Lift Station Maintenance Checklist
Lift stations fail predictably. A documented checklist run on schedule prevents 90% of the emergency calls we see.
Monthly
Verify pump alternation, check float levels, log run-time hours per pump, inspect for grease cap formation, top off encapsulant dosing reservoir, walk the vent stack.
Quarterly
Pull pumps for impeller inspection, vacuum out grit accumulation, pressure-test the discharge check valves, calibrate the level sensors, test the high-water alarm.
Annually
Confined-space cleaning of the wet well, megger test the motors, replace seal water on the gland, inspect the wet well coating for H₂S corrosion.
Why it matters
A completed checklist is useful only if it shows what changed and who will correct it. Longer pumping cycles, repeated overload trips, or a rising wet-well level can point to restricted flow or deteriorating equipment. Track operating conditions alongside maintenance findings so the next engineer can distinguish a recurring defect from a new problem.
Practical steps
Record discharge pressure and motor current where instrumentation permits, then compare readings with the station’s normal operating range and manufacturer guidance. Note unusual vibration, valve chatter, leakage, and control-panel moisture. Confirm that alarm notifications reach the responsible staff member, not just the local panel. Keep access routes clear and label isolation points. Assign unresolved defects to a named owner and record corrective work before closing the maintenance entry.
When to call a professional
Call a qualified pump contractor when a pump trips repeatedly, fails to lower the liquid level, or develops unusual noise. Do not keep resetting a fault without identifying its cause. Electrical testing and equipment isolation belong with qualified personnel. Treat the wet well as a confined-space hazard; never enter or attempt an improvised rescue. Persistent sewer odor requires urgent assessment, not a smell-based safety check.
How Luften handles it
Luften offers a free on-site walkthrough to identify odor sources and provide a written treatment recommendation. Managed service programs include dosing equipment checks and documented visits, with photo documentation in most programs.
Lift station odor treatmentFrequently asked questions
- What's the #1 cause of lift station failure?
- Rag and wipe accumulation around the impeller. Even 'flushable' wipes are not.
- Can I skip the annual confined-space cleaning?
- Skipping it is the most expensive line item on the list. Grit and biofilm build into the corners and shorten pump life by years.
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