What is a Lift Station?
A lift station, as the name suggests, is a pump station designed to move wastewater from a lower elevation to a higher elevation through the use of a complex system of pumps, valves, and electrical equipment. This is a critical piece of infrastructure in areas where the gradient of the area does not allow for a natural flow. For instance, when the septic tank is situated below the drainfield, the elevation may not be sufficient to allow for gravity flow. Therefore, a lift station comes in handy for transporting wastewater from a low to a high elevation.
The main benefit of installing a lift station is the cost savings you’ll realize in the long-term. With a lift station, you won’t incur excavation expenses, which involve leveling out your property and installing pipes that would be required to move wastewater from a lower elevation to a higher elevation. A properly installed lift station moves wastewater through uneven elevations, meaning you won’t incur extra costs in excavations.
Components of A Lift Station
There are different types of lift stations, but their components are pretty much the same. The following are the key components of a lift station:
- A receiving well that temporarily stores wastewater
- Submersible pumps with piping and valves
- Distribution box
- A screen used to remove course materials
- Electric motors
- Power supply system
- Control panel
- An equipment control and alarm system
- Odor control and ventilation system
How Do Septic Lift Stations Work?
Raw sewage is fed into the receiving well, and once this sewage reaches a certain level; it triggers electrical sensors that turn on the pump. When the pump is activated, it pumps the sewage out to its next destination, depending on how your system is designed.
Lift Station Maintenance
Like other components of your septic system, you need to keep up with lift station maintenance. Proper lift station maintenance helps to prevent costly repairs and replacements, prolongs its lifespan, and prevents health problems.
