Lift stations are not something a homeowner or business owner thinks about until something goes wrong. A lift station is used to pump wastewater or sewage from a low level to a higher level. When the gradient of the area does not allow for a natural flow.
When gravity does not work to your benefit. Lift stations can help move sewage from the collection area to a distant septic system or sewer.
The lift station depends on the reliability of a float-controlled switch.
There are two main elements to a lift station: the wet well and the controls. The wet well is a basin into which the inflow is discharged and where the pumps sit. The control panel is the brain of the lift station.
So, how do lift stations work? Sewage is stored and fed into a pit. Once this sewage reaches a certain level. Electrical instruments recognize the pit is full and activate the pump. Which will then pump the sewage out to its next destination. Lift stations are housed underground. This is to prevent health risks in a confined area. Since the sewage can release poisonous gases like methane and hydrogel sulfide. Therefore, it is essential that owners of existing lift stations consult a professional to ensure the pump is still working sufficiently.
A professional can also ensure proper maintenance of your lift stations. The pumps, electronic controls, and electrical system are all in a constant corrosive environment, so lift stations require maintenance to head off the need for costly repairs.
Proper maintenance – They should also be cleaned to prevent solids and grease buildup. Inspection of the pumps, greasing of the check valves, and inspections and cleaning of the floats to assure proper performance. Also included in an inspection of all electrical motor-control equipment and the basin, clean outs, and covers to prevent buildup.