How to Extend the Life of Your Lift Station with Proper Maintenance

let’s talk about keeping those solids and debris in check, alright? One big reason lift stations go kaput is ’cause they get all clogged up with stuff like wipes, paper towels, and all that junk that doesn’t break down. That can totally mess up pumps and pipes, leading to some serious headaches and pricey repairs.

How to Keep Things Flowin’:

• Install Screens: Seriously, throw some screens at the inlet of the lift station. They’ll snag the big stuff before it has a chance to crash the party.
• Routine Cleaning: Don’t sleep on cleaning that wet well! Keep it spick and span to stop debris and grease from piling up.
• Educate Users: Give a heads-up to everyone using the system, whether it’s your neighbors or folks at a business. Let ’em know what’s cool to flush and what’s a no-go.

By keeping a lid on the solid waste that sneaks in, you can dodge a bunch of the usual headaches that lead to lift station fails. Trust me, you’ll save yourself a lot of time and cash in the long run!

4. Check the Float Switches

Hey, so float switches? They’re kinda like the unsung heroes when it comes to keeping water levels in check in the wet well and making sure the pumps do their thing. If one of those bad boys goes haywire, you could be lookin’ at pumps kickin’ on and off when they shouldn’t, which is a total bummer for your system and can even mess up the pumps.

Float Switch Maintenance Tips:

• Test Regularly: Make sure those float switches are kickin’ in when they’re supposed to.
• Keep Clean: Don’t let any gunk or debris build up, or it’ll mess with how well the switches work.
• Replace Damaged Switches: If you notice any wear or tear on the float switches, swap ’em out ASAP to keep everything running smoothly.

So yeah, if you keep an eye on those float switches and give ‘em some TLC, your lift station’s gonna run like a champ, and you’ll save yourself from unnecessary pump headaches down the road.

5. Address Corrosion Issues

Alright, let’s talk about lift stations, folks. They’re hangin’ out in some pretty rough conditions, always dealing with moisture, gases, and chemicals that just love to mess things up. If corrosion hits, it can do a number on your pumps, pipes, and electrical stuff, which means you could be looking at some serious cash for repairs—or worse, the whole system could just give up on ya if you don’t jump on it quick.

Tips to Keep Corrosion at Bay:

1. Go for Corrosion-Resistant Stuff: When you’re putting in or upgrading your lift station, make sure you grab materials that can take a beating, like stainless steel or some coated metals. Trust me, your wallet will thank you later.
2. Keep an Eye Out for Corrosion: When you’re doing your routine check-ups, don’t skip over the pipes, pumps, and control panels. Look for any signs of corrosion like it’s a scavenger hunt.
3. Slap on Protective Coatings: Give those vulnerable spots a good coating now and then to help them last longer. It’s like sunscreen for your metal bits!

Addressing corrosion early can save you a ton of hassle and keep your lift station runnin’ smooth for way longer.

6. Schedule Professional Maintenance

While your crew can handle the basic checks and stuff, don’t sleep on the idea of bringing in a pro for the heavy lifting. Like, seriously—hiring a licensed septic or wastewater service is super important. These guys know their stuff and can dig deep with those inspections, checking out the electrical bits, testing pumps when they’re working hard, and spotting issues that might be hiding in plain sight.

Why You Should Call in the Pros:

• In-Depth Inspections: These tech whizzes can catch any little problems before they turn into big headaches.
• Longer Life for Your System: Keeping up with pro maintenance means your lift station and all its parts will stick around way longer.
• Smart Upgrades: They’ll give you the lowdown on upgrades or tweaks that can make your system run smoother and last longer.

So, don’t wait—get on it!

7. Keep Detailed Maintenance Records

Keeping good notes on all the stuff you do for maintenance—like inspections, repairs, and swapping out parts—is super important for managing your lift station in the long haul. Seriously, these records are like your roadmap; they’ll help you see how the system’s been doing over time and catch any patterns in wear and tear.

What You Should Jot Down:

• When you did inspections, cleaned things up, or gave it some TLC
• Any fixes or parts you had to change out
• Random notes on how the system’s been acting or any weird stuff going on

Having solid records makes it way easier to keep up with what needs doing and lets you make smart calls about repairs or upgrades down the line. So, don’t skimp on this!