This month, Professor DBO discusses lifting stations! The DBO))Clic at the end of this page addresses the design criteria of a lifting station, DBO Expert’s new O-SP-400 lifting station among others. The blog below is more specifically aimed at homeowners who have septic systems with a lifting station.
At DBO Expert, we want you to understand what is happening with your septic system. However, we urge you to consult your plumber if you are experiencing difficulties. Mixing water and electricity can be problematic, to say the least, and we care about your safety!
How a lifting station works
A lifting station is an autonomous unit thanks to floats. These floats, fixed at different levels on a shaft within the tank, enables different functions relative to the water level.
The three main functions are: starting the pump, stopping the pump, and alarm. When the water level reaches this level, it is tilted by floatation. Inside the floats is a fixed element and a moving component such as a ball. The change in position moves the ball which makes the electrical contact between the two elements. The circuit is then opened or closed, which activates one of the functions described above.
For the lead pump float and the alarm float, the function is activated when the switch makes contact.
For the stop pump float, the function starts when the contact is broken.
The Alarm
The alarm is momentarily activated when the water level rises and tilts the alarm float. This indicates that the water level is abnormally high; the pump should have activated to evacuate the water before the level reached the alarm float.
There could be a few reasons for an alarm:
- The pump no longer works;
- The pump does not empty fast enough relative to the water input:
- Massive water intake;
- Secondary water infiltration;
- There is an obstruction that prevents the water from flowing out;
- There is a power failure that impedes the pump (the alarm works with a battery);
- An electrical problem:
- The starting float or the connections are faulty;
- The connections of the alarm float are faulty (false alarm).
What to do when there is an alarm?
In case of an alarm, you must immediately call your service provider so that they can check your system. In the meantime, limit your water use until the problem is corrected.
For more information, please consult our O-SP-400 Lifting Station Guide.
more information?
For a more technical approach to this subject, please consult the following DBO))Clic – The Lifting Station.
