Commercial lift stations are under constant physical stress, and the corrosive environment requires constant maintenance and repair. There is, however, a point where they need to be rebuilt with wholesale equipment replacement. On average that is about every 15 to 25 years. For larger capacity pumps it is recommended to rebuild one pump at a minimum of every 2 years. Performance of routine preventative maintenance can save the station's owner from costly repair bills. The following are suggestions that may ensure fewer breakdowns and problems :

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Top 10 Recommendations :

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1. Always make sure the pumps and electronics are de-energized before coming in contact with them to ensure you complete safety.

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2. Wet wells should be pumped out and cleaned at least twice a year, or more often if necessary, to prevent solids and grease build-up. The build-up of solids can create gases that can damage the pump, or sink and get caught in the impeller.

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3. Inspection of submersible pumps should be performed quarterly. Inspection of the impeller should be performed quarterly or when motor hours are not within specifications. The inspections would assure that the impeller is free of debris or any other clogging material.

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4. Inspection and greasing of the check valves should be performed at least twice a year to ensure proper working order and to prevent back-flow from the force main to the wet well.

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5. Cleaning and inspections of floats four times a year assure proper performance. The buildup of grease prevents floats from working properly.

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6. Inspection of the light and alarm systems should be performed weekly. An alarm system in working order can alert you to problems immediately.

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7. Installation of an hour meter on each motor will give you an accurate record of how often each motor is cycling; and hence, the amount of water being pumped through the system. A logbook of motor hours, dates and maintenance performed should be kept.

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8. Amp readings should be taken at least once a month on each station motor. If the amp readings do not meet the manufacturer's specifications, it is an indication that debris is lodged in the propeller within the motor, or that water has entered the motor housing or the wiring.

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9. An inspection of all electrical motor control equipment to find poor connections and worn parts should be performed semi-annually.

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10.  Inspection and cleaning of the basin, clean-outs and covers should be performed to prevent build-up. In high corrosion prone environments, all moving part should be operated and greased if necessary to ensure mechanical components are not at risk of failure. Good records can assist in every aspect of a maintenance if there is good record keeping record keeping you can instantly determine a problem with the system in some cases. For instance, steadily increasing amp draw or the hours of operation is steadily increasing on one pump and not the other. Records are needed to prove that the system is operating properly and can assist in determining if any future maintenance is required.