Septic System Anatomy
Septic Pump
A septic pump (also called an effluent pump or dosing pump) is a submersible electric pump installed in a pump chamber or the septic tank itself to move effluent to the drainfield when gravity flow is not possible. On flat lots or when the drainfield is uphill from the septic tank, gravity cannot move effluent — a pump forces it uphill to where it needs to go.
Septic pumps are also used in mound systems, pressure-dosed drainfields, and advanced treatment systems to meter effluent into the drainfield at precise intervals rather than continuously. Pump failure is one of the more common emergency calls in Minnesota — a failed pump causes the tank to fill rapidly and either triggers an alarm or causes a sewage backup. Pumps typically last 7–15 years and should be inspected regularly.
What This Means for You
If your system has a pump, learn where the pump chamber access point is and whether your system has an alarm float. When the alarm goes off, limit water use immediately and call for service — the pump has likely failed or the tank is filling faster than normal. Do not ignore septic alarms.
Related Terms
Lift Station · Septic Tank · Drain Field (Leach Field) · Septic Backup