Franklin Electric Packaged Grinder Pump Systems
- Choose from the Simplex, Duplex, and PowerSewer packaged stations
- Fiberglass basins: 24-inch diameter simplex, 36-inch diameter duplex
- PowerSewer basin depths of 60, 72, 84, and 96 inches
- Duplex runs two 2 hp pumps for built-in backup
- Send us your site details and we will match the right package
When the foundation is poured, the house sits below the street sewer, and the pump station is still on the order list, a Franklin Electric grinder pump system closes the gap in one shipment. It ships the basin, pump, floats, and discharge parts as one matched package. Below, the Simplex, Duplex, and PowerSewer are compared by site, basin, and backup.
Simplex, Duplex, or PowerSewer for Your Site
Choose the Simplex system for a single home where a short wait for service is acceptable. Choose the Duplex system when downtime is not an option, such as multi-family, commercial, or HOA stations. Choose PowerSewer when you need a deeper basin, with depths from 60 to 96 inches, or the high head IGPH pump.
Four Site Measurements That Pick the Package
- Measure the inlet depth. The depth of the building drain sets how deep the basin must be.
- Figure the total head. Add the lift to the high point plus pipe friction. Long or uphill runs call for the PowerSewer with the high head IGPH pump.
- Decide on backup. If a failed pump would back sewage into several units, go duplex.
- Check your power. All three packages use 230 VAC single phase.
Basin, Pumps, Floats, and Power Side by Side
| Feature | Simplex system | Duplex system | PowerSewer system |
|---|---|---|---|
| Pumps | One 2 hp grinder | Two 2 hp grinders | One 2 hp IGP, IGPDS, or IGPH |
| Basin | 24-inch diameter fiberglass | 36-inch diameter fiberglass | Fiberglass, shallow dry well design |
| Basin depths | 60, 72, or 84 inches | Several depths | 60, 72, 84, or 96 inches |
| Control floats | Three (on, off, high water alarm) | Four | Float tree assembly |
| Power | 230 VAC, single phase | 230 VAC, single phase | 230 VAC, single phase |
| Best for | Single-family homes | Critical or higher-use sites | Deep installs and long force mains |
Parts Included With Each Franklin Electric Grinder Pump System
Simplex Grinder Pump System
The simplex system comes in two versions, hard-piped and standard fiberglass. Both use a 2 hp, 3450 rpm grinder with a capacitor start/run motor and built-in overload protection.
- NEMA 4X waterproof control panel with audible alarm, silence switch, and red flashing light
- Three float switches on a stainless steel bracket
- Hard-piped version: 1-1/4 inch SCH 80 PVC check valve, ball valve, and discharge piping with a union disconnect
Duplex Grinder Pump System
The duplex system runs two pumps in one wet well. One pump handles the load, and the second takes over if the first fails or the level keeps rising.
- Two 2 hp, 3450 rpm grinders with capacitor start/run motors
- Control panel with built-in pump starting components
- Four float switches, two cast iron ball check valves, and a shut-off valve
- Stainless steel rail system, lifting chain, and float bracket
PowerSewer Grinder Pump System
PowerSewer is Franklin's fully assembled low-pressure sewer station. Every part is factory-matched, which cuts installation time.
- Choice of IGP, IGPDS, or high head IGPH pump, each 2 hp
- Drop inlet, anti-shear discharge, flex connector, and anti-siphon check valve
- Fiberglass riser extensions in 6, 12, 18, and 24-inch heights
- Up to 200 feet of shutoff head with the IGPH pump
Keep the Basin: Order a Pump or Panel Instead
If your basin is sound and only the pump failed, a full package is more than you need. A replacement IGP grinder pump or the Retrofit Kit restores the station without digging.
If the pump runs but the alarm or controls died, you may only need a new grinder control panel.
Relative Cost of Each Package
We quote each order, so there are no prices here. A simplex system costs less than a duplex, since it has one pump and a smaller basin. A deeper basin costs more than a shallow one, and all three cost more than a single pump.
To see every Franklin option in one place, start from the full Franklin grinder lineup.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why would a house have a grinder pump?
A house has a grinder pump when gravity cannot carry its sewage to the sewer main. This happens when the home sits below the street sewer, far from the main, or in a low-pressure sewer district. The grinder pump system collects waste in a basin, grinds it into slurry, and pushes it under pressure through a small force main. That avoids deep trenching and large gravity pipe, which can be impossible or very costly on some lots.
What happens to a grinder pump when power goes out?
When the power goes out, a grinder pump stops running, and the basin starts to fill. The basin holds some waste as a reserve, but that space runs out if the home keeps using water. During an outage, limit showers, laundry, dishwashers, and flushing. For sites that cannot risk a backup, plan for a generator connection with a qualified electrician. Once power returns, the pump should restart and drain the basin.
If I have a grinder pump, do I need a septic tank?
No, a grinder pump does not usually need a septic tank. Most grinder pump systems send the ground slurry straight to a municipal or low-pressure sewer main. The grinder basin is a pump chamber, not a treatment tank, so it does not hold waste for long. Some properties do pump to a septic or treatment system instead. Your local sewer rules decide which setup your site needs.
Do grinder pumps need to be serviced?
Yes, grinder pumps need to be serviced, even though a good station runs for long stretches without trouble. Test the high water alarm on a regular schedule. Have a technician check the floats for grease buildup, listen for grinding or rattling, and inspect the check valve. Keep wipes and grease out of the drain to reduce wear. A quick check now costs far less than a sewage backup later.
Send us your inlet depth, lift, and pipe length, and Ken's Distributing will quote the right Franklin station.