If you begin to experience a sewage pumping station, there could be an underlying problem with your pumping station that you need to address before it is too late. A sewage pumping system is made up of numerous pipes that transport sewage from your property to municipal sewer lines. This usually happens through the force of gravity, as the waste flows down the sewer line. However, when your property sits on lower ground and the sewer line is higher than it, this method will not work. This is where a pumping station comes in.
What is a sewage pumping station?
A pumping station acts as a receiver of sewage or wastewater from a property. It is typically located lower than the house so any waste or sewage can flow into it due to gravity. The sewage or wastewater will then stay in the well until it reaches a certain level. Once it reaches a certain level, a pump kicks in and allows it to travel uphill. Wastewater treatment systems are best in making water fit for drinking.
Common problems with a sewage pumping station
Just like any other form of equipment made by humans, the pumping station may undergo downtimes. No matter how perfect your pumping station is designed, problems can occur. You can reduce the chances of something bad happening by ensuring your pumping station undergoes regular maintenance checks is recommended. However, it is good to be aware of some of the most common problems with sewage pumping stations and how to fix them.
Toilets backing up
Pumps are made to reduce the risk of blockages but there is still potential for problems to occur. Oils, fats, or other waxy deposits that are flushed in your toilet or down the drain can solidify and end up clogging up in the pumping chambers. When this happens, nothing will get through and this will lead to your toilets backing up.
When you smell a bad odour coming from your toilets, it could be a problem with your toilet backing up and you should take the necessary measures to fix the problem before it escalates to a difficult stage.
Pump not turning on
This problem can be caused by a wide range of things including debris clogging the impeller, your pump not getting enough power, blockages in the pump which can mess up the pump.
Broken pipes
This problem may manifest itself in different forms. Some of the signs of broken pipes include mould problems, toilet backing up, foundation cracks and slow drains. If you see signs that your pipes may be broken then you should contact a plumber immediately because if you do not catch the problem in the early stages, it will be expensive to fix the problem when it escalates to a more difficult issue. Routine maintenance checks may also help you avoid these problems.
Alarms sounding
In case of a sewage pumping station smell or any other problem with your pumping station, an alarm will sound to alert you of any problems. That is the work of an alarm. When this happens, you should contact a professional to help you fix the problem.