Caring for Your Grinder Pump
A Note on Service Calls
Lakeway MUD maintains the grinder pump systems in our service area. Please see the Rate Order for details on what all is covered. We have a service technician on call 24/7/365.
If you have a grinder pump emergency in the Lakeway MUD service area, please call (512) 261-6222. If it is after regular business hours, please let the call center know it is an emergency and they will forward your call to our on-call service technician.
We ONLY service street-level grinder pumps in TC MUDs 11, 12, and 13 Service Area
If you are a Lakeway MUD customer in the Rough Hollow area, along Highlands Blvd., we do not service the grinder pump system located near your house. You will need to call Hydro Source for service:
For any issues with the grinder pump located at the customer’s residence (other than the one at the street-level maintained by Lakeway MUD), the customer or responsible party should submit the service request directly to Hydro Source. Hydro Source Services is the primary authorized local distributor and service provider for Environment One (E/One) grinder pumps in Central Texas, which is the type of grinder pump system used in Rough Hollow. Customers can submit a service request through the Hydro Source website or call them directly:
Hydro Source Service Contact Information:
- Online Service Request form: https://www.hydrosourcetx.com/service_request.htm
- Monday–Friday, 8:00 AM–4:00 PM: 512-572-6188
- After hours: 512-945-2356
Once a service request is submitted, Hydro Source will contact the customer within 24 hours to get them scheduled with a technician. The standard service fee for Hydro Source is currently $435.00 (as of 10/12/26). If the Hydro Source technician determines that the issue is the result of a warrantable manufacturer defect, E/One (the manufacturer of the grinder pumps used in Rough Hollow) will cover the applicable service fee under the manufacturer’s warranty. If the issue is not covered under warranty, the customer/responsible party would be responsible for the $435.00 service fee, plus any applicable parts and labor required to make the necessary repairs and get the system back up and running. Before Hydro Source will dispatch a technician, they require a credit card to be placed on file for the responsible party.
During the service process, once the request is received, Hydro Source will contact the customer to schedule the service appointment. The customer does not need to be present at the time of the service call. However, if there are any gates, pets, access restrictions, or other circumstances that our technician needs to be aware of, they ask that the customer let them know when scheduling the appointment. Hydro Source will then evaluate the system and communicate the findings and any necessary repairs with the customer.
Grinder pump systems are used in many neighborhoods where site conditions (such as building elevations and ground slopes) make construction of a conventional “Gravity Sewer System” impractical. A grinder pump works like a household garbage disposal, but on a larger scale: it grinds up wastewater produced in your home (i.e. toilet use, shower, washing machine, etc.) and pumps it into the public sewer system. Grinder pump systems have usage considerations that must be followed for the system to function properly. If the guidelines below are routinely followed, the system will typically require very few repairs and maintenance. However, malfunctions are possible. Any irregularity in the system can trigger a red light and audible alarm to go off on the system’s control panel indicating service may be needed.
SYSTEM COMPONENTS
Grinder pumps are typically buried underground with the collection tank lid, a clean out pipe access area, and the corresponding control panel above ground. The illustration above shows Service Access Areas that must remain unobstructed at all times. The control panel box may be painted and maintained at the Customer’s expense.
WHAT TO EXPECT
Normally functioning grinder pump systems do make some sounds when they turn on, but it should not be disruptive. They also emit minimal, if any, odor. Customers should notice only a slight increase to their electric bill since the grinder pump should only be running a few times a day.
POWER OUTAGES/HEAVY RAIN
A grinder pump system control panel is operated by electricity so power outages affect the ability for the system to function. Customers should limit water disposal down pipes during power outages.
ALERT THAT REPAIRS ARE NEEDED
If a grinder pump system needs maintenance, an audible and/or lighted alarm on the control panel will alert Customers that service is needed. If the alarm does not turn off within about five (5) minutes of discontinued water use, repairs may be necessary.
DURING EXTENDED LEAVE
Prior to vacating a property for extended periods of time, warranting more than three (3) months of disuse of the grinder pump system, Customers should run water down a drain until the pump turns on; this will help to flush out the pump and prevent odors. Do not turn off the pump during extended absences. Pumps need to be run at least once every three (3) months to continue functioning properly.
ROUTINE MAINTENANCE
Maintenance or repairs on any wastewater system often result from flushing inappropriate materials down the toilet, pouring inappropriate materials down a drain, or placing inappropriate waste down the disposal causing blockages. They can also result from situations beyond the Customers’ control, such as excess storm water entering the system, freezing temperatures, or regular wear and tear on system components. Learning the appropriate way to dispose of household waste protects the sewer system, keeps costs down, and protects the environment.
What NOT to Flush Down the Toilet, Pour Down a Drain, or Put Down the Disposal
Garbage Disposals: General advice is do not OVERUSE a garbage disposal. The majority of what is put in a garbage disposal can (and should) be put into the trash. This will keep the cost of operation and maintenance lower and will prevent early pump failure.
BOTTOM LINE: Only flush the 3 Ps (pee, poo, and toilet paper) and keep FOG (fats, oils, grease) out of wastewater drains! The items listed above, as well as any other non-dissolvable or abrasive items, should be collected and placed in a trash can or other container for disposal with your household garbage or as otherwise indicated on the product’s label. Medications can be properly disposed of using a community-based “Take-Back Initiative” program. Hazardous waste can be dropped off at designated disposal locations.
PROBLEMS WITH OR QUESTIONS ABOUT YOUR SYSTEM?
As of 10/1/2019, each LMUD customer with a grinder pump system (only street-level grinder pump systems for customers in Rough Hollow, added 9/9/2026) pays a maintenance fee as part of their wastewater base charge. With this rate change, rather than customers calling a plumbing company, LMUD is responsible for performing all necessary repairs and preventative maintenance required to keep the systems functioning properly (limitations apply). It remains the property owner’s responsibility to contact LMUD in order to initiate a work order for any needed repairs. More information can be found by viewing the Rate Order.
Please direct any questions or concerns to our main office:
Lakeway MUD
1097 Lohmans Crossing
Lakeway, TX 78734
Phone: (512) 261-6222
Email: customerservice [at] lakewaymud.org
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