ABOUT YOUR GRINDER PUMP …

The Village of Logan uses both low pressure sewer systems and traditional gravity sewer systems because of the existing topography.  Typically, Owners living South of NM 540 Loop have a low pressure sewer system and Owners to the North have a gravity sewer system.  If you live in the low pressure sewer system area, your home uses a grinder pump station to grind the wastewater from your home (much like the garbage disposal in your kitchen) and push the wastewater through small plastic pipes to the larger line in the street.

Low-pressure sewer systems are economical solutions for areas of the Village that cannot be served by gravity lines. However, a grinder pump station does require that the homeowner take a more active role than required for a property served by gravity sewer.

It is important that you know how your home sewer system operates and that you notify the Village of Logan emergency dispatchers if a problem occurs. Village personnel provide inspections, maintenance, service, repair, and replacement limited to ordinary wear and tear.  In the event, the grinder pump station and its components are damaged as a result of Owner's negligence, third-party acts or acts of God, Owner shall pay for any necessary repair and/or replacement.

Village-installed grinder pump stations are positioned depending on the existing location of your current septic tank.  The Village will work with you to best locate your grinder pump station.  You will be required to sign an Installation and Maintenance Agreement for Low Pressure Sewer Systems allowing the Village access on to your property to install and maintain the grinder pump station.  The grinder pump station must be accessible and unobstructed at all times.  It is not advisable to plant flowers or shrubs or place such items as fences, decorative pilings, etc. within 5 feet as damage to the grinder pump, underground electrical or piping systems may occur.  When the Village installs or services any of the sewer service facilities on your property, the Village will attempt to minimize the disturbance and restore existing landscaping as possible but are ultimately not responsible for repairing or replacing landscaping, surface material or other surface, fencing, or buried and/or other site improvements that may be damaged.  Therefore, restoration of the property necessary as a result of any on-lot installation or maintenance work is the sole responsibility and expense of the Owner.  Also, electrical power and alarm wired are buried under the ground between the control panel and the tank. Before digging in the area, call to have Village personnel locate the lines.

With your cooperation, your low-pressure system will provide many years of safe, reliable service. Please take a few moments to read the following information to ensure the proper functioning of your grinder pump station.

IF THE ALARM SOUNDS

If there is a grinder pump failure, the tank which contains the pump will become too full. An alarm horn and light located in the alarm box on the outside of you home will automatically turn on.

You should…

• Discontinue water use to prevent overflows.
• Turn off the alarm by depressing the alarm light on the front of the alarm box. The alarm horn should silence, but the light will remain on until the grinder pump is repaired.
• Wait fifteen minutes before taking further action. A high level of water usage will sometimes cause the alarm to come on. This situation is self-correcting. If the pump is operating correctly, the wet well will automatically be pumped down and the alarm light will turn off.
• If the alarm light is still on after fifteen minutes, during normal business hours call Village personnel at (575) 487-2239. For 24-hour emergency service call (575) 487-5402. Village emergency crews are on duty 24 hours a day, seven days a week and will respond promptly.
• Never attempt to open the tank cover or the electrical panel box.

CAUTION: Electrical shock or damage to the system may occur.

PROTECT YOUR PUMP

The grinder pump can handle any wastewater that is normally discharged to the sewer from the kitchen, bathroom, or laundry. Some chemicals and materials may cause operating problems or safety hazards. It is advisable to check labels on chemicals prior to their disposable. Never connect a sump pump to the grinder pump.

CAUTION: Never put any of the following materials into sinks, toilets, or drains – they may clog your system or create an unsafe environment.

Glass, metal, wood, seafood shells

• Papers, socks, rags, or cloth of any kind
• Plastic objects (toys, eating utensils, etc.)
• Any strong chemical, toxic, caustic, or poisonous substance
• Degreasing solvents
• Any explosive or flammable material
• Gasoline, kerosene, fuel oil, paint thinner, and antifreeze
• Lubricating oil or grease
• Cooking fat (lard, oil, grease)
• Hair clippings

• TECHNICAL DETAILS

A fiberglass or high-density polyethylene wastewater holding tank has been installed underground on your property and wastewater grinder pumps are housed in the tank. The tank cover is round and is the only part that shows above the ground. All of the wastewater from your home flows into the buried tank. When the tank fills to a pre-set level, the grinder pump automatically turns on, grinds the waste, and forces it out of the tank and into the sewer collection system.

The grinder pump normally will run for one or two minutes and will automatically turn off when the tank has been emptied. The pump is programmed to operate in cycles, rather than continuously. Cycles are determined by the amount of water used, usually after twenty gallons has entered the tank.  During a usual day, the grinder pump will turn on and off to empty the tank 10 to 20 times.

The grinder pump is powered by electricity and is connected to the electric service lines at a panel box near your electric meter on the outside wall of your home.  Grinder pump electricity charges are estimated to be less than a dollar per month and will be included on your monthly electric bill.  The cost of electricity is paid by you, not the Village.

IN CASE OF POWER FAILURE

If there is a power failure which affects your home, your grinder pump will also experience a loss of power and not be able to operate. The grinder pump tank has a certain amount of holding capacity, but interior water use should be discontinued until power has been restored.

WHILE AWAY FROM YOUR HOME

If you will be away from home for more than several days, the following steps should be taken to minimize the potential for the development of stagnating odors:

• First, run water from an inside tap long enough for the grinder pump to begin working. After the pump turns on, turn the water off. The grinder pump will run until the tank is empty and will shut off. This process will cleanse the pump and leave it filled with a minimum of clean water. Always leave the electrical power on.

For additional information, please refer to the Village of Logan Sewer Ordinance, Installation and Maintenance Agreement for Sewer Services, and the Application for Sewer Service Agreement.  If you need further assistance, contact the Village of Logan at (575) 487-2239 or www.utelake.com.

Village of Logan
P.O. Box 7
US Hwy 54
Logan, New Mexico 88426
Telephone: (575) 487-2239
Fax: (575) 487-2400