Lift Station Services in Mobile, AL
Wastewater lift stations play a crucial role in managing wastewater throughout the state of Alabama, ensuring effective sewage collection and transport to treatment plants. As a leading plumbing company in the area, Plumbco offers comprehensive lift station services in Mobile, AL, including repair, replacement, and maintenance for all types of wastewater lift station pumps. Rain or shine, count on Plumbco to provide the solutions you need to keep your wastewater management system running smoothly! Learn more about our work below or get in touch with us now to book lift station services in Mobile, AL.
What Is a Wastewater Lift Station?
What is a lift station? How does a lift station work? If you’ve asked these questions, you aren’t alone. Most people don’t think much about the pipe system beneath their feet or the various system components that cooperate to keep our homes and businesses clean and safe — but even if you have no idea what wastewater operators do every day, these systems are extremely important and worth brushing up on.
Lift stations, also known as pump stations, are essential components of sewage systems that are especially common within Alabama’s commercial plumbing industry. They are designed to transport wastewater from lower elevations to higher ones, enabling efficient gravity flow towards the treatment plant. These stations are commonly found in low-lying areas or regions with challenging terrain, where a gravity pipeline system alone would be inadequate. Lift stations utilize powerful pumps, such as submersible pumps, to overcome elevation differences and facilitate the proper flow of sewage.
Types of Pumps Used By Lift Stations
Lift station pumps come in different types, each serving specific purposes in wastewater management. Selecting the right pump type and matching pump capacity to the lift station’s needs are crucial for efficient performance and reduced maintenance requirements. Below you’ll find a bit more information about two common types of pumps!
Submersible Pumps
These pumps have earned their name by being submerged directly into the pump station wet well, offering a compact and space-saving solution. Unlike traditional above-ground pumps, submersible units do not require separate pump houses, which can be costly to construct and maintain. Placing the submersible pump directly inside the wet well provides a more streamlined and efficient setup, reducing excavation costs and the overall footprint of the pumping station.
These pumps are also known for their energy efficiency, which is a crucial factor in lift stations that operate continuously. By pushing the wastewater through the pressurized sewer force main rather than directing it slowly across a higher elevation, they require less energy compared to traditional pumps that must overcome vertical lift at each stage. This energy-saving characteristic translates to reduced operational costs and a more sustainable wastewater management system.
Submersible wastewater pumps require minimal maintenance and are designed for durability and reliability. Their sealed and enclosed construction protects internal lift station components from the harsh surrounding environment, reducing the risk of corrosion and damage. As a result, lift stations that utilize these pumps typically require less frequent pump maintenance and enjoy a longer lifespan, contributing to cost-effectiveness and consistent performance.
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Grinder Pumps
Grinder pumps, which are present in many residential properties, are designed to remove coarse materials, preventing clogging and ensuring smooth operation. As their name suggests, grinder pumps “grind” and macerate solid waste and other coarse materials present in the incoming wastewater. This unique feature allows them to handle larger volumes of sewage containing solids, preventing clogging and blockages within the lift station and downstream pipelines. By reducing the solids present in raw sewage to a fine slurry, grinder pumps facilitate the smooth flow of wastewater through pressurized sewer force mains, overcoming elevation differences with ease.
One of the key advantages of using Plumbco’s high-quality grinder pumps is their versatility and reliability in handling various types of solid waste. While many plumbing companies in our area utilize standard grinder pumps, we only install the best here at Plumbco. Our premium V-Series pumps are high-powered units that can grind up items such as rags, wipes, feminine hygiene products and other debris that may enter the sewage system, preventing potential blockages and disruptions to the wastewater flow. Home and business owners cannot always control what is put down their drains, so these V-Series pumps are essential, ensuring your entire system operates smoothly and without interruption.
Our V-series grinder pumps are also known for their low maintenance requirements. Their ability to process solids effectively reduces the risk of clogging and damage to downstream equipment, resulting in a reduced need for frequent maintenance and sewer repair. Another significant advantage of our grinder pumps is their ability to handle higher flow rates and pressures. This enhanced performance ensures that wastewater is efficiently transported to higher elevations, optimizing the overall sewage system’s functionality.
Safeguarding Your Drainage System
Just like all mechanical systems, our V-series grinder pumps still require proper maintenance on occasion. Waiting to schedule service for your sewage collection system poses increased safety risks, including groundwater toxicity and water quality concerns.
Something else to keep in mind is that grease and oil buildup can lead to clogged pipes, which can compromise the effectiveness of your grinder pump.
However, it’s almost impossible to avoid getting any oil into your drains, so every so often, give your pipes a little TLC with these quick tips:
- Just because the grinder pumps we install outperform standard units, this does not mean you should make a habit of flushing anything other than waste and toilet paper down your drains. Flushing other items can cause excess wear and tear on the unit, so “when in doubt, throw it out!”
- Whenever possible, avoid pouring grease and oil down your drains. If you can, collect it in a container and throw it out. If you don’t have a container handy, pour the oil carefully into a sandwich bag, freeze it, then throw it in the garbage to minimize mess.
- Once per month, turn your kitchen sink to the hottest setting possible and let the tap run for 5-10 minutes to soften any hardened grease in your pipes. For added effectiveness, add some standard kitchen degreaser soap, such as Dawn dish soap. As the soap makes its way through your system, it helps loosen stubborn clogs and cut through grease.
- Avoid using “quick fix” or “instant” drain cleaning products (Drano, Liquid Plumr, Drain Away, etc). The caustic chemicals present in these solutions can cause long-term damage to your pipes, especially if you have an older plumbing system. Instead, rely on gentler methods such as baking soda and vinegar.
- Have your drains professionally cleaned by licensed plumbers at least once or twice per year. Investing in regular drain cleaning is one of the best things you can do for your plumbing system, as it ensures that any buildup in your pipes is completely removed.