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The Daily Insight

What type of pump is most commonly used to handle waste water?

Author

Matthew Barrera

Updated on April 02, 2026

Centrifugal pumps are among the most commonly used in wastewater treatment plants and pumping stations. At one time, the dry-pit solids handling (or non-clog) pump with flexible drive shaft and motor above grade was quite possibly the most popular style of pump at the WWTP and PS.

What are wastewater pumps?

A sewage pump transfers sewage solids and liquids from one place to another. When it comes to residential, sewage composes of soft solids that have a diameter of up to 2 inches. Sewage pumps involve centrifugal pumps, which enables solids to be able to pass through without having to cause clogging in the pump.

Which type of pump is most often used for sewage and slurry applications?

Due to its high solids handling capabilities, the chopper pump is often used for pumping sewage, sludge, manure slurries, and other liquids that contain large or tough solids.

What is the difference between a sewage pump and an effluent pump?

The main difference between an effluent pump and a sewage pump is that effluent pumps are meant for pumping grey water with minimal solids, preferably smaller than 1/2″ in diameter, whereas sewage pumps are designed to handle human waste-solids and sewage materials up to 2″ diameters.

Which type of pump should be used for pumping out sewage?

Centrifugal pumps are most widely used for lifting sewage. These pumps work on the principle of centrifugal force. The sewage which enters inside the pump is revolved at high speed by means of impeller and is thrown to the periphery by centrifugal force.

What are the different types of pump used for pumping of sewage?

The type of pumps most commonly used at wastewater treatment plants include the centrifugal, progressive cavity, and positive displacement.

How many types of water pumps are there?

There are two basic types of water pumps: centrifugal and positive displacement. Both types are designed to move water from one place to another continuously. A centrifugal water pump uses a rotating impeller to move water into the pump and pressurize the discharge flow.

What is a grinder sewage pump?

A grinder pump works like a garbage disposal – it grinds up wastewater from a home (i.e. toilet, shower, washing machine) and pumps it into the public sewer system. A grinder pump is placed in a tank that is buried in a convenient outdoor location on your property. The tank provides wastewater holding storage capacity.

How do you size an effluent pump?

For commercial or industrial systems, the average solids size is 2 ½” or larger. Flow and total dynamic head (TDH) are integral in selecting a pump. Your water flow requirements, measured in GPM, are based on the number of people using the system, peak usage times and the number of water fixtures (e.g. toilet, sink).

Why are centrifugal pump used in sewage pumping?

A sewage pump is used to transfer sewage liquids and solids from one place to another. Sewage pumps are centrifugal pumps, with special design enabling solids to pass without clogging the pump.

What are the different types of positive displacement wastewater pumps?

Diaphragm pumps, the most commonly used type of positive displacement pump, include a diaphragm and chamber, as well as suction and discharge check valves to prevent backflow. A variety of specialized wastewater pumps are available.

What are the different types of water treatment pumps?

Types of Water Treatment Pump. 1 Centrifugal Pumps. As the name implies, these pumps make use of a centrifugal force to create sufficient velocity to displace the fluid through the 2 Positive Displacement Pumps. 3 Submersible Water Pumps. 4 High-Pressure Pumps. 5 Water Pressure Booster Pumps.

What is a wastewastewater pump?

Wastewater pumps are used in the collection of sewage, effluent, drainage, and seepage water in locations such as homes, farms, light commercial buildings, and industrial areas.

How to choose the right sewage pump for your water treatment plant?

Ultimately, the type of sewage pump you choose for your water treatment plant depends on several factors. The pump you choose must be able to withstand the abrasion and corrosion caused by the slurry or wastewater. Also, the pumps used in industrial plants are vastly different from those used in residential complexes.