Lift Station Services

ACE Septic & Waste is the trusted name among Florida property managers and business owners for our expertise in installing, repairing, and maintaining commercial lift stations — an essential component in wastewater management. We aim to educate our readers and customers on all aspects of septic systems for commercial owners and residents. In this article, we’ll give an overview of our lift station services as we cover several elements of lift stations, along with several links to some of our other in-depth articles.

Experiencing a commercial lift station emergency?

Lift Station Maintenance Services

Lift station maintenance is a vital part of your sewer system management. This process typically involves cleaning pumps and floats, inspecting electrical connections, testing alarms and backup systems, and ensuring all components are in good working order. Lift stations are expensive, with several moving parts that wear and tear quickly. With regular maintenance and inspections, your lift station can last over 20 years, saving time and money that you can reinvest in your business.

Florida recommends all lift stations to have service contracts with septic tank or maintenance providers in case of pump failure or overflow. While Florida does not mandate a specific schedule for lift station maintenance, ACE Septic recommends scheduling a lift station maintenance check annually.

To keep your lift station running smoothly and avoid expensive fixes, it’s essential to follow a proper maintenance routine:

Visual Checks: Experts inspect the system for any obstructions or build-up in pumps.
Wet Wells: These should be regularly pumped out and cleaned to prevent damaging build-ups of solids, grease, and odors.
Submersible Pump: The pump must be clear of debris to prevent clogs. The impeller should also be inspected regularly.
Valves: Regular inspections and greasing are crucial to keep them in proper working order and to avoid backflow.
Alarm Systems: These ensure safe levels in the wet well and must be checked regularly for proper operation.
Electrical Components: All electrical components require regular inspection to identify worn parts or poor connections.
Collection System Pipes: Must be cleaned periodically to ensure proper flow.

In Florida, where power outages are common during severe weather, having a backup power source like a generator is a requirement for uninterrupted commercial lift station operation. Adhering to these guidelines and maintaining a logbook of inspections and maintenance activities can significantly enhance the efficiency and longevity of your lift station.

Lift Station Installation Services

At ACE Septic, we specialize in providing tailored lift station installation services to meet the diverse needs of any commercial enterprise. Our expert team is equipped to design a customized lift station or install prefabricated units, depending on your specific requirements. Our lift stations offer a lifespan ranging from 15 to 20 years.

For customers needing solutions for low-flow/low-head installations, we provide submersible lift stations that are often more affordable than traditional dry-well stations and require less frequent pump maintenance. These submersible stations are favored for their aesthetic advantage, as they lack large, visible above-ground structures.

Lift Stations Repair in Florida

Lift stations, even with regular maintenance, can require repairs due to factors like aging, unexpected events, or the extreme pressures and corrosive environments they operate in. At ACE, we recognize the urgency when a pump needs immediate repair. A failure in the system causes wastewater to accumulate in the wet well, potentially leading to backups in the collection system. This not only necessitates extensive repairs but also poses safety concerns for customers and employees.

Prompt and professional attention is crucial for sanitary lift station wastewater issues. Our certified team is available 24/7 for emergency services, ensuring that experts are on site whenever immediate system intervention is required.

Lift stations are susceptible to a variety of problems, including odors, backups, and flooding, which can lead to property damage. Some common issues that require lift station repairs include damaged electrical components, leaks, pump failures, equipment malfunctions in float, transducer, or FOG-rod operated systems, impaired guide rail systems, damaged discharge piping and check valves, and malfunctioning lighting and system-level controls. With our expertise, these problems can be efficiently addressed to minimize impact and cost.

What is a Commercial Lift Station?

A lift station, or a pump station, is a machine used when gravity alone is insufficient to move wastewater into the main sewer line and onward to a wastewater treatment plant. This situation is common in many areas of Florida due to the high water table restricting how deep septic and sewer systems can be placed underground.

The key components of a lift station in a sewer system typically include a pump, a tank or well to house the pump, pipes for transporting the sewage, and a control system with float switches to automate the pumping process.

Lift stations are essential in ensuring that wastewater is effectively managed. Like all machinery, they require regular maintenance to ensure efficient operation and to prevent malfunctions or failures.

Lift stations are required for many Florida sewer management systems. Sewer lift stations allow wastewater to overcome the pressure of a forced main sewer line and push wastewater to treatment facilities. They can also be used to pump wastewater up into gravity-fed sewer lines. By employing a combination of pumps, wells, and electronic monitoring systems, lift stations ensure that wastewater moves efficiently and safely, protecting Florida’s natural aquifers. Lift stations are indispensable in maintaining the functionality and hygiene of both municipal and private sewage systems.

How Does a Lift Station Work?

A lift station consists of several essential components: the wet well, submersible pump, sensors, force main, and access hatch. The wet well collects incoming wastewater. When the water reaches a certain level, sensors activate the lift station pumps, pushing the water into the force main pipes. This pipeline carries the sewage to the wastewater treatment facility. Regular maintenance of these components is crucial. If one part fails, it can lead to environmental damage and disrupt the wastewater management system.

Parts of a Lift Station:

Hinged Access Door: Provides easy access for maintenance and inspection.
Vent: Allows gases to escape, maintaining pressure balance.
Guide Rail: Facilitates the installation and removal of pumps.
Inlet: The entry point where sewage enters the lift station.
Discharge Pipe: Carries the sewage away from the lift station to the sewer system.
Trap: Prevents gas and odor from coming back up the system.
High-Level Alarm (Float Switch): Alerts when sewage levels are too high.
Lag Pump On (Float Switch): Activates additional pump if needed.
Lead Pump On (Float Switch): The primary pump in operation.
Pump Off (Float Switch): Turns off the pump when sewage levels are low.
Rail Guide: Assists in guiding the pump along the guide rail.
Guide Rail Base: Serves as the foundation for the guide rail system.

Types of Lift Stations

Lift stations come in two types: dry-well and wet-well. Dry-well lift stations house their pumps and equipment in a separate dry chamber, making maintenance more accessible and safer. On the other hand, wet-well stations have all their components submerged in a single well, saving space and reducing construction costs. Each type has advantages and is chosen based on specific site requirements, budget, and maintenance capabilities.

Click here to learn more about wet and dry well lift stations.

Why We Use Lift Stations in Florida

According to the Florida DEP, groundwater accounts for 90% of the state’s drinking water. Protecting the natural aquifers and local environment is an essential responsibility of its residents. Well-maintained lift stations and wastewater treatment centers protect Florida’s ecosystems’ health and provide its residents with clean water.

Save Our State with Safe Septic!

ACE Septic & Waste is committed to ensuring these vital systems operate efficiently and effectively. Please contact us for all your lift station needs, such as inspections, repairs, maintenance, or installations. ACE Septic is always here for you with a 24/7 emergency line, ready to respond to any lift station emergencies requiring immediate attention. Protecting Florida’s water is our mission, and we’re here to ensure that your lift station contributes positively to this vital effort. Contact us today, and let’s keep Florida’s water clean and flowing!