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One common reason a sump pump stops working is improper sizing. Different locations need different sizes and power ratings of sump pumps depending on the typical amount of water the pump needs to manage. If your sump pump is too small for the quantity of water, it can overwork and either burn out or reduce the life of the unit. If the pump is too big, it can overwork and burn out early. 

To maintain your sump pump, start by checking it every three to four months to ensure it’s in working order. Clear any debris from the pit because blockages can prevent the pump from operating efficiently. You should also test the pump by pouring a bucket of water into the pit. If it turns on automatically and drains the water, it’s functioning correctly. Inspect the discharge line for clogs, and ensure it directs water away from your home. Once a year, clean the pump itself, and consider having it professionally serviced for optimal performance.

A sewage ejector pump is necessary if you have any plumbing fixtures, such as a bathroom, laundry room, or sink, located below the level of your home's main sewer line. Standard plumbing relies on gravity to drain wastewater and solid waste into the municipal sewer system or a septic tank. For fixtures below this level, like those in a basement, gravity cannot move the waste upward. The ejector pump provides the force needed to pump the sewage up to the main line. Without one, wastewater from below-ground fixtures would back up, potentially causing a sewage overflow and flooding. If all of your plumbing is on the main floor or higher, gravity is sufficient and an ejector pump is not needed.

You should be fine. Most high-grade grinder pumps have a 24-hour holding capacity within the tank. You can continue to use the facilities so long as the power outage does not stretch into days. In a worst-case scenario, attach a generator to the grinder pump, providing it has sufficient electric capacity.