Septic Pumped Systems, STEP Systems & Pressure Dosing
When Gravity Cannot Reach the Drain Field, Engineered Pump Systems Deliver Effluent Where It Needs to Go
What Are Septic Pumped Systems?
A pumped septic system is required when the drain field or treatment area sits at a higher elevation than the septic tank outlet, or when the horizontal distance exceeds what gravity flow can reliably handle. In Arizona's caliche-dominated terrain, elevation constraints are extremely common — impermeable calcium carbonate layers force drain fields onto ridges, elevated pads, or remote portions of a property that sit well above the tank. SewerTime designs, installs, and maintains STEP systems, pressure dosing configurations, and dedicated effluent pump stations across Phoenix and Maricopa County.
STEP Systems, Pressure Dosing & Effluent Pump Configurations
Three primary pump system configurations dominate Arizona septic installations. Each addresses a different challenge — whether it is lifting effluent uphill, distributing it evenly across a large drain field, or pushing it through small-diameter force mains to a remote disposal area.
STEP (Septic Tank Effluent Pump) systems install a submersible pump directly in the final compartment of the septic tank or in a dedicated pump vault. Clarified effluent is pressurized through 1.25-inch to 2-inch force mains to the drain field, eliminating the need for deep gravity sewer trenches. STEP systems are the standard solution for subdivisions using shared collection networks and individual lots where the leach field sits above the tank outlet.
Pressure dosing systems add timed delivery cycles that push measured volumes of effluent across all drain field laterals simultaneously. This prevents the near-end saturation that destroys conventional gravity-fed trenches and can extend drain field lifespan by 50% or more. For Arizona properties with marginal percolation soils, pressure dosing is frequently required by Maricopa County reviewers.
STEP Systems
Submersible pumps installed in the septic tank or a dedicated pump vault pressurize effluent through small-diameter force mains. Ideal for lots where the drain field is uphill or for shared collection systems serving multiple properties.
Pressure Dosing
Timed dosing cycles deliver measured volumes of effluent evenly across all drain field laterals simultaneously. Prevents near-end saturation, extends system lifespan, and satisfies Maricopa County requirements for marginal soils.
Pump Chamber Design
Standalone pump basins with duplex or simplex pumps, float switch arrays, and high-water alarms. Sized for peak daily flow with built-in redundancy to handle Arizona’s extreme summer demand cycles.
Keeping Your Pump System Running in Arizona
Unlike passive gravity septic systems, pumped configurations contain electrical and mechanical components that require scheduled maintenance. Float switches drift out of calibration, pump impellers wear from abrasive desert sediment, check valves fail silently, and Arizona's extreme summer heat accelerates degradation of electrical contactors and wiring insulation.
SewerTime provides comprehensive pump system maintenance agreements and emergency repair services across the entire Phoenix metro area. Our technicians carry replacement pumps, float assemblies, and control panels on every service truck for same-day restoration when a system goes down.
- Pump Inspection & Testing — Verify operation, measure amp draw, inspect impellers and check valves for wear or blockage
- Float Switch Calibration — Confirm on/off trigger levels are set correctly to prevent short-cycling, dry-running, or overflow
- High-Water Alarm Testing — Verify audible and visual alarm activation at the correct tank level to alert homeowners before backup occurs
- Dosing Schedule Verification — Confirm timer settings match the original system design for even drain field loading and resting cycles
- Force Main Inspection — Check for leaks, air locks, and pressure loss along distribution piping from pump to drain field
- Electrical Panel Service — Inspect contactors, overload protection, and wiring connections for heat damage common in Arizona installations
- Emergency Pump Replacement — Same-day pump swaps with properly sized replacements to restore flow and prevent sewage backup into the property