Ontario Operator-in-Training (OIT) Practice Exam

What kind of wastewater system uses pumps and pressure to transport sewage?

1. Gravity sewer system

2. Septic tank system

3. Grinder pump system

4. Drainage system

The correct answer is: Grinder pump system

The grinder pump system is designed to transport sewage by using pumps and pressurized pipelines. This system is particularly beneficial when wastewater needs to be moved from lower elevations to higher ones, as gravity alone might not suffice. Grinder pumps operate by grinding up the waste, which reduces its size and allows it to be pumped through smaller diameter pipes under pressure. This is efficient and helps to prevent blockages that might occur with larger waste particles. In contrast, gravity sewer systems rely solely on the natural slope of the ground to facilitate the flow of sewage, making them less suitable for applications where elevation changes are present. Septic tank systems are self-contained treatment systems that don't transport sewage; they treat it on-site. Drainage systems, while involved in managing water runoff, do not specifically deal with sewage transportation like grinder pump systems do. Thus, a grinder pump system stands out as the appropriate choice for moving sewage using pumps and pressure.