Lift stations are an integral component of a wastewater management system. They transport wastewater from low elevations to higher ones when gravity won’t cooperate and give entire systems more flexibility and efficiency in terms of how they move wastewater from point A to point B.
But like anything, lift stations need maintenance every now and then. Today, we’re going to talk about why that’s important, some signs you might need to get your lift stations cleaned and what actually goes into it. Let’s jump right in!
Why it’s so important
If a lift station is well-maintained, it basically ensures uninterrupted flow of wastewater. Lift stations regularly take a beating and blockages, backups and other random issues will pop up from time to time. Keeping the system clean not only helps your system run better and more efficiently – but it prevents otherwise minor issues from becoming significant issues further down the line.
Does your lift station need to be cleaned?
There are a number of telltale signs that you should get your lift station cleaned. Some of the most obvious or common issues include – drainage and backup issues, odors coming from the lift station area itself, some abnormal sounds coming from the pump, overcycling and fluctuating water levels. There are some others – but these are the ones that account for about 90% of the issues. Just keeping your eyes peeled and being a little more diligent at monitoring things like your water levels will help you stay out ahead of these issues.
Additionally, it’s not a bad idea to be on a regular maintenance plan. That way, you know your lift stations are being cared for on an ongoing and as-needed basis.
What will happen?
Anytime a service pro shows up to clean a lift station, they’ll inspect and assess the system itself. That’ll include some visual inspections as well as the review of data. The major priority in cleaning will be to remove any solids and debris that have collected in the wet well as those are usually the biggest culprits when it comes to backups and blockages. Next, they’ll clean out the pumps and any obstructions in the discharge lines. Occasionally you may notice that service pros will use high pressure cleaning techniques as a means to eliminate any buildup or sediment that may have formed over time. Lastly, they’ll inspect your digital control panels and make sure everything’s working as intended.
This will all help keep your lift station running more smoothly heading forward.