Sewage lift stations pump grey water from a lower to a higher elevation, utilizing a well with submersible pumps and valves. These stations contain a couple of primary components - the wet well and the controls. The wet well is a basin that the water flows into, and serves as a housing for the pumps - each of which have their own check valve and shut off valve. The check valve prevents water from coming back into the wet well, and keeps one pump from pumping back into the other. A shut off valve provides segregation of the pumps, so they can be removed and serviced. Each pump has a hand-off automatic (HOA) switch. The hand position governs the pump manually, while the automatic position operates it off the level sensors.
Wet wells should be emptied and cleaned at least once every six months to prevent solids and grease build-up. Submersible pumps and the impeller should be checked every three months. Check valves need inspection and greasing every six months to ensure that they work properly, and to prevent the return of water from the force main to the wet well. Inspection and cleaning of the basin, clean-outs, and covers should be conducted as needed to prevent build-up. Check and clean floats quarterly, since the accumulation of grease keeps them from working as they should.
Submersible pump stations cost less than dry well setups and eliminate the need for frequent pump maintenance. Since large above ground structures aren’t required, they tend to blend in with the surrounding environment. Like most things that work great, lift stations are something you might never think about until they aren’t functioning correctly. If you want a lift station that performs as it should and meets your sewage and solids-handling requirements year after year, contact Alba Electrical Services today.
