A lift station is used to pump waste water or sewage from a low level to a higher level when the gradient of the area does not allow for a natural flow. Lift stations offer a cheaper solution for companies that need to ensure removal of waste on a tight budget. Residential properties can also benefit from lift stations.
How do lift stations work? Sewage is stored and fed into a pit. Once this sewage reaches a certain level, electrical instrumentation recognises the pit is becoming full and activates the pump, which will then pump the sewage out to its next destination. Depending on demand, there can be one or more pumps used at any given time. The sewage will then go through a cleaning system to ensure that it can be reused as drinking water.
Most lift stations are housed underground to prevent health risks from the sewage. The station is placed in a confined area, since the sewage can release poisonous gases like methane and hydrogen sulphide. Therefore, it is essential that owners of existing lift stations consult a professional like Drain King to ensure the pump is still working sufficiently.
Should you decide that a new lift station is for you, we can advise on the best system to meet your needs. We can also carry out routine preventive maintenance, repair, and replacement for your already installed lift station.
We provide several services to assist customers and companies with sewer system repair and maintenance. But what is a commercial sewer system and how does it work?
A sewer system is comprised of a centralized network of pipes that collect both wastewater and stormwater from multiple sources and transports it to a sewer facility for treatment or disposal. Urban sewer systems are typically one of two types: 1) a combined system, in which both sanitary wastewater (comprised of liquid and waterborne wastes) and stormwater share the same pipeline, or 2) a separate system, where wastewater and stormwater travels in separate pipelines, called the storm sewer.
Ideally, a sewer system is gravity-powered. Drainage pipes from each building (i.e. residences, commercial buildings, industrial complexes, etc.) flow to a sewer main that runs down the middle of the street. The sewer mains flow into the treatment plant, which is usually located in a low-lying area. Once there, the water goes through one, two, or three stages of treatment, depending on the capabilities of the plant.
The first stage is called Primary Treatment. Holding pools allow waste solids to settle and the scum to rise. The system then collects the solids for disposal. If this is the only stage of treatment, the water is chlorinated to kill the remaining bacteria before it's discharged.
The second stage, called Secondary Treatment, uses bacteria in large, aerated tanks to remove organic materials and nutrients from the wastewater, which then flows to settling tanks, where the bacteria settle out. This treatment removes up to 90 percent of all solids and organic materials from the wastewater.
The third stage, Tertiary Treatment, can vary, depending on the community and the composition of the wastewater. Typically, chemicals are used to remove phosphorous and nitrogen from the water, but filter beds may also be used. Any remaining bacteria are killed by adding chlorine, and the wastewater is discharged.
While many commercial businesses can connect to a centralized sewer line provided by local governments or private corporations, the regulation and requirements are different in every city. Businesses are typically charged for usage based on the amount and content of the wastewater that is processed. For example, restaurants require systems that are capable of managing oils, fats, greasy substances, and food items. Fats, oils, and grease (FOG) are one of the leading causes of sewer overflows and maintenance concerns in sewer systems across the United States, and must be carefully monitored and controlled.
For areas without an existing sewer system, establishing centralized sewer services can draw businesses to the community and promote commercial growth. Without a system in place, businesses are forced to rely on in-ground septic tanks, a type of onsite sewage facility. Wastewater is collected and stored in a holding tank that is installed on the property. Regular preventative maintenance is required to remove solids that settle at the bottom of the tank, which often becomes the responsibility of the resident or property owner. If neglected, septic systems can pose a variety of problems for the owner. They can also cause pollution levels to exceed acceptable limits, harming plant and animal life.
Sewage lift stations, also known as pump stations, are used to move the sewage water from an area of low elevation to higher elevation, against gravity, for a continuous flow. It is also used in areas where gravity conveyance might result in additional construction costs. Sewage lift stations become economical in instances where the sewage has to be lifted over a ridge and then left to flow by gravity to the treatment facility.
Technician working on a basement lift station.
The main part of a lift station is a “wet-well.” It is waste water receiving well, where sewage is fed into and stored temporarily. The well also comes with proper equipment to detect the level of sewage present. A predetermined level is set and once sewage in the well reaches this point, a lift-pump will help lift it through a pressurized pipe system. This pipe system is called “sewer force main” or “rising main.” Sewage is then discharged into a manhole that will use the flow of gravity to transfer the contents to a treatment plant.
More than one pump or one lift station might be used to empty the well based on the volume of its contents. If it’s not emptied, then a backup in the sewer system may occur, leading to discharge of said sewage into the environment. Another importance of having more than one pump is to avoid sewage standing stagnant in the well when one of the pumps fails.
A well-designed and maintained wet well is crucial, as this ensures the smoothest operation of the lift station. Wet wells allow the automatic operation of the lift station with a simple control. The wet well should be an ideal size and not allow large volumes of stagnant sewage to collect in it, eliminating septic action. It should not wear the pumps out with constant starting and stopping. Submersible lift stations are ideal and they can function with little maintenance and are also inconspicuous.
The interior of a sewage pump station is hazardous due to the poisonous sewer gasses that accumulate. Professional personnel are trained to maintain or fix problems with lift stations. Please contact Drain King today if you are in need of a lift station installation or for maintenance and repairs. We are local experts who can take care of your needs efficiently.
Water is a unique liquid as it expands when it freezes (as in ice). Therefore, plastic or metal pipes that contain water are under tremendous pressure when this occurs in colder weather. This can cause even the best-made pipes to break or crack. Pipes that are susceptible to this are located in areas like swimming-pool supply lines, water-sprinkler lines and water-supply pipes in unheated interior areas like basements and crawl spaces, attics, garages or kitchen cabinets. Also, pipes that run against exterior walls that have little or no insulation are also vulnerable to breakage or cracking.
Even before the onset of the cold weather months, pipe freezing can be prevented by draining water from swimming-pool and water-sprinkler supply lines. Antifreeze should not be used in these lines unless directed. Antifreeze is environmentally harmful, and is dangerous to humans, pets, wildlife and landscaping. Hot- and cold-water pipes in areas with no heat should be insulated. Products such as pipe sleeve, or installing heat tape or heat cable, can be used to insulate water pipes. If on a budget, newspaper can provide some degree of insulation and protection to exposed pipes.
During the cold-weather months, allowing warm air to circulate around drain service can help keep pipes from freezing. If exposed pipes have faucets attached, a trickle of cold water dripping from them will help prevent the pipes from freezing.
If the pipes have already frozen, thawing them is necessary. Faucets with frozen pipes should be kept open. As frozen pipes are treated, running water through the pipe will help melt any ice. Applying constant heat in the form of a heating pad wrapped around the pipe, a hair dryer or space heater, or wrapping pipes with cloths soaked in hot water will help thaw them. Careful care should be taken to avoid using open-flame devices.
Sometimes if one pipe is frozen, additional pipes may freeze, as well. Hence, all the faucets must be checked. In cases where the frozen area of the pipe is not known or not accessible, a licensed professional’s help must be sought. Call us today at Drain King if you experience any problems with frozen pipes this winter. We are your local experts and will take care of all your needs in an efficient and professional manner.
