Whenever possible, septic companies like ours at Marion Pumper install septic systems downhill of the home or building they are attached to. That way, the wastewater can flow downhill from the building to the septic tank, and further downhill from the tank to the drain field. However, sometimes this is not possible, and in those cases, we install lift stations to move the wastewater uphill. In this article, we will provide an overview of how lift stations work so you can understand your system better.
- Purpose of Lift Stations – Lift stations are also called pump stations, and their purpose is to move wastewater from a lower to a higher elevation. When the wastewater reaches the lift station, a pump then forces it up, where it can enter the next part of the septic system.
- Use of Lift Stations – As we alluded to above, most septic systems are designed to use gravity-driven flow to move wastewater through the various parts of the system. Lift stations are used when the natural slope of the property makes relying on gravity impossible—in other words, they are used when the building is at a lower elevation than the rest of the land, or when it is not possible to fit the septic system in the land downhill of the structure.
- Workings of Lift Stations – Lift stations use electrical pumps to move wastewater uphill. They are designed to continually move large volumes of water, so there are no interruptions or delays in service. Most lift stations are also equipped with sensors to monitor the flow of water, which allows the station to optimize its performance. They also have backup generators so they can continue to function even when power from the grid is not available—that way, you can still flush your toilets if your power is out due to a storm or hurricane.