Lift stations are critical components in wastewater and stormwater infrastructure, responsible for moving water or sewage from lower to higher elevations when gravity flow isn’t sufficient. Whether you’re dealing with an aging system, unexpected failure, or planning a major retrofit, having a clear plan is essential. Here’s a practical guide outlining key considerations and modern upgrades to improve performance and reliability during a lift station repair or rebuild.
🔍 1. Assess the Current Condition
Start by performing a full system assessment:
- Check for corrosion, wear, and seal failure in pumps and pipework
- Inspect electrical panels, float switches, and control wiring
- Evaluate the condition of wet wells, structural elements, and access platforms
- Look for excessive grease or scum accumulation, which may indicate mechanical inefficiencies
📊 2. Upgrade Level Monitoring with Radar or Hydrostatic Transmitters
Accurate level measurement is critical for optimizing pump cycles and avoiding overflows or dry runs. Depending on your application and environmental conditions, consider the following:
📡 Radar Level Transmitter
- Ideal for non-contact measurement
- Highly accurate even in turbulent or foamy environments
- Best when mounted at the top of the wet well or on a stilling well to dampen surface fluctuations
🧱 Stilling Well with Radar
- A stilling well isolates the radar signal from surface disturbances
- Ensures more stable readings in high-velocity or turbulent inflows
🌊 Hydrostatic Submersible Level Transmitter
- Installed directly in the wet well
- Cost-effective and reliable in clean or moderately dirty water
- Requires occasional calibration and protection from grease buildup
Choosing the right level technology will depend on well depth, scum presence, and site-specific challenges.
♻️ 3. Scum Management: Permanent or Rental Belt Skimmer
Scum buildup in lift stations can impair performance and create odor or corrosion issues. A Tenco Hydro Belt Skimmer offers an efficient way to automatically remove floating scum and grease.
✅ Permanent Installation
- Ideal for high-volume or continuous-duty applications
- Integrates with control panels and pumping logic
- Built for long-term, low-maintenance operation
🛠️ Rental Option
- Great for temporary remediation or during capital improvement projects
- Fast to deploy and easy to remove
- Ideal for trial use in lift stations with fluctuating load conditions
Whether you’re planning a permanent upgrade or just need short-term cleanup, Tenco Hydro belt skimmers are a proven solution.
💧 4. Choosing Between Self-Priming and Submersible Pumps
The pump system is the heart of any lift station. Choosing the right type can drastically affect maintenance cycles, accessibility, and energy efficiency.
🔄 Self-Priming Pumps
- Mounted above ground, easier to access for maintenance
- Useful when dealing with hazardous or corrosive liquids
- Require a priming chamber and may be less efficient with variable head conditions
⚙️ Submersible Pumps
- Installed directly in the wet well
- Great for tight spaces or where odor containment is critical
- Require hoisting systems for removal and more frequent seal inspections
Pro Tip: If your wet well is frequently exposed to heavy debris or rags, consider pumps with a non-clog impeller or a chopper design.
🔌 5. Controls and Alarms
While rebuilding your lift station, don’t overlook the importance of updated control panels, VFDs, and remote telemetry:
- Add high-level alarms with SMS or SCADA alerts
- Use smart pump controllers to reduce cycle fatigue and energy use
- Integrate with flow meters and data logging for compliance and diagnostics
🧰 Conclusion
Rebuilding or repairing a lift station offers an opportunity to upgrade your system with smart technology and proven equipment like radar level transmitters, submersible sensors, and Tenco Hydro skimmers. Choosing the right components — from pumps to skimmers to controls — ensures you get a reliable, long-lasting lift station tailored to your site.
Need Help Designing or Upgrading Your Lift Station?
Whether you’re planning a permanent install or need short-term rental equipment, our team can help design a lift station solution tailored to your needs. Contact us today for expert recommendations, rental options, and detailed spec packages.