What is Basement Sewer Lift Station and Why Do We Use Them?
What Is a Lift Station & How Does It Work? - Netradyne
Lift stations are pump stations that transport wastewater from a lower to a higher area. These are affordable alternatives that reduce the capital construction costs of the traditional gravity flow sewer systems. With a lift station, you won't have to spend on excavation or end up digging deeper than 10 feet on a site for the sewer line.Is there a way for you to monitor lift stations remotely and connect them to a central data source? Find out what a lift station can do for your construction site or an area that doesn't have enough depth for a sewer line. Plus, the technology available to you to monitor the lift station's performance and repairs.
About Lift Stations
Lift stations are pump stations that use a collection system to move sewage or wastewater from a lower to a higher elevation. They are usually installed in places with too much pipe depth or low land locations. The stations normally transport the wastewater from residential and commercial areas to a proper wastewater treatment plant. Steel lift stations last between 15 to 20 years and last longer with proper care and maintenance.
So how exactly do these lift stations work? There are two types to consider. The first is the dry well composed of two collection areas: the pit or wet well where wastewater is collected and a dry well composed of the pumps, equipment, and controls that transport the water. The latter parts of the equipment are found in a separate location underground. The wet well on its own makes it more accessible for maintenance and inspection.The second type of lift station is the single submersible wet well. It's the more popular and affordable structure with an opening submerged inlet and operates underwater. All components are installed inside or adjacent to the single wet well. It's cheaper compared to dry well stations and requires less frequent pump maintenance in its operations.
Maintenance Requirements for a Lift Station
Several requirements go into a well-maintained lift station. Ensuring the wastewater lift station complies with all these will make it effective and last longer. First, it should not be used for any other purpose, like sewage storage. Wastewater that remains in a wet well can lead to septic action. The lift station's pump capacity should not exceed the treated wastewater quantity to prevent prolonged storage. For this to occur, the wet well must be large enough to prevent any excess starting and stopping in the pump.Another major requirement is having a reliable monitoring system. Automated data can help check parts like valves, controls, float switches, and preprogrammed settings remotely to avoid on-site damage. Make sure the structure's operation and maintenance are regularly tracked.While remote maintenance is integral, it's still important to schedule professionals that can check the station's operation. A timely inspection from an onsite manager can help prevent unexpected problems in the future.
Lift Stations & AI-Powered Technology
Technology helps monitor multiple lift stations in real-time and remotely. AI-powered management software lets you monitor your lift stations without having to leave your post. Remote monitoring of lift station pumps and support equipment helps managers deliver the company's reliable services more efficiently.This smart technology uses cellular connectivity to connect industrial controllers and cloud-based software, enabling access to any lift station's locations. If you have multiple lift stations across different cities, remote monitoring makes the information accessible to the nearest office. The system lets you track the lift station's operational performance with these handy and convenient features:
- Real-time alarms and notifications to alert you for any emergencies or immediate repairs
- Unlimited mobile visibility of operational parameters. You can track the lift station's performance even on the go from your mobile device.
- Remote control of set points, pumps, and more. Some tasks can be performed straight from your office without going to the lift station.
There's also multi-protocol support for incumbent solutions, so any legacy systems you're currently using won't inhibit the technology's installation or data collection. With a reliable management system, remote tracking works seamlessly with any technology your company is using with the lift station. There is no need to spend on additional upgrades or software for everything to be in sync.
Final Thoughts
Lift stations help collect waste in a large site without having to spend on sewage pipe installation costs. They're also ideal for low-land places that lack the depth underground. It's a cost-effective solution any construction company can consider. To maximize their use, remote tracking technology helps manage the lift station's maintenance and assure reliable services. Explore solutions on how to further optimize your site and fleet.
Explaining Lift Stations
Lift stations can be found in many residential homes, and play an integral part in managing wastewater flow. They are typically located on the lowest level of the building, such as a basement. We will often have clients wondering what they are, sometimes confusing them with sump pumps.
While a lift station does function similarly to a sump pump, it certainly serves a different purpose. We wanted to set the record straight about lift stations. So naturally, we decided to write a blog about them!
