Our sanitation experts have the tools, knowledge, and expertise to safely and efficiently clean your lift station. We would be happy to schedule regular maintenance on a quarterly basis, so please let us know what time and day work best for you.

To learn more about what we offer or to book a meeting today, please dial (832) 277-2739.

What Is a Lift Station?

A lift station is an underground chamber that collects wastewater from areas where gravity alone can’t move it uphill to treatment plants. The station stores the wastewater in a wet well until it reaches a specific level. Then, a pump kicks in, forcing wastewater through pipes to higher ground, continuing its flow toward a treatment facility.

Understanding the Importance of Lift Station Maintenance

Lift stations, also known as pumping stations, are sanitary sewer collection systems that are designed to move raw sewage from lower to higher elevations when the gradient does not allow for regular flow.

Lift stations are extremely helpful and are used on various unique properties. To reap their benefits, however, it’s essential to keep them clean. Cleaning your lift station will:

• Minimize the risk of environmental impact
• Allow wastewater treatment to operate without interruption
• Reduce the risk of overflow and flooding
• Control odor
• Support the possibility of the future expansion of the system
• Save you from spending money on repairs and delaying your business operation

Why Is Your Commercial Lift Station Overflowing?

A commercial lift station overflowing is a serious issue, often with an avoidable cause that can be remedied with regular cleaning and maintenance. Understanding these causes can help prevent future occurrences and ensure your wastewater management systems operate efficiently.

Here are some common reasons why your commercial lift station might be overflowing:

• Clogged or blocked pumps
• Mechanical failures
• Power outages
• Dirty float switches or sensors
• Pipe blockages
• Debris accumulation

How Do You Prevent Lift Station Blockages?

Regular cleaning, inspection, and maintenance are the best ways to prevent lift station blockages. Like any mechanical system, lift stations and pumps are prone to accumulating dirt, debris, and grease. They’re also exposed to rags or wipes that shouldn’t be flushed, and this build-up can have a domino effect.

Debris clogs your pump’s impeller, reducing its ability to move wastewater efficiently. Clogged pipes cause your wet well to overflow, leading to potential environmental hazards and costly repairs. Excess debris also strains your pump’s motor, forcing it to work harder and shortening its lifespan.

Fortunately, routine cleaning of the entire lift station, including the wet well, pumps, and piping, helps prevent these problems. Regular cleaning removes debris and buildup, allowing your lift stations’ pump to function smoothly and efficiently and reducing the risk of clogs and overflows.

Why Does Your Lift Station Smell Bad?

That unpleasant odor wafting from your lift station is caused by a build-up of waste and the growth of anaerobic bacteria.

Here’s how it happens:

• Waste accumulation: Lift stations collect wastewater. Sometimes, solids and debris settle at the bottom of your wet well (storage tank). This organic matter provides a breeding ground for bacteria.
• Anaerobic bacteria: Unlike their oxygen-loving counterparts, these bacteria thrive in environments lacking oxygen, which is the case within a lift station.
• Hydrogen sulfide production: Anaerobic bacteria break down organic waste, producing hydrogen sulfide gas. This gas is notorious for its pungent odor, often described as rotten eggs.

Why Is Lift Station Odor Control Necessary?

Lift station odor control helps you avoid the following problems:

• Public nuisance: The stench from an unclean lift station can be unpleasant for nearby residents and businesses. Consistent odor control measures help prevent these unwanted odors from escaping.
• Health risks: At high concentrations, hydrogen sulfide gas can irritate the eyes, nose, and throat. Long-term exposure can lead to respiratory problems.
• Corrosion: Hydrogen sulfide gas can react with moisture in the air to form sulfuric acid, which can erode metal components within your lift station, leading to premature equipment failure.
• Environmental impact: Strong odors can attract pests like insects and rodents, potentially creating additional hygiene concerns.

Affordable Environmental Services’s Septic Lift Pump and Station Cleaning Services

Our technicians offer a full suite of septic lift pump and station cleaning options, including:

• Lift station cleaning inspection
• Pump station cleaning
• Debris and sediment removal
• Pump cleaning
• Wet well cleaning
• Screen and filter cleaning
• Pipe and valve cleaning
• Float switch and sensor cleaning
• Control panel cleaning

How Long Does a Typical Lift Station Cleaning Take?

Standard lift station cleanings can typically be tackled in just one day.

Here are the factors that influence wastewater pump and station cleaning turnarounds:

• Station size and complexity
• Sludge accumulation
• Access and required safety precautions

Our technicians can provide a more precise timeline after inspecting your system.

Which Safety Precautions Are Needed for Lift Station Cleaning?

Lift station cleaning involves managing various safety risks, including working in confined spaces with hazardous materials and potential mechanical risks.

Our team adheres to strict confined space entry protocols, obtaining the necessary permits and conducting atmospheric testing to ensure safe oxygen levels and no toxic gases. We use mechanical ventilation to maintain air quality and employ personal protective equipment (PPE), including respirators, protective clothing, safety goggles, and fall protection gear.

All electrical equipment is de-energized and locked out, with clear warning tags placed to prevent accidental startups. Our emergency preparedness includes having a well-defined rescue plan, trained personnel, and readily available first aid supplies. We handle hazardous materials carefully, following safety data sheet guidelines and ensuring proper spill containment.

Effective communication is maintained with two-way radios and established hand signals, while all staff are trained and certified in confined space entry and hazard communication. Equipment safety is ensured through regular inspections and maintenance, and we adhere to environmental regulations for waste disposal and leak prevention. These rigorous safety measures help us provide a secure and efficient cleaning process for your lift station.

