A residential lift station, also known as a sewage pump station, plays a crucial role in homes where gravity-fed drainage isn’t feasible. These underground pumping systems collect wastewater from fixtures located below the main sewer line and elevate it to a suitable level for discharge. We will study in detail about residential lift stations, from their purpose and components to maintenance and troubleshooting.
With competitive price and timely delivery, Anhui Tian jian sincerely hope to be your supplier and partner.
Traditional sewer systems rely on gravity to transport wastewater. However, certain situations necessitate alternative solutions. Here’s when a lift station becomes essential:
A typical residential lift station comprises several key elements:
The operation of a residential lift station is quite straightforward:
Lift stations offer several advantages for homeowners:
When selecting a lift station for your home, several factors need consideration:
The installation of a lift station should be entrusted to a licensed plumber experienced with these systems. Here’s a basic overview of the process:
Maintenance: Regular maintenance is crucial for optimal performance and longevity of your lift station. Here’s a recommended maintenance schedule:
Additional Tips:
While lift stations are generally reliable, problems can arise. Here are some common issues and troubleshooting tips:
A: The cost of a lift station can vary depending on factors like size, pump capacity, and installation complexity. Typically, the range falls between $3,000 and $7,000.
A: With proper maintenance, a well-built lift station can last 15-20 years.
A: No, it’s highly recommended to hire a licensed plumber experienced with lift station installation. Improper installation can lead to malfunctions and potential sewage backups.
A: Modern lift stations are designed to operate relatively quietly. However, some noise might be audible during pump operation, especially if the lift station is located near living areas.
A: If your home lacks a battery backup system for the lift station, a power outage can lead to sewage backups during extended power cuts. Consider installing a battery backup system for peace of mind.
A: Regularly inspect the area around the lift station for leaks or damage. Avoid disposing of harmful materials down drains. Schedule regular maintenance with a qualified technician to ensure optimal performance and catch potential issues early on.
By understanding the purpose, components, and maintenance requirements of residential lift stations, homeowners can ensure their systems function properly for many years. If you have any further questions or suspect an issue with your lift station, consult a licensed plumber for professional assistance.
As we age or navigate mobility challenges, our homes...
Read MoreHome elevators are no longer just luxury items—they’re practical...
Read MoreAging at home has become a top priority for...
For more information, please visit Basement Sewer Lift Station.
Read More *This content is for educational purposes only and is not a reflection of the capabilities or features of Pneumatic Vacuum Elevators products. Contact PVE directly for more details.Did you know your elevator could impact your home’s carbon...
Read MoreA Safer Path to Healing Starts at Home Stairs can...
Read MoreLift 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!
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.
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.
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.
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 can’t 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 isn’t 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.
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 station’s purpose – it is meant to move sewage from a low point to a high point. The sump pump’s 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 pump’s 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.
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 it’s 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.
For more Commercial Sewage Lift Stationinformation, please contact us. We will provide professional answers.