The pump connected to the lift station on my septic system quit running

Question

I have a "lift station" on my septic tank. I dont know much about it, but that there is a pump that constantly runs beside my house, and there is an alarm in the yard sticking out of the ground. I just noticed yesterday that the pump that is always running, wasnt running. The outlet that the pump is plugged into is working. I can reset the breaker on the outlet, the pump will turn on for a second, then turn off again. What could be wrong? Ive heard of float switch being stuck, but I dont know where to look for that. I know where the pump is sticking out the ground, but where is the "lift station" located? Is it underground? How would I located that to check the float switch?

Answer 1

If the pump is an above ground box that is always humming and vibrating that isn't a lift station pump it is an aerator for your septic tank to help with waste break down.  They are required to be functioning by law to insure that raw sewage isn't draining out all new septic systems will require this air pump.  Sump pumps on the other hand are only used in systems with to little slope to allow for natural drainage.  Your sump pump (lift station) on the other hand is operated by a float and only switches on when it is time to discharge excess water from your system.  The sump pump will be located underground (commonly under an approx 12" concrete cap) it can be lifted via the power cord that supplies it if connections were made with soft tubing.  If not you may have to dig out the overflow tank to access the pump.  The float will normally be attached to the sump pump.  If you are still having waste water drain out into your ditch your sump pump is fine.  If your septic system is backing up into your house or yard your sump pump has failed (assuming you have one).  If your sump pump has failed the most economical solution is to just replace with a new one you can normally reuse the existing float but you may want to replace it to be sure.  If your tank is still draining properly it is likely your air pump.  You may be able to take it apart and clean in.  If not it will likely need replacement to.  The breaker is probably throwing due to a locked up motor, or worn out brushes causing excess electrical pull.  Hope this gives you some help.

edit

If your lot slopes down away from your septic tank towards the line outlet then you wouldn't have a pump station.  If the septic outlet has to run up hill from your septic tank (even just one or two inches) then a pump station would be required.  Aerators may or may not have been required at the time of construction for your area.  If the tank has been replaced at this point a "mo-dad" system would have been used.  If the pump you are seeing is an aerator they can be installed anywhere (directly over the septic tank, under the house, etc).  If you could post a picture of the pump and let me know through email  when you do I can identify what you have.

Answer 2

hmmm, could be any number ot things.

if the cb keeps tripping you may have an electrical fault.

the lift station will be located inside the tank (nasty).

i suggest you call a sparky.

oh... did you thumb us down for trying to help you?