What is a requirement for a pump to be satisfactory in a septic system?

A pump in a septic system is essential for moving wastewater from the tank to the drain field, especially in situations where gravity alone cannot facilitate this movement. For a pump to be satisfactory, it must effectively overcome the head, which is the vertical distance that the wastewater must be lifted, and it must also provide an acceptable discharge rate. This means that the pump should be capable of delivering the wastewater at a sufficient flow rate to ensure proper distribution into the drain field, preventing backups and ensuring the system functions properly.

Assessing the performance of the pump through these criteria is crucial because inadequate pump performance can lead to system failure, creating health hazards and environmental issues. The ability to overcome head is particularly important in maintaining the integrity of the effluent's pathway, while an acceptable discharge rate ensures that the system can handle the volume of wastewater generated. Therefore, meeting these operational requirements is fundamental to the successful functioning of a septic system.