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A small sump pump running infrequently uses an average of 10 kilowatt-hours (kWh) of electricity per month. The average cost for electricity is $0.171 per kWh. The size and use frequency affect how much electricity it uses. Sump pumps average one-third to one horsepower (hp) motors. One hp is equal to 745.7 watts. Watts multiplied by the time your pump is running divided by 1,000 equals your average kWh. Multiply kWh by your average cost of electricity. In areas with high rain or a marsh basin, the average cost can be as high as $15-$25 a month.

The most common cause of a clogged sump pump is natural debris buildup. As water enters the sump pit, it can carry small pieces of debris that build up over time, or the debris can get caught in the filter. If you forget to cover the pit after cleaning the sump pump and pit, debris can also collect in the pit. Corrosion on the metal discharge pipe can also clog the pump. Additionally, if your pipes freeze, it can prevent water from draining properly and cause a clog.

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 move wastewater and solid waste to the municipal sewer or septic tank. However, for fixtures located below grade (e.g., in a basement), gravity is not sufficient.

The purpose of a sewage ejector pump is to actively pump this wastewater and solid waste upward into the main sewer line. Without an ejector pump in this situation, wastewater would have no way to exit and would eventually back up, causing a sewage overflow or flooding in your basement. If all of your home's plumbing is on the main floor or higher, gravity can handle the drainage, and an ejector pump is not needed.

The difference between an ejector pump and a sump pump lies in their purpose and design—an ejector pump functions to remove liquid gray water and soft solid sewage waste from your home. If you have a laundry room or bathroom in your basement, an ejector pump for your sewage tank prevents sewage from backing up in your washing machine or bathroom’s drains.

A sump pump is designed to remove excess groundwater that may enter your home, either due to flooding or periods of heavy rain.