What is a Lift Station and How Does it Work?
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.
Plumber 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.