What Is A Lift Station?
A lift station (also know as a pump station or sewage ejector pump) is an electronically powered pump that is designed to transport liquid (sewage) from a lower elevation to a higher elevation. These devices are implemented in scenarios where wastewater cannot drain toward the main city line or septic tank through gravity and slope alone.
How Does It Work?
Wastewater is drained into the tank of the lift station, commonly referred to as a wet well. The pump, which is either located at the bottom of the wet well or just outside of it, is attached to a float switch. As the wet well fills and the water level rises, the float will rise until it reaches a pre-determined threshold. Upon reaching this point, the float will activate a switch that tells the pump to turn on and begin moving the water out of the tank.
The wastewater is pumped out of the tank and up into the main residential waste line, which subsequently travels to the main city sewer line or a septic tank. The pump will continue to work until the float reaches a desired point below the threshold.
Why Are Lift Stations Used?
One of the common scenarios that will call for lift stations is when the main drain line is located above certain drainage elements in a home. This is especially common with basements.
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Say you are renovating your basement and want to add a bathroom. Since there was no prior drainage lines located in the basement, there will be nowhere to channel the basement wastewater by natural flow. This is a job for the lift station! All the basement drainage can be directed into a wet well and then lifted up to the main drainage line on the floor above.
A lift station is a great alternative to costly excavation projects. Instead of having to dig down far enough to allow basement drainage to successfully leave a home through natural flow, many builders will utilize a lift station. That way they will not not have to dig as deep, thus saving time and money.
Lift stations are also used when the city sewer main is higher than the drain lines in the lower parts of a home. When building a home, contractors obviously cant adjust the depth of the city sewer line. So instead, they must make sure that the main line leaving the home is at a higher elevation than the city line. Lift stations will help to move any wastewater up to that optimal elevation. This is really common to see in older neighborhoods where city pipes were installed years before basement finishes were popularized.
You also see lift stations in homes where septic systems are present. Because septic systems are generally installed close to the surface, there isnt always a big elevation change between the home and the septic tank. Because you need a certain amount of fall in your pipe, often times a lift station is needed if a basement is present.
Lift Stations Vs. Sump Pumps
As stated above, lift stations do bear certain similarities with sump pumps both are pits in the ground, usually located in basements. However, there are several defining characteristics that separate the two.
The main difference between these two devices is their respective functions. We have already talked about a lift stations purpose it is meant to move sewage from a low point to a high point. The sump pumps function is to collect and remove any water that makes its way into the home underground. In other words, it protects your basement from flooding rain or ground water.
They also both have several physical features that set them apart. First, lift stations usually have bolted lids in order to keep hazardous sewage fumes from entering the living space. On the contrary, sump pumps generally will have removable lids and you can usually view into the pit through some type of hole or a clear lid.
Additionally, a sump pump will usually only have one pipe coming out of its top (as shown above) the discharge pipe, while a lift station has two pipes. One pipe is to allow for ventilation and the other is the discharge pipe.
Finally, the devices differ based off of where they discharge their respective liquids. A sump pumps discharge pipe will normally run through the foundational wall and expel excess liquid somewhere outside of the home. The lift station, on the other hand, ejects wastewater from its tank directly into the main sewer line of the home.
Inspecting Lift Stations
While our inspectors do not physically open a lift station to inspect its inside, they can take several other steps to evaluate its condition and functionality.
They can, of course, conduct a visual inspection to ensure there are no leaks and that all visible parts are intact and in good condition. They also test the outlet from which the lift station is powered to make sure it is operational. Finally, they will run water to make sure that the pump is kicking on properly. Keep in mind that its always a good idea to have your lift station periodically inspected and tested by a plumbing specialist.
We hope that this article has given you more insight into the functions and uses of lift stations. If you have any questions, you can feel free to reach out to us through our Ask Your Inspector program.
If you are based in Colorado and are in need of home inspection services, we hope you consider Scott Home Services. Visit us online for more information or contact us to book your services today!
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