Understanding Effluent Pumps in Residential and Light Commercial Applications

Effluent pumps are essential for transferring partially treated wastewater - known as effluent - in situations where gravity drainage isn’t possible. These pumps are commonly found in residential and light commercial settings, moving greywater or septic system effluent from collection points to sewer connections or disposal systems.

Often installed as part of a complete effluent pump station, they provide a reliable and hygienic way to manage wastewater from laundries, bathrooms, kitchenettes, and septic tanks. This guide outlines common applications for effluent pumps, how they differ from other pump types, and how to choose the most suitable pump for your needs.

What Is an Effluent Pump?

An effluent pump is a submersible pump designed to transfer wastewater with little to no solid content. It is typically used after primary treatment - such as in septic tanks - or in applications that generate greywater like showers, hand basins, and laundry facilities.

While similar to a wastewater pump, an effluent pump is intended for cleaner liquid with fine suspended particles. In systems handling higher solids content, a sewer pump station or submersible sewage grinder pump may be required to prevent blockages and ensure long-term reliability.

Typical Applications for Effluent Pumps

Effluent pumps are used in various applications where wastewater must be collected and pumped to a higher elevation or remote discharge point. Such applications are listed below.

Overflow from Septic Tanks

Effluent overflow from septic tanks needs to be pumped out to a drainage field or secondary treatment area. An effluent pump station moves the cleaner wastewater swiftly through the pump stations’ pipework to the appropriate discharge location. In sewage systems with liquid containing any solids as well as long discharge pipes, a sewage grinder pump is required to break them down to be able to smoothly pass through them.

Residential and Light Commercial Laundries

Laundries produce a significant amount of greywater which often contains lint and fibres. In setups where the laundry is located below the main sewer line - such as in basements - an effluent pump transfers the wastewater to the drainage system.

For larger systems or those with heavier solids, a grinder pump enhances performance and reduces maintenance.

Laundromats

Laundromats generate continuous greywater discharge at high volumes. A durable effluent transfer pump is needed to manage flow from multiple machines into the sewer connection.

In higher-load scenarios, a more robust system such as a sewage pump station may be necessary to handle increased water and debris.

Showers and Hand Basins

Bathrooms located below-grade often rely on effluent pumps to move greywater from basins and showers to the main sewer line. These systems are frequently part of a compact domestic sewer pump setup, suited to single or dual fixture use.

Kitchenettes

Kitchenettes in offices, studios, or secondary dwellings produce greywater that may contain light food waste and grease. An effluent pump can be used to transfer this water to the sewer line.

Where solids are present, a submersible grinder pump ensures reliable operation and minimises the risk of blockages.

Choosing the Best Effluent Pump

Selecting the best effluent pump depends on several factors:

• Type of wastewater – Is it laundry greywater, kitchen wastewater, or septic effluent?

• Solids handling capacity – based on particle size and content.

• Distance and elevation – Head height and horizontal run affect the pump size and type.

• Pump duty cycle – continuous use in laundromats or high-demand sites requires heavy-duty models such as the cutter or grinder pumps.
  

In more complex or higher-demand environments, a wastewater pump or septic grinder pump may offer greater durability and performance than a standard effluent pump.

Effluent pumps are essential for managing greywater and partially treated wastewater in settings where gravity drainage is not practical. From septic tanks to laundries, bathrooms, and kitchenettes, they ensure safe and efficient wastewater transfer.

Our online pump station selection tool has in-built calculations that ensures you have the right pump - effluent or sewage - for your application. Simply enter your parameters and leave the rest to our tool. If you require assistance with your selection, get in touch with a member of the Pump Stations team.