What Is A Lift Station?

What Is A Lift Station?

You live in an area where the soil conditions will not allow direct pipe connections to the main sewer line. But you want a septic system. What are you going to do? When ground conditions don't allow a standard septic system connection, the use of a lift station is necessary. This is especially true if your septic system is at a higher elevation than your home presenting a challenge for septic tank pumping. A new lift station or tank may be the answer to this problem! Our team at Metro Septic Pumping is here to ensure that you receive the best of both worlds.

When ground conditions don't allow a standard septic system connection, the use of a lift station is necessary. This is especially true if your septic system is at a higher elevation than your home. A new lift station or tank may be the answer to this problem! Our team at Metro Septic Pumping is here to ensure that you receive the best of both worlds.

Lift stations come in many different shapes and forms. Some are very small, and others are quite large. Lift stations serve the same function of pumping wastewater to another location and allowing gravity to complete its path to the drain field below. A lift station could mean the difference between properly disposing of wastewater and filling up landfills with solid waste – or worse yet, human waste entering our natural water supply.

How Does a Septic System Work?

A septic system is a type of underground treatment system for wastewater common in rural areas where a centralized sewer system is not readily available. Water from bathrooms, kitchen drains, and laundry is treated using a combination of nature and proven technology. Generally speaking, a septic system consists of two components: A septic tank and a drain field.

Septic tanks are designed to treat wastewater naturally by holding it in the tank for a long enough period of time for solids and liquids to separate from one another. The liquid portion, known as effluent, flows out of the tank into a drainfield after which it is further processed by soil and naturally occurring bacteria. Occasionally, the solid portion of the septic tank, called sludge, needs to be pumped out by a septic company, due to its presence in the tank.

What Is a Lift Station?

A lift station is a municipal sewage pumping station that receives the sewage from a collection system and pushes it onto gravity sewer lines. Lift stations are used when the elevation of the source is too low to allow gravity to flow through the sewer lines. Lift stations can also pump wastewater into a pressurized sewer system.

For example, if wastewater is flowing through a pipe and there is a hill in between the source and destination, then a lift station can be used to pump it over the hill.

Are Lift Stations For Residential Use?

A lift station is a septic tank and pumps combined into one system. It works by collecting wastewater, solids, sewage, and debris in a tank and then pumped to a larger sewer line or septic system. Lift stations are typically installed in areas where gravity cannot be used to move wastewater, such as hillside homes. Most are underground and can only be accessed via manhole covers.

While most lift stations are designed for commercial use, some residential units are available. These units typically have a smaller capacity since the amount of wastewater generated by residential homes is less than that of an industrial facility.

These systems are also often equipped with an alarm system to alert homeowners if issues with the pumps or other components. This allows for quick repairs before the problem escalates into something more expensive and time-consuming to fix.

When To Use a Lift Station?

Lift stations are used when gravity won't work because the destination is at a higher elevation. Lift stations can also be used in areas where you cannot have any slope in the ground for the sewage to flow on.

Some areas of the country have soil conditions that make it difficult to use gravity systems, and many of these areas have been developed over the years and cannot be changed. Also, many new housing developments are being required to pump their water because they are built on land with less than ideal conditions.

Are Lift Stations Expensive?

Lift stations are expensive to install for new construction projects. If you have an existing station that needs to be upgraded or replaced, repairs can be made without causing significant service disruption. The existing tank can be used with new electrical controls and pumps, saving money on labor and installation costs.

How Long Do Lift Stations Last?

The average lifespan of a lift station can vary depending on many factors, including the size of the station and the amount of traffic it receives. A large station transporting sewage from an entire town may last 10-15 years before requiring repairs or replacement. Larger stations often include redundant parts such as backup pumps or generators if one component fails. However, smaller stations serving only a few homes may last 25 or more years before requiring repairs or replacement.

Metro Septic Pumping For Your Septic Needs

If a septic tank overflows into the drain field, dangerous waste can taint the soil and contaminate groundwater. Many people do not realize how vulnerable their septic system and drain field are, especially those who live in low-lying areas or over clay beds. Such an incident could be devastating to your yard, neighborhood and pets.

To prevent further damage, contact Metro Septic Pumping now!