Sewage pump basin size?

[Shawndh]

I just ordered a Zoeller kit from irawoods.com with a 24" x 36" basin. Can someone tell me how many gallons that size relates to? Irawoods sales person didn't seem to know, but we both know that the "18 x 24" is a 30 gal basin. I wanted something a little larger than a 30 gal because this system will be supporting a tub, separate shower, washing maching, sink, dishwasher, and commode for everyday use (one person). I've heard that if the basin is too small, the pump can prematurely burn out. So I just opted for the biggest basin they offered with a kit.
http://www.irawoods.com/Zoeller-912...ge-System-BN266-Pump-PSF-Deluxe-Basin-w-Alarm

 

[Nukeman]

24" (diameter) * 36" (height):

V=H*pi*D^2/4 = 36*pi*(24)^2/4 = 16,286 cuin = 9.425 cuft

9.425 cuft * 7.4805 gal/cuft = 70.5 gallons

This is an approximation assuming a cylindrical shape and does not take into account the volume that the pump/piping takes up. It should be pretty close to the actual volume, though.

On the 18x24, I get 26.4 gallons using these assumptions. I assume that the dimensions listed are D x H.

 

[Sponsor]

 

[Shawndh]

Wow! I was thinking it would be more like 50 gallons. Hope we don't reach China trying to dig a hole big enough for it.

Well, it's only 3ft deep, so I guess it's about right. 2ft deep just doesn't seem large enough. By my calculations, I'm coming up with about 60 gallons, but I'm not sure if that's correct.

 

[Nukeman]

Yep. It is just over the external dimensions of a 55 gallon drum. The inside of a 55 gallon is a bit smaller (compared to the outside dimensions) mainly due to having a dome-shaped bottom (typically) instead of flat.

In the picture, it looks like it tapers towards the bottom, so it might be smaller than what I calculated. I would guess that the actual volume is somewhere between 60 gallons and the 70.5 gallon number I listed previously.

If you want a more exact number, you can post some additional measurements when you get it. The best way would be to actually test it (fill with 5 gallon buckets water and then switch to 1 gallon jugs when it is close to full). Keep track of what it takes to fill it and you should have a very accurate number.

 

[Shawndh]

Yep. It is just over the external dimensions of a 55 gallon drum. The inside of a 55 gallon is a bit smaller (compared to the outside dimensions) mainly due to having a dome-shaped bottom (typically) instead of flat.

In the picture, it looks like it tapers towards the bottom, so it might be smaller than what I calculated. I would guess that the actual volume is somewhere between 60 gallons and the 70.5 gallon number I listed previously.

If you want a more exact number, you can post some additional measurements when you get it. The best way would be to actually test it (fill with 5 gallon buckets water and then switch to 1 gallon jugs when it is close to full). Keep track of what it takes to fill it and you should have a very accurate number.

Thanx for your help. I guess it's safe to have a larger pit than to be stuck with a pit that's too small. I can always adjust the float switch and I'm sure I have the 24in diameter of room for the pit. So I guess it will be fine.