Cleaning Lift Stations
In most cases, the sewage waste or effluence from industries or houses enters the interceptor pipes because of gravity. However, when gravity is not feasible to pass the wastewater due to lower elevation, a lift station is an effective solution to pump the collected wastewater to the point of higher elevation, which connects to collection systems and treatment facilities. To ensure that your lift stations are always uninterrupted and function smoothly, cleaning lift stations every year becomes a vital task.
Since 1994 Bow Valley Septic Ltd. has established a great reputation in lift station cleaning and maintenance in Calgary and surrounding areas. We can effectively clean up the septic waste from the lift station, allowing the plumbers to carry on mechanical maintenance of the pump without any hassle. You can give us a call to learn more about our lift station maintenance service, and feel free to discuss your sewage problems.
Crucial Maintenance
Cleaning lift stations is a crucial maintenance task to ensure the proper functioning of wastewater systems. Lift stations are used to pump sewage or wastewater from a lower elevation to a higher one, and over time, debris, grease, and other waste can accumulate, causing blockages or reducing the efficiency of the pumps. Here’s a general overview of the steps involved in cleaning a lift station:
1. Preparation
- Safety First: Ensure that all safety protocols are in place. Workers should wear appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE), including gloves, safety goggles, and respirators if necessary.
- Lockout/Tagout (LOTO): Before starting, lockout/tagout the electrical systems to prevent accidental startup of the pumps.
- Ventilation: Ensure proper ventilation in the lift station to avoid the buildup of hazardous gases.
2. Pumping Down the Lift Station
- Bypass Pumping: Set up bypass pumping if necessary to maintain flow while cleaning.
- Pump Down: Use the station’s pumps or portable pumps to lower the water level as much as possible, leaving only a small amount of liquid.
3. Removing Debris
- Manual Removal: Use tools like shovels, nets, or buckets to manually remove large debris such as rags, wipes, and other solid materials.
- Vacuum Trucks: Deploy a vacuum truck to suck out the remaining liquid and sludge from the bottom of the lift station.
- High-Pressure Washing: Use a high-pressure washer to clean the walls, pumps, and other surfaces inside the lift station.
4. Inspecting the Lift Station
- Pump Inspection: Check the pumps for any signs of wear, clogging, or damage. Clean the impellers, and ensure that the pumps are functioning correctly.
- Valve Inspection: Inspect and clean the check valves and gate valves to ensure they are operating smoothly.
- Floats and Sensors: Clean and test all floats, sensors, and control panels to ensure they are working properly.
5. Reassembly and Testing
- Reassemble: Once cleaning and inspection are complete, reassemble any parts that were removed.
- Test Run: Restore power to the lift station, remove the LOTO devices, and conduct a test run to ensure everything is functioning properly.
6. Final Clean-Up and Reporting
- Clean-Up: Dispose of all debris and waste materials according to local regulations.
- Documentation: Record all cleaning activities, inspections, and any maintenance work performed. Report any issues that require further attention.
Regular cleaning and maintenance of lift stations help prevent system failures, reduce downtime, and extend the life of the equipment.
Give us a call to learn more about our lift station maintenance service.