Lift stations are essential to keeping Lakeland’s wastewater systems operating smoothly. Whether you manage a commercial building, industrial complex, or residential neighborhood in Lakeland, understanding what goes into maintaining a lift station can save you from costly repairs and potential environmental violations. At ACE Septic & Waste, we are proud providers of reliable lift station maintenance services designed to meet Florida’s unique requirements.
How Do Lift Stations Work?
A lift station, also called a pump station, is designed to move wastewater from lower to higher elevations, particularly where gravity-based piping isn’t sufficient. Most lift stations consist of a wet well (the underground tank that collects sewage), submersible pumps, floats, a control panel, and a force main.
When the wastewater in the wet well reaches a certain level, a float sensor activates the pump to push sewage into the city’s sewer system or toward a treatment facility. This process is critical in areas like Lakeland, where commercial development and high groundwater levels sometimes make gravity-fed systems unreliable. Much of the best-practice guidance in this article is modeled on our maintenance protocols for Tampa Bay, which are widely applicable throughout Central Florida.
Key Maintenance Tasks
Proper maintenance is a combination of inspection, cleaning, and performance tracking. Here’s what goes into keeping your lift station running efficiently:
Wet Well Pumping
The wet well should be pumped out and cleaned at least four times each year (every three months) to prevent the buildup of solids, fats, oils, and grease (F.O.G.). If this material isn’t removed, it can clog pumps and stick to sensors.
Float and Alarm Testing
High water alarms alert you when wastewater reaches unsafe levels. We recommend checking float switches and control alarms quarterly to avoid missed warnings and unexpected overflows.
Pump and Impeller Inspections
Quarterly pump inspections help identify debris caught in the impeller or mechanical wear. Imbalances in motor run time are early signs that a pump may be failing or obstructed.
Check Valve and Amp Readings
A properly functioning check valve prevents wastewater from flowing back into the wet well. We also take amp readings to confirm the lift station motors are working within their specifications. Abnormal readings could signal electrical or mechanical issues.
Electrical Panel Inspections
Our technicians check all wiring, connections, and control components during each service, checking for wear and tear, and ensuring moisture and pests don’t get inside and damage your equipment or compromise your panel.
Why Lakeland Lift Stations Need Regular Maintenance
Lakeland’s sandy soils, storm-prone weather, and high water table make it especially important to maintain your lift station. Heavy rains can cause wet wells to overflow or floats to stick. Without routine service, lift stations are more likely to experience system failure, environmental contamination, and regulatory violations.
Because lift stations are often located in commercial areas, a malfunction can disrupt business operations and pose a health risk to customers and employees. Preventive maintenance is not only more affordable than emergency repairs—it’s a proactive way to avoid legal liability and protect the community.
Signs Your Lift Station May Need Service
Not sure if your lift station needs attention? Watch for these signs:
- A red light or loud alarms on the control panel
- Sewage smells around the station or near your property
- Pumps running constantly or failing to activate at all
- Standing water or wet areas around the wet well
- Issues following power outages or storms
If you notice any of these, it’s time to contact ACE Septic.
How ACE Septic & Waste Handles Lift Station Maintenance in Lakeland
ACE Septic & Waste is trusted by property owners across Lakeland for our professional, reliable, and timely lift station services. We offer:
- Scheduled maintenance contracts for businesses and property managers
- Emergency services with 24/7 availability
- Full pump inspections, motor monitoring, and alarm system testing
- Waste disposal that meets Florida environmental standards
We’ve worked with apartment complexes, hotels, restaurants, and industrial sites across Polk County. No matter the size of your system, our team is equipped to keep it running.
Take Action Today to Protect Your Lift Station
If you’re responsible for a lift station in Lakeland, don’t wait for a backup or overflow to act. With proper maintenance from ACE Septic & Waste, you’ll reduce long-term costs, stay compliant with environmental regulations, and avoid unpleasant surprises.
Visit our Lakeland services page to learn more, or contact us to schedule a lift station inspection today.
Call ACE Septic & Waste—Lakeland’s lift station service experts.
