Is There a Problem with Your Septic System’s Lift Station?
Suppose your septic system relies on a lift station pump to move sewage and drainage from lower to higher elevations on your property. In that case, it’s essential to recognize early signs of lift station problems.
Lakeland Septic Company provides complete lift station repair, inspection, and replacement services for our customers throughout the greater Lakeland, FL, region. We want to share five common signs that lift station repair might be necessary.
1. Drains are draining slowly
A single slow sink or tub drain in your home likely indicates an issue with that drain alone. Slow drains throughout your home may indicate a problem with the lift station.
What causes it
A malfunctioning impeller and blockages in the lift station basin are common causes. A pump that can’t run at full power because of electrical problems is another possible reason for slow drains.
2. Sewage backing up
When sewage can’t flow through the septic system, it often backs up into the home’s drains and toilets. If you see raw sewage in any sink or toilet, arrange for a septic inspection.
What causes it
Sewage backups can be caused by electrical problems in the lift station’s control panel or by a damaged or obstructed pump. Clogged discharge pipes can also lead to a backup.
3. Lift station pump noise
If you hear humming, whining, or mechanical grinding coming from your lift station, it means some repair work is needed.
What causes it
Lift station noise can result from pipe or impeller obstructions, misalignment, mechanical or electrical failure, a damaged motor, and other causes.
4. Odors in the house and yard
Strong sewage odors are often the first sign that a lift station needs repair. You may notice smells in your main living spaces, the basement, or the yard near the septic system.
What causes it
A septic backup or leak can lead to very offensive odors. A significant leak often causes sewage to rise to the ground above the septic tank or drain field. A damaged lift station or failure in other parts of the septic system can cause these odors.
5. Alarm going off
Lift stations include alarms and lights to signal when a problem occurs. Don’t ignore these warnings.
What causes it
Alarms and lights indicate that a failure in some part of the system is allowing water levels in the sump to rise faster than they can be managed.
Lift station inspection
A thorough inspection should be conducted before any lift station repair work begins. Your septic technician is familiar with every part of your system, including the lift station, septic tank, drainage pipes, drain field, and other components.
Note that sewage backups, sluggish drains, odors, and soggy ground can be caused by problems other than a lift station failure. An inspection will determine the exact cause.
Lift station repair and complete septic service in Lakeland, FL
If you notice any of the signs outlined above, Lakeland Septic is ready to help with licensed lift station repair and all other septic services. In the greater Lakeland, FL, area, reach us by phone or through our simple contact form.
