Grinder Pump
What is a Grinder Pump
Traditionally, sewer service to a house is provided by a gravity line where the drain lines from the house flow by gravity to the street or City owned sewer lines. Alternatively, many Brentwood homes have a low-pressure sewer which requires the use of a sewage grinder pump to pump sewage from the house to the City sewer lines.
Who owns the grinder pump?
A homeowner owns the grinder pump system including the pump, tank, electrical controls, piping, and valves from the house to the public sewer main (typically the valve box located at the right-of-way or easement). The City offers a repair service to the contents of the tank (not any components external of the tank) and control/electrical panel on the side of the home (not the service line from the house to the pump well and the line from the pump well to the right-of-way, same as a gravity service line or water service line, these are the homeowner's responsibility).
What cannot be flushed down your toilet (see City Code, Chapter 70-Division 2)?
- Baby wipes or cleaning wipes
- Feminine products
- Diapers
- Grease
- Paint
- Paper Towels
- Cotton or fabric
How do I know if my grinder pump isn’t working properly?
The red light on the grinder system will flash. Additionally, you may notice your toilets not flushing properly or a gurgling sound coming from your drains.
What to do if your grinder pump alarm is flashing or making a noise.
Please call the Water Services Department immediately. The City offers a maintenance service on the pump and controls that currently charges a $35 service fee for calls within regular business hours, and a $60 fee after reg. hours. There is no charge for replacement parts or labor. You must be enrolled in the City’s maintenance program to receive service by City staff.
- For service during regular business hours, please call 615-371-0080. Please call 615-371-0160 during night, weekends, or holidays.