What Are the Steps Involved in Cleaning Your Lift Station?

Cleaning your lift station and keeping this system compliant with safety regulations involves taking the following steps:

• Initial inspection: Assessing the condition of your lift station, where potential issues are identified, and plans for the cleaning process are laid out.
• Pump shutdown and safety setup: Safely shutting down pumps, isolating the system, and setting up safety equipment for confined space entry.
• Debris removal and cleaning: Removing debris, sludge, and grease from wet wells, pumps, and other components using high-pressure water jets, vacuum trucks, and manual tools.
• Component cleaning and inspection: Cleaning and inspecting individual components, including pumps, float switches, sensors, and control panels.
• Reassembly and testing: Reassembling your lift station system, restarting pumps, and testing to ensure proper operation.

How Does Regular Cleaning Prolong the Lifespan of Sewage Lift Station Equipment?

Sewage lift station equipment is expected to last between 15 and 30 years. The lifespan of these wastewater systems is influenced by the quality of parts and initial installation. However, without regular grease and dirt removal, even the best systems will show premature signs of poor performance.

Typically, your pump is the first thing to go because debris, grease, and solids accumulate there, causing blockages and increasing mechanical wear. Regular cleaning prevents these materials from building up, ensuring your pump operates efficiently. Cleaning also helps maintain proper airflow and cooling, which are critical for preventing overheating and mechanical failure.

Regular maintenance keeps all components, including sensors, valves, and piping, free from obstructions and contaminants, enhancing your sewage water system’s overall efficiency and significantly extending its operational life.

Pumping Station Cleaning on Your Schedule

Our team offers flexible scheduling around the clock to ensure that our clients always have the support they need to clean and maintain their lift stations. We recommend having your lift station cleaned four times a year and connecting with us if you notice a layer of sludge or grease build-up on your station.

Leave Lift Station Cleaning to Our Experts

When you have a lift station cleaning team in your corner, you don’t have to worry about a thing, simply flush waste away and call on us a few times a year for a check-in!

We look forward to helping you maintain the safety of your property and avoid costly excavation and repair projects.

With our experts in your corner, you can ensure the proper operation of your alarm systems pumps and all the moving parts that make up your lift station!

Enjoy Great Rates on Pump Station Cleaning

At Affordable Environmental Services, we want to offer our services to as many deserving clients as possible, and that’s why we are happy to offer competitive rates. If you’d like to learn more about the pricing that we offer on lift station cleaning and maintenance, don’t hesitate to contact our friendly representatives directly.

Our Lift Station Vacuum Trucks Get the Job Done

When it comes to maintaining proper sewage flow on your property, trust in the power of our industrial-grade lift station vacuum trucks. These large-capacity tanks are operated by our drivers, who use the hydraulic booms to get deep down into the hole. Our vehicles can handle even the most challenging jobs, swiftly removing debris, sludge, and other waste materials thanks to their high-force vacuum systems.

With powerful suction capabilities and large storage capacities ranging from several hundred to several thousand gallons, our vacuum trucks are the ultimate solution for maintaining optimal lift station functionality.

Lift Station Cleaners Who Respond to Emergencies

No sewage system is immune to emergencies, so when faced with one, look to our team of lift station cleaners. We’re always ready to respond swiftly and effectively. Whether you’re faced with a sudden blockage, pump failure, or overflow, our lift station cleaners are on standby to provide immediate assistance.

We’ll arrive prepared to tackle emergencies efficiently, minimizing downtime and preventing further damage to your lift station and the surrounding area.

Keep Your Lift Station Sewer Clear With Regular Pumping

Regular pumping is essential for keeping your lift station sewer clear. Over time, debris, solids, and sediment can accumulate in the sewer lines, leading to clogs, backups, and potential system failures. But we’re here to help keep things flowing smoothly.

Our trucks are engineered with the components needed to remove these obstructions, ensuring uninterrupted flow and preventing costly repairs. By scheduling regular pump-outs, you can keep your lift station sewer clear and your property safe from hazardous liquids.

Don’t wait for problems to arise—invest in regular pumping today.

Quality Service Begins With a Lift Station Inspection

A thorough lift station inspection is the first step towards ensuring quality service and optimal performance. When you enlist our services, we’ll conduct comprehensive assessments, evaluating signs of sludge backlog and liquid levels.

From pumps and valves to controls and electrical systems, no detail is overlooked during our inspections. We’ll gather all the details to help us identify what service needs to be rendered immediately, along with regular cleaning recommendations. You’ll receive a detailed inspection report and actionable recommendations to best serve you and your property.

How Often Should You Get Lift Station Service

Determining the frequency of lift station service depends on various factors, including usage, age of the system, and environmental conditions. We recommend you get lift station service typically every 6 to 12 months to ensure continued functionality and prevent potential issues.

However, specific circumstances may warrant more frequent or less frequent maintenance intervals. Factors such as heavy usage, high solids content, or harsh operating conditions may necessitate more frequent servicing. On the contrary, newer systems or lighter usage may require less frequent attention.

To help you determine what will work best for your lift station, we can assess your unique situation and recommend a customized service schedule. All it takes is one phone call to our office, and we’ll book you in for an assessment.

Contact our Lift Station Cleaning Company Today

If you are seeking pumping station cleaning services, Affordable Environmental Services has you covered. Over the years, our experts are proud to have become one of the most trusted and sought-after lift station cleaning companies in the local area because of our reliability and unwavering commitment to our customers.

To learn more about what we do or to schedule a meeting with our expert team today, please dial (832) 277-2739.