Lift stations are a critical component of the functional operation process of wastewater and sewage management. Within both residential and industrial settings, lift stations play an important role in assisting when gravity alone cannot move wastewater or sewage from point A to point B. Many of us don’t even realize just how important lift stations are for the basic functions of society.
In this full scale guide, we’ll be going over everything from lift station basics consisting of what they are and how they work, to all of the applications, components, and maintenance requirements of lift stations. Ideally, through this guide, you’ll have a comprehensive understanding of what lift stations can do for you and your household with wastewater management.
A lift station, also known as a pump station, is essentially a mechanically operated system which is designed to move wastewater, sewage waste, or excess stormwater from a lower elevation to a higher elevation. If your home or business is at the base of a sloped hill, you’re vulnerable to flooding of various forms of water. A lift station “lifts” the wastewater from said lower elevations to higher elevations to prevent problems from developing and can allow wastewater management to be more cost effective and overall efficient.
Lift station operations will typically involve a complex combination of hydraulic, mechanical, and electrical systems which work together to successfully transport wastewater. Below is a breakdown of how the process works, step by step:
The first step is the wastewater collection itself. The wastewater will flow into a wet well, which is a storage tank or basin with a collection point. From there, the wastewater is temporarily held within the tank or basin.
Sensors or float switches will monitor the level of water in the wet well. At a certain point, the water will reach a level where the lift station is activated to prevent overfilling of the wet well or basin.
Pumping is the act of the lift station pushing the wastewater into and through a pressurized pipeline known as a “force main”. This specific pipeline has the ability to direct water into a higher level of elevation.
The wastewater exits the force main and enters a treatment plant, sewer main, or another destination. The discharge is the wastewater exiting the force main and entering a sewer main or other destination for processing.
When the water level in the wet well drops to a safe level, the pumps turn off automatically until they’re needed again.
Lift stations have several key areas and components to ensure efficient and effective operation:
A wet well is a large, sealed tank which collects wastewater and subsequently stores said wastewater for pumping. It’s essentially the central area of the lift station itself and it’s where the wastewater is pumped from.
While there are many different kinds of pumps (including centrifugal pumps for industrial applications), Residential Lift stations will typically utilize the following types of Submersible Pumps:
Float switches are also quite literally what they sound like: floating switches. These switches float in the wet well and they signal the pumps to start or stop when the water level reaches a certain point. There are two types of float switches:
These switches are only designed to handle smaller currents, sending signals to the control panel from down inside the wet well.
These switches are beefier, designed to directly control the water pump in the wet well with the pumps current passing through the switch, typically not sending any signals back to the panel.
The control panel helps to maintain all operations of the lift station, It helps manage the pump activation, the system performance, and it will also signal signs of malfunction.
The force main has a pressurized pipeline which helps to transport the wastewater from the lift station itself to the final destination.
Proper ventilation is required to prevent buildup of harmful gases. These harmful gasses could consist of everything from methane to hydrogen sulfide within the wet well itself. Having proper ventilation will help to ensure safety and reduce the presence of accumulating odors.
Lift stations are able to be categorized through two types:
Dry-Well Lift Stations are typically found in larger commercial and industrial applications.
As a homeowner, this is typically the type of lift station you can expect to encounter.
Lift stations are used across residential, commercial and industrial settings. Here are some of the most common applications:
Lift stations are essential to municipal wastewater stations. The lift station will successfully transport wastewater from neighborhoods and commercial vicinities to the treatment plants.
A lift station plays a crucial role in residential wastewater disposal systems, particularly in homes situated below the main sewer line, those requiring connection to a pressurized main, or properties with on-site septic or treatment systems positioned higher than (or at a significant distance from) the home’s outlet.
Industrial facilities, such as wastewater treatment plants and manufacturers need lift stations to help optimize their workflow and input/output processes.
If you encounter heavy rain in your area, you’ll want lift stations throughout the specified locale, as this will help prevent stormwater from accumulating and causing flooding.
Agricultural uses of lift stations are plentiful. Farms and other agricultural operations will often require lift stations to transport water for irrigation purposes, or to remove excess water from fields to prevent crop damage.
Below are some common challenges and maintenance suggestions for lift stations:
When relying on a lift station for wastewater management, understanding the capabilities of the lift station and its submersible pump is essential.
Proper maintenance is crucial for the long-term performance of a lift station. Here are some of the best practices to adhere to:
Inspect the wet well, pumps, and control panel quarterly to identify potential issues early with a proactive approach.
Remove debris and grease as needed during your routine inspections of the unit.
Hiring professional help can ensure you’re receiving the expertise you need to keep everything running at peak performance and spot smaller issues before they turn into major ones.
The estimated cost of purchasing and installing a lift station by type is broken down below:
Maintenance costs can typically run around $200 - $2,000 per year.
There are many advancements being made in lift station technology as each year goes by. Below are some of the latest advancements:
Remote monitoring and IoT (Internet of Things) technology are allowing users to have full control of many operational elements of the lift station system.
Energy efficiency within pumps has reached all-time highs without sacrificing quality of processes.
Lift stations are essential components of modern wastewater and stormwater management, helping to keep communities clean, safe, and functional. Whether for residential, commercial, or industrial use, these systems provide an efficient solution for moving water and wastewater in areas where gravity alone isn’t enough.
By understanding how lift stations work, their components, and the importance of regular maintenance, you can ensure your system operates smoothly for years to come. Whether you’re installing a lift station or upgrading an existing one, investing in quality equipment and proper care will pay off in the end. Feel free to contact us if you have any questions. We look forward to hearing from you soon!
