Sump pump verus sewage pump.?

Question

We have a septic field and a sump pump in our basement. When we purchased this home in Southern Maryland it had a roughed in 1/2 bathroom in the basement too. We are ready to finish it with a shower, toilet and vanity sink. I discovered that the other two bathrooms on the upper floors, go straight to the septic field and not into the sump pump. Presently the only thing that goes into the sump, that is the washing machine discharge. When the sump gets to capacity its pumped up and into a 4" pipe that by gravity is dumped into the septic field.
Someone told me that I would need to change out the sump pump and purchase a sewage pump in its place because most sump pumps do not handle solid waste.
Is this true?

Answer 1

Best Answer - Chosen by Asker

The advise given to you is correct, a sump pump is only meant to pump water. The sewage pump has a grinder or other device to convert solid waste into small particles that can be pumped into your household drain system. They usually are part of the toilet system and you can plumb the shower and vanity drains into it. They are fairly easy to install if you are an experienced DIYer, but they are a little on the expensive side. Expect to pay at least $ 650 for the toilet system. Good luck on your project.

Asker's Rating:

Asker's Comment:

This is one of two answers I received to my question, informative and direct.
I will proceed on with my remodeling of that bathroom and now know what I have to do about the present pump and the waste solution too. Thank you.

Answer 2

you must install a completely separate vented brown water sump system for a toilet. you need a sump because the sewage presently has to go uphill to the septic tank.

the upper floors are above the level of the inlet of the septic tank and therefore don't need pump

your current washer sump is designed for "grey" water and may be sufficient for "grey" water from a 1/2 bath but the "brown" water from the toilet is a different matter.

it may be advisable to replace the existing sump and pump out.