If you use the septic system for waste management, you might have come across and installed something called a lift station. In some cases, lift stations can be one of the critical components of sewage collection, which plays a crucial role in transporting wastewater from one area to another. In this post, we will outline everything you need to know about a lift station, including how it works and its benefits, and how you can quickly identify if there is a problem arising from it. Rooter-Man Plumbing is a septic company you can trust for services such as septic tank pumping, septic tank repair and so on.
A lift station or a wastewater pumping station, is designed to make use of pumps in the transfer of wastewater from a low level to a high one. The lift station is particularly vital when the topography is such that wastewater flowing solely depends on gravity through the sewage system. This is evidenced by the following:
Low Lying Areas: Plants that are located in valleys or the bottom of hills often rely on the services of a lift station to pump wastewater uphill to join the main sewer line.
Excessive Digging Costs: In areas of uneven landscapes, digging deep trenches for sewer pipes is very expensive and unrealistic. Lift stations provide the easier and more economically viable alternative.
Obstructions or any flow problems: Lift stations route around obstacles that include hills, blockages in piping systems, and other flow problems inhibiting wastewater from moving freely to treatment plants or septic systems.
How Does a Lift Station Work?
A lift station works by a series of mechanical processes designed to keep wastewater moving efficiently:
Wastewater flows into a wet well: The wastewater coming from households and other establishments collects in an underground tank called a wet well. This serves as a storage tank until it gets pumped.
Level sensors initiate pumping: Sensors trigger the pumps once the wet well is full. Sensors monitor the wastewater level, and once this hits a certain height, the sensors fire up the powerful pumps to start operation.
Wastewater is pumped upwards: The pumps force the wastewater upwards in a force main special pipe intended to carry such high-pressure flow.
Gravity takes over: When the wastewater reaches higher ground, gravity will take over and continue to either a treatment facility or septic system.
Benefits of Lift Stations in Sewer Systems
Flexibility: Lift stations allow placement at strategic positions to curb topography challenges or backflow problems.
Increased Efficiency: They ensure that at all times, wastewater keeps moving in cases of low-lying areas-and prevent stagnation and backups.
Overflow reduction: Good performance of the lift station prevents sewage backup and overflows, which helps protect the environment and property.
Types of Lift Stations
There are several types of lift stations and their specific applications include:
Wet well: Pumps in wet well lift stations are submerged in the wastewater they collect. These are common on small systems and relatively easy to service.
Dry well: Dry well lift stations keep the pumps in a separate chamber that is kept dry, which can simplify maintenance and extend the useful life of the pump.
Package lift stations: These prepackaged units are relatively compact and suitable for minor installations. They come already prepared for easy, quick installation. Package lift stations are often used in residential or light commercial applications.
How Long Does a Lift Station Last?
A properly cared for lift station will last 15 to 20 years. This includes frequent testing, cleaning, and replacement of pumps as needed. A lift station, much like a septic tank installation, should be installed only by an experienced and reputable septic company.
Signs Of A Troubled Lift Station
Odors coming from drains or in the general area of the lift station.
Backup of sewage into homes or businesses.
Activating the station’s alarm system, if so equipped.
Loud, unusual noises emanating from the pumps and/or pipes within the station.
If you start to see any of these indicators, it is essential that you contact a professional septic company like Rooter Man Plumbing right away. Our experienced technicians will locate and fix any problems associated with your lift station to ensure the smooth operation of your septic system. Along with our lift station repair services, we also offer a variety of septic services, which include septic tank cleaning, installation, and maintenance.
Need Help with Your Lift Station? Call Rooter Man!
If you believe your lift station has a problem or if you would just like to make sure your septic system is running at the best performance possible, do not hesitate to give Rooter Man Plumbing a call. We have many knowledgeable and trained professionals ready to help with your septic and plumbing needs. Call us today and schedule an appointment!