Grinder Pumps

The GRINDER PUMP MAINTENANCE PROGRAM (GPMP) covers the grinder pump only. The pump is the most likely component to fail and also the most expensive. The program does not cover the tank, plumbing into and out of the tank or any electrical wiring and devices.

Many have older tanks that the top of the tank is made from pressed board. The pressed board deteriorates over time and needs to be replaced to prevent ground water from entering the system. We can provide plastic culvert cut to order to replace the deteriorated pressed board. Please contact the office for more information. If a pump failure is due to excessive operation because of ground water entering the system, you could be held responsible for the cost to replace the pump.

Sewer / Grinder Pump Emergency Repair Procedures

The Grinder Pump Maintenance Program provides service for the grinder pump only.  The Association is not responsible for a system failure if it is determined to occur due to an electrical or plumbing problem.

Home Call Procedures

  1. Someone must be present when the LMPOA maintenance person gets to the property owners home to make necessary repairs unless prior arrangements have been made (i.e. seasonal, vacation, etc.
  2. Grinder pump maintenance calls will be taken Monday through Friday 8am-5pm.  On Saturday and Sunday, maintenance calls will be taken between 8:30am and 4:30 pm (on call person will be called).  Calls will not be accepted after 4pm during the months of December and January due to limited daylight hours for the safety of our personnel.
  3. Emergency calls will be taken at all other times (after hours and holidays) with the on-call person being notified.

Procedure When Requesting an Emergency Weekend or After-Hours Call

  1. All available information should be collected (Lot number, Callers name, Phone, Location of pump, and has pump overflowed)
  2. The guardhouse or Office staff will call the on-call maintenance person and provide them with the above information.
  3. The on-call person will call the homeowner to determine emergency status and need for an after-hours service call.  If the call is deemed non-emergency, the call will be completed on the next day.  All calls are completed in the order received.

Emergency Call: A response may be required inf the grinder pump is located overflowing within the dwelling or if the pump failure has resulted in an overflow of sewage on the property.  Exceptions may also be made when an occupant of a dwelling has a serious medical condition that could be hindered by the grinder pump failure.

During hours of darkness or conditions that could be construed as unsafe to work on the pump (weather, location, etc) repairs may be delayed and temporary measure if possible may be taken.

Plumbing or Electrical Problems:  For plumbing or electrical problems outside of the realm of this program, the Association has established a relationship with a plumbing and electrical contractor who are familiar with Lake Mohawk.  The cost of the services are the responsibility of the home owner.

Sewer Line Emergencies: If a lift station alarm has activated, or a main line blockage or leak occurred, contact Carroll County Environmental BTM Sewer District at 330-863-1515.  Leave a message on the emergency line, an on call employee will be immediately contacted and will respond.  You may also report outages to the Guardhouse at 330-863-0000.Just a reminder - do not put any type of grease into your sink.  This will cause your grinder pump to malfunction, which will turn into an inconvenience for you and an added expense to the association to fix the pump.  Please pass this info along to your children.

 

Important Reminders

To prevent your grinder pump from malfunctioning, please DO NOT flush any type of wipes down your toilet.  This includes baby wipes and household wipes, such as Clorox or Lysol wipes. These products clog the grinder pump causing sewage to possibly back up into your home.  Also, DO NOT flush paper towels as they cause the same type of problem.  You are responsible for any damage done to your pump and you will be billed accordingly if our sewer department has to come for a repair due to your negligence.

Winterization

If Grinder Pump is to be left for extended periods in an unheated location during winter, the water in the tank and the pump should be replaced with an anti-freeze solution. The procedure is as follows:

  • Winterize all other plumbing fixtures in the building in the usual manner. Leave the water supply on the one commode.
  • Pour 2-3 gallons of RV anti-freeze into the toilet so that it drains down into the Grinder Pump.
  • Flush toilet 3-4 times to cause the Grinder Pump to turn on. Turn water off. Allow Grinder Pump to pump down and shut off automatically. This purges the system and leaves it filled