As a facility manager or operator, dealing with wastewater is a critical part of keeping your building running smoothly while avoiding unpleasant and unsanitary messes. One key component of an effective wastewater management system, especially in a flat metropolis like Houston, is a properly functioning wastewater lift station in Houston. Let’s dive into what these stations do and why they are so important for preventing sewer overflows that can wreak havoc on your facility and the surrounding environment.
What is a Wastewater Lift Station?
A wastewater lift station in Houston, also known as a sewage pumping station in Houston or sewage lift station in Houston, is an integral part of many wastewater collection systems. Its primary purpose is to “lift” or pump wastewater from a lower elevation to a higher one so that it can continue flowing by gravity to a treatment plant or the next pumping station.
In Houston and other relatively flat areas, wastewater lift stations are necessary because the lay of the land doesn’t provide enough natural “fall” for sewage to flow unaided to treatment facilities that may be miles away. Houston’s elevation ranges from 0 to 125 feet above sea level, with an average elevation of just 50 feet. This lack of significant elevation change makes gravity-fed sewer systems challenging. The wastewater lift station in Houston collects wastewater in an underground pit, or wet well, and when the sewage reaches a predetermined level, pumps kick on to push it to the next leg of its journey.
How Lift Stations Prevent Sewer Overflows
Sewage overflows are releases of untreated or partially treated sewage into the environment before reaching sewage treatment facilities. They are unpleasant, cause property damage, and threaten public health and ecosystems. Overflows can lead to the contamination of water bodies, killing fish and other aquatic life. They also pose serious health risks to humans who come into contact with polluted water, potentially causing illnesses such as hepatitis and gastroenteritis. Wastewater lift stations in Houston play a vital role in preventing these overflows in several ways:
Maintaining Consistent Flow
By collecting wastewater and then pumping it to a higher elevation, wastewater lift stations in Houston enable sewage to continue flowing even when there is not enough gravity and terrain gradient to transport it. This consistent flow prevents sewage from backing up and spilling out of manholes or into buildings.
Managing Flow During High Water Events
Houston is no stranger to heavy rains and floods which can inundate sewer systems with storm water. In fact, Houston has experienced several 100-year to 500-year flood events in recent years, including Hurricane Harvey in 2017 which dumped over 50 inches of rain in some areas. Properly designed sewage pumping stations in Houston have the capacity to handle sudden influxes during storms. Submersible pumps, such as centrifugal or chopper pumps, and sealed wet wells can continue operating even if the station is underwater. Backup power systems, like diesel generators or battery storage, keep the pumps running during power outages that often accompany severe weather.
Enabling Efficient Sewer Layout
Strategically located sewage lift stations in Houston allow sewer lines to be installed at minimum depths and grades for efficient drainage. Without them, lines would need to be buried much deeper and at steeper angles which is more costly and less efficient. Shallower sewer lines are also easier to maintain and repair.
Protecting Low-Lying Areas
In parts of the city that are below sea level or have high water tables, sewage can’t flow by gravity without surfacing. Lift stations can collect sewage below grade and pump it to the elevation of the main sewer line to prevent overflows into streets and properties.
Proper Maintenance is Key
For wastewater lift stations in Houston to reliably do their jobs of preventing sewer overflows, they need to be properly maintained. Neglected stations are disasters waiting to happen. Some key maintenance tasks include:
- Regularly inspecting pumps, motors, valves, and control systems (at least monthly)
- Removing debris and sediment from wet wells and cleaning floats and sensors (quarterly)
- Exercising standby power systems (monthly)
- Calibrating instrumentation and alarms (semi-annually)
- Keeping detailed maintenance records
- Having spare parts on hand for emergency repairs
Many municipalities are investing in advanced monitoring systems that use sensors and telemetry to provide real-time feedback on lift station operations. These Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition (SCADA) systems can monitor pump performance, wet well levels, power conditions, and more. This allows quick detection and response to problems before they result in overflows.
The Bottom Line
No one wants to deal with the mess and hazards of a sewage overflow. As a facility manager in Houston, properly functioning wastewater lift stations should be high on your list of priorities. By understanding how your facility’s sewage pumping stations work, the environmental impacts of failures, and ensuring they are well-maintained, you can avoid costly and unpleasant sewage backups while demonstrating your commitment to public health and environmental protection. Don’t let your wastewater infrastructure be out of sight and out of mind.
FAQs
Q: How do I know if there’s a problem with my facility’s sewage lift station?
Some warning signs include sewage odors, wet wells that are frequently too high or too low, pumps running constantly or not at all, and unusually high power bills which may indicate clogged or inefficient pumps. Preventive maintenance and monitoring can catch issues early.
Q: What happens if a lift station fails completely?
Most lift stations have redundant pumps so a single pump failure doesn’t shut down the whole station. But a total failure due to power outage, control system issues, or severe clogging can quickly result in a sewage backup or overflow. Backup power, overflow storage capacity, and emergency response plans are critical.
Q: Who is responsible for maintaining lift stations?
It depends. Some are maintained by public works departments, while others serving private properties are the responsibility of the property owner. But regardless of who owns and maintains it, as a facility manager it’s in your interest to make sure it is working properly to avoid sewage issues on your site.
Useful Tips
- Learn the location and layout of your facility’s sewer system and lift stations
- Develop and follow a preventive maintenance plan for wastewater infrastructure
- Establish a monitoring and alarm system to quickly detect lift station faults
- Have an emergency response plan for sewer overflows and lift station failures
- Educate occupants on what can and can’t go down drains to prevent clogs
Wastewater lift stations in Houston are key to preventing environmentally damaging sewer overflows by pumping sewage from low to high elevations for efficient drainage. Proper design, sizing, and maintenance of sewage lift stations in Houston is critical for handling heavy rains, avoiding backups, and protecting public health and ecosystems. Facility managers should prioritize regular lift station inspection and upkeep, leverage monitoring technology, and have emergency plans to minimize risks.
Need Expert Help with Your Wastewater Lift Station in Houston? Contact Drane Ranger Today!
If you’re a facility manager or operator in Harris County, Fort Bend County, Montgomery County, Brazoria County, or Galveston County, Texas, and need professional assistance with your wastewater lift station, Drane Ranger is here to help. We offer comprehensive liquid waste removal services, including wastewater lift station cleaning and maintenance, to ensure your facility’s wastewater management system operates efficiently and reliably.
Our expert services provide:
- Efficient Wastewater Management: We optimize your lift station’s performance to handle your facility’s wastewater effectively.
- Prevention of Overflows: Our regular maintenance and cleaning services help prevent costly and hazardous sewage overflows.
- Improved Infrastructure Performance: We keep your wastewater lift station in top condition, extending its lifespan and reducing repair costs.
Don’t wait for a sewage backup or overflow to disrupt your operations and threaten public health and the environment. Trust Drane Ranger to keep your wastewater lift station functioning at its best. We proudly serve Houston, Alvin, League City, Manvel, Rosharon, Angleton, Friendswood, Pearland, Sugar Land, and Texas City.
Contact us today to schedule your wastewater lift station cleaning and maintenance service and enjoy peace of mind knowing your facility’s wastewater management is in expert hands.