pump (Best Practices)

The good news? You can dramatically increase the life of your grinder pump with a few smart habits.

1. Only Flush What Belongs in the Toilet

We’ll say it again because it matters:

✅ Toilet paper + human waste only.

Everything else can damage the pump.

2. Never Pour Grease Down the Drain

Grease may go down as a liquid, but it cools and hardens inside your system. Over time, it can:

Clog the pump
Block the discharge line
Cause backups and pump overload

Instead, pour grease into a container and dispose of it properly.

For more guidance, here’s a useful resource:
US EPA: Managing Household Grease (general environmental best practices)

3. Space Out Water Use When Possible

If your grinder pump is working overtime, reduce stress on the system by spacing out high-water activities like:

Laundry loads
Long showers
Running the dishwasher
Multiple toilet flushes back-to-back

This reduces rapid cycling and wear.

4. Schedule Routine Inspections

A grinder pump inspection can catch problems before they become expensive emergencies.

During a professional inspection, we check:

Float switch performance
Electrical connections
Alarm function
Pump cycling behavior
Check valve condition
Signs of clogs or buildup

If you’re due for service, reach out through our Contact Page to schedule.

5. Protect Your System During Storm Season

Florida storms can cause power surges, outages, and flooding risks.

Helpful steps include:

Install surge protection
Avoid heavy water use during outages
Know where your pump alarm is located
Keep our number saved for emergencies

6. Respond Immediately When the Alarm Sounds

If the alarm goes off, don’t ignore it.

Here’s what to do:

Stop using water (toilets, sinks, showers, laundry)
Check for obvious breaker issues (don’t keep resetting it repeatedly)
Call a professional plumber

Waiting too long can lead to overflow, property damage, and sanitation hazards.

7. Know When to Repair vs Replace

Sometimes repairs make sense. Other times, replacement is the better long-term move.

Repair may be best when:

The pump is relatively new
The issue is a float switch or minor clog
There’s no major motor damage

Replacement may be best when:

The pump is 10+ years old
Repairs are frequent
The motor is burned out
The system is outdated or undersized

If you’re unsure, Easy Peazy Plumbing can evaluate your system and give you an honest recommendation.

Frequently Asked Questions About Grinder Pumps

How long do grinder pumps last?

Most grinder pumps last 7 to 15 years, depending on usage and maintenance.

Can I fix a grinder pump myself?

Some issues may look simple, but grinder pumps involve electrical components and wastewater exposure. It’s safest to call a licensed plumber—especially if there’s an alarm or overflow risk.

Why does my grinder pump keep running?

This may be caused by a stuck float switch, a leak, a failing check valve, or a clog forcing the pump to work harder.

Are “flushable wipes” safe for grinder pumps?

No. Even wipes labeled “flushable” can cause clogs and damage. The safest rule is: don’t flush wipes at all.

Call Easy Peazy Plumbing for Grinder Pump Repair

Grinder pump problems can escalate fast—and when wastewater is involved, it’s not something you want to wait on.

If your grinder pump is making strange noises, triggering alarms, or failing to keep up, our team is ready to help.

✅ Fast response
✅ Professional troubleshooting
✅ Repair and replacement options
✅ Honest recommendations

📞 Contact Easy Peazy Plumbing today through our Grinder Pump Repair page or visit our Contact Page to schedule service.