How to Wire an Above-Ground Septic Pump

Like below-ground septic systems, above-ground septic systems are used in areas that lack access to city sewer lines. Above-ground systems, also called mound systems, are often required for properties with shallow water tables, such as waterfront sites. Because these systems are above ground, a pump is needed to move the sewage in the tank to the dispersion field. Once the pump is installed, you will need to wire it.

Measuring tape
Flexible conduit -- 1/2 inch
Three-wire cable
Fishing tape -- optional
Screwdriver

Instructions

- 1
  At the main circuit breaker, turn off power to the ground fault circuit interrupt. GFCI breakers are built to operate in severe weather and will automatically cut the power if it detects a voltage leak.
- 2
  Remove the access panel for the GFCI circuit breaker.
- 3
  Measure the distance from the GFCI to the pump housing. Cut off the same amount of flexible half-inch flexible conduit.
- 4
  Run a three-wire cable through the flexible conduit. For longer conduits, you may need to use fishing tape to pull the cord all the way through. In this case, feed the tape through the conduit, and then connect the cable to the tape. Pull the tape and cable through the conduit.
- 5
  Loosen the connection coupling on the outside of the GFCI box, using a screwdriver. Feed the wiring cable through the opening in the side or the bottom of the box, and insert the end of the conduit inside the connection coupling. Tighten the coupling with a screwdriver.
- 6
  Remove the electrical access panel on the pump, and loosen the connection coupling screw with a screwdriver as you did on the GFCI box. Pull the wire through the electrical cable opening, and slip the conduit into the coupling. Tighten the coupling with a screwdriver.
- 7
  Connect the black wire to the terminal marked "live" or "hot" inside the GFCI box. Connect the white wire to the terminal or bar marked "neutral" and the green wire to the terminal marked "ground." Replace the GFCI cover, either snapping it in place or tightening the cover screw.
- 8
  Connect the black wire inside the pump electrical box to the terminal marked "live" or "hot," the white wire to the terminal marked "neutral" and the copper wire to the green terminal screw or grounding bar. Replace the electrical panel cover on the pump.
- 9
  Restore power for the GFCI circuit at the main circuit breaker. Fill the septic tank with water before testing the pump operation.

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