Information about " Mini Sewers"/LPS systems (Port Charlotte, Englewood: insurance, house)

[orhs66]

Recently discovered that property we purchased in Rotanda Meadows will require a low pressure sewer treatment system. found some good info on the Charlotte County Web-site but would like some input from folks who have them in there homes and from builders/plumbers, or who ever actually connects the system to the home.


Does all of Rotanda,Englewood, South Gulf Cove and Charlotte County use this system??? What are the pros and cons??? Is there a possibility of sewer backing up into the home?? If I purchased a spec house in the area and a LPS system was needed would it be included in the price of the home, or an additional cost like it is when building new???

Have lived in the Northeast my whole life so this is new to me and really need to get educated about the what, where and how.

[PCHI]

Mini sewers are really just a type of system in which the waste water district used small pumps at each home rather than larger more centralized pumping stations. They have been around the area for some time. Englewood was one of the first in the nation to install them at a large scale. They suck rather than push. They systems are reliable but do break down from time to time. Englewood water is very responsive to repairs.

Not all areas have them out in that area. Established areas such as Rotonda do not. As the area expanded with growth the systems have been added. Much of Englewood proper has the systems but not all.

A portion of Port Charlotte has it also. Would not worry about a back up any more then any other systems. A builder will have to answer the part about costs. Where its required I don't think you have a choice however.

The pro is I guess it is maintenance free for the homeowner. It breaks, Englewood water fixes it. Cons.....? None really that Im aware of.

[mr&mrssunshine]

Rotonda West (ie 'the circle' ) does NOT
all other sub divisions (SAnds,Heights, lakes,Meadows,Villas) DO need one.

cost is appr $5100 installed. it is done by a specialist and connected to a pipe by the plumber, County connect to the main sewer pipe in the street. You still pay sewer hook y up

IF the system breaks down there is an alarm and the Utility company fixes it free of charge. They also attend pretty quick.

a spec home will have it installed , it is needed for CO.

they can and do break on occasions

[orhs66]

Again not familiar with the LPS system, just curious why its not needed in the Rotonda west area??? Does it have to do with elevation???

[InterestedOne]

Originally Posted by orhs66

Recently discovered that property we purchased in Rotanda Meadows will require a low pressure sewer treatment system. found some good info on the Charlotte County Web-site but would like some input from folks who have them in there homes and from builders/plumbers, or who ever actually connects the system to the home.


Does all of Rotanda,Englewood, South Gulf Cove and Charlotte County use this system??? What are the pros and cons??? Is there a possibility of sewer backing up into the home?? If I purchased a spec house in the area and a LPS system was needed would it be included in the price of the home, or an additional cost like it is when building new???

Have lived in the Northeast my whole life so this is new to me and really need to get educated about the what, where and how.

Low Pressure Sewer Systems (around for some 30 years) operates between your home and the the waste water mains leading to the treatment facility. Most sewer drainage is gravity fed. LPS use a small pump station in a collection tank outside the home, from there a waste water is pumped through the transmission system. Sometimes LPS systems are used where gravity is an issue another system is impractical.

Your concerns:
Can waste water back up into the home? Yes. These systems require an maximum level alarm inside the burried tank. If the alarm is not functioning sewage can indeed back up without your knowledge.

Failure of these systems are largely due to pump failures, especially clogged primary screens. Therefore, it is wise to say keeping items such as: Grease and cooking oils, plastics/rubber, paper towels or disposable cleaning rags, dental floss, diapers or feminine hygiene products, cigarette buts and cigar stubs, cloth, and logical things that can wear an impeller like grounds, coffee, shells and bones, cat litter, glass particles, etc. Of course keep petroleum products and medicines out as well.

If you recently purchased the home and your sewer is not function as per industry standard I tend to think its the builder's liability. You may go to the county records to ascertain the plumbing connection and passed inspection notice.
I find it difficult a spec builder, as least familiar to the area would not have known an LPS system was required. An outside area builder may not have known but the county should not have permitted/accepted the passing of a gravity drainage where its known LPS systems are an areas general theme requirement.

Caveat Emptor is always the case however, you bought the home in good faith a vital utility was installed with confidence of proper operation. A home inspection would not have likely revealed a sewage discharge issue on testing a few showers and flushing while looking for leaks.

Has anyone from the plumbing department the LPS is required? Have they elevation charts displaying sewer pipe elevations that might shed light on gravity problems.

If you already have the LPS system: Do the above and have the alarm tested for confidence and you'll have years of trouble free operation. JUST FYI: There is supposed to be a emergency clean out for the tank. Might be a good idea to locate the access for it should you ever need an emergency pump out truck, Why? It costs big bucks to have the driver find the thing, if at all. Better on your nickel than his.

As a final thought: If septic tanks are permissible and you have land might consider a septic system. Food for thought.
You can add a Piranha digester to a septic system to reduce drain field size as well as storage capacity size.

Hope this helps. Here if you need any other assistance.

[mr&mrssunshine]

The op hasn't got a home with issues, he has a lot and was just enquiring. IO does make good points though

[orhs66]

Thanks Interested one, good info. haven't built yet, just a empty lot, and having second thoughts related to flood insurance, LPS and stem walls..........