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Emergency Preparedness Information for Grinder Pump Customers

Oct 8th, 2026

A small percentage of customers are connected to the sanitary sewer system by means of a grinder pump that is not owned by MAWSS. If there is a power failure that affects your home, your grinder pump will also experience a loss of power and will not be able to operate. The tank that houses the pump will generally hold 24 hours of normal sanitary waste flow, but limit interior water use until power is restored. During extended power outages, such as hurricanes, you must make other provisions for sanitary service. The options include:

  • Provide emergency power through a generator. This requires disconnecting the pump from your home electrical service so a generator can power it separately. The most common method is to have a licensed electrician install a transfer switch at the house service box.
  • Arrange for a septic tank service company to come and empty the tank as needed. To save money, neighborhood residents could negotiate a price for multiple customers, since a standard service truck can empty 15-20 tanks in one trip.
  • Relocate until power is restored.

If you don't implement one of the above options, you risk an unhealthy situation. Please have a plan before an emergency occurs. 

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Mobile, AL 36618