A lift station is a major part of your septic system that you might not be aware of until it stops working. Lift stations can wind up being very complicated for the average person because it involves different parts. Generally, a lift station's parts include a wet well, motor, pumps, junction box, and control panel. It's recommended to get a lift station contractor to fix all your lift station emergency needs, in order to get the job done correctly, and the professionals at Wind River Environmental are here to help you.
How do Lift Stations Work?
Sewage is stored and fed into a pit. Once the sewage reaches a certain level, electrical instruments recognize the pit is full and activate the pump, which will them pump the sewage out to its next destination.
Most lift stations are housed underground to prevent health risks in a confined area, since the sewage can release poisonous gases like methane and hydrogen sulfide. Therefore, it is essential that owners of existing lift stations consult with a professional to make ensure the pump is still working correctly.
What is the lifespan of your lift station?
Your lift station can last between 15 to 20 years, depending on the type of lift station and the maintenance. Proper maintenance and regular plumbing will keep your system running for more than 20 years.
5 Signs You Have a Problem With Your Lift Station :
Think something has gone wrong with your lift station?
Although these systems are designed to last for a long time, if they aren't properly maintained or cared for correctly they can start to break down. Some sewage lift station problems are worse than others and require a call to our professionals sooner rather than later.
Here is a list of the main signs that your lift station requires help :
Sounding Alarm : This is one of the most obvious signs that something isn't working like it should be. Alarms typically produce an audible or visual (lights flashing) signal, to indicate that a problem has been detected within the sewage lift station. This could be anything from high water level or a serious pump malfunction. If the alarm is sounding, we recommend contacting our team of professionals and getting the system checked out as soon as possible to avoid further damage to the system.
Pump not coming on : The pump may fail to come on for several reasons. For example :
The impeller could be jammed with debris
The pump might not be getting enough electricity
A blockage may have caused the electrics to trip
The pump itself could be broken
Some of these issues are easier to fix than others, but whatever the cause, if your pump is refusing to switch on, the sewage pumping station can't do its job and will need to be repaired.
Slow drainage : Lift stations can easily become clogged with fats, oils, and grease (FOGs). Over time these FOGs can lead to serious damage -- potentially jamming the switches and floats and bringing the system to a halt. The first sign of this problem is often slow drainage. So, if you happen to notice this issue, it's a good idea to call a professional in to address the problem as soon as possible.
Odors and back-ups : A lift station may be designed in such a way to minimize the risk of blockages but that doesn't mean that they can't occur. In fact, blockages are one of the most common lift station problems that occur. You need to be careful about what you flush down the drain, as non-biodegradable items will block the pumping chambers and lead to serious faults. The blockage will also produce a strong sewer odor to occur and you'll see a back-up of water occur in the toilets. The best thing to do is to call a professional to nip the issue in the bud.
Noise : Lastly, noise is another big red flag to look out for. Sewage pumping stations are typically very quiet. The pumps are submerged below the liquid level and are virtually silent during the operation. Therefore, if your systems start to make an unusually loud noises, it's a good indication that something has gone wrong and you may need to take action.
Do any of these issues sound familiar?
If you are experiencing any of the issues above, or even something not mentioned, don't hesitate to contact us here at Wind River Environmental. Do not attempt to fix any of these issues on your own or silence the alarm. Ignoring the problem often makes it worse, which may lead to lasting damage or more expensive repairs. It's important to act fast -- and we're always on hand to help and happy to assist you. In order for our clients to know when they have a problem with their lift station, we are able to offer information and proper care instructions to our clients.
We offer our services to commercial businesses, municipalities, and HOA clients and not only offer lift station repair services but also maintenance, and cleaning as well. If you are in need of any of these services or just want more information, call us and one of our experienced lift station technicians would be happy to assist you. We are available 24/7 nights and weekends, so contact us anytime.
