Editing Openai/6944401e-07c8-800d-9890-76b35b1d919d (section)

=== Assistant: Short answer: no—both pumps do not have to be operational for a duplex septic system to function, but it depends on how… ===
Short answer: no—''both'' pumps do not have to be operational for a duplex septic system to function, but it depends on how the system is intended to operate.

Here’s how duplex septic pump systems are typically set up:

==== ### ====
* Only one pump runs at a time
* Pumps alternate each cycle to equalize wear
* If one pump fails, the other can usually: - Keep the system operating on its own - Trigger an alarm indicating a pump failure

Result:
✔ System still works with one pump operational
⚠ Reduced redundancy until repaired

===== - One pump is the primary =====
* The second pump: - Starts only if liquid level rises unusually high - Or if the first pump can’t keep up

Result:
✔ Normal conditions: one pump is sufficient
✔ Peak flow: both pumps may be required

===== - Both pumps are designed to run together every cycle =====
* Used in: - Commercial systems - Large or high-head applications

Result:
❌ One pump alone may not meet design flow
⚠ System may alarm or fail to dose properly

==== - Alternating systems: usually no immediate failure, just loss of redundancy ====
* Lead/lag systems: alarms during heavy usage
* Simultaneous systems: potential overflow or inadequate dosing

Most systems will:
* Activate a high-water alarm
* Continue operating (if possible) until serviced

==== Look for: ====
* Control panel labels (alternating vs lead/lag)
* Float arrangement (separate lead/lag floats vs shared)
* Pump specs (flow/head requirements)
* Local code or engineer’s design documents

If you want, you can describe:
* The number of floats
* Whether the pumps run together or alternate
* Residential vs commercial system

and I can help you identify which configuration you have and whether one pump alone is acceptable.