An Equine Hospital in Central Kentucky Needed a Lift Station for Their Septic System

An equine hospital in Central Kentucky expanded its facilities with a state-of-the-art hospital. The hospital treats athletic horses from across the country. Since municipal sewers were not available, a septic system was required. As part of the septic system design, an effluent lift station was needed.

It was decided to install a Zoeller prepackaged lift station, which was needed for pumping the sewage to the septic system lateral lines. Zoeller prepackaged lift stations are fully assembled at the factory and are ready for installation as soon as they are delivered to the site. This saves the contractor considerable time, and they know the lift station has been assembled correctly.

Septic System Overview:

• Septic Tanks: The system includes two 1,500-gallon and two 1,000-gallon septic tanks arranged in series to provide primary treatment. The septic tanks treat the primary waste to approximately 50 percent.
• Lift Station: The effluent from the septic tanks flows into a prepackaged lift station equipped with duplex alternating sewage pumps (two model 188-0005 on Z-Rails) and a Pivot Pro duplex control panel with four floats tethered on a float tree. Duplex pump control is essential in commercial settings for redundancy; if one pump fails, the other can continue operating until repairs are made.
• Effluent Distribution: The lift station pumps the effluent to an equal flow distribution box, which then directs it to leach lines for further treatment and final dispersal.

Lift Station Specifications:

• Dimensions: The fiberglass lift station is 72 inches in diameter and 162 inches deep, with a capacity of 1,675 gallons, which meets the septic system regulations.
• Installation: Zoeller’s prepackaged lift station was chosen for its ease of installation. Assembled at the factory in Louisville, KY, it was ready for immediate installation upon arrival, simplifying the contractor’s job.

Benefits of Septic Systems:

1. Cost-Effective: Septic systems can be more cost effective long-term compared to utilizing a municipal sewer system.
2. Environmental Impact: Properly maintained septic systems can effectively treat wastewater on-site, reducing the risk of pollution in local water bodies and protecting human health.
3. Independence: Homeowners with septic systems are not reliant on municipal sewer services.
4. Water Conservation: Septic systems can encourage water conservation practices, as excessive water use can overwhelm the system. This can lead to more mindful water usage.
5. Longevity: With regular maintenance, septic systems can last for many years, providing a reliable solution for wastewater management.

Reasons for Using a Lift Station:

1. Elevation Challenges: If the property is situated on low-lying land or has uneven terrain, gravity alone may not be sufficient to move wastewater from the septic tank to the drain field. A lift station uses pumps to lift the wastewater to higher ground, ensuring proper flow and preventing backups.
2. Long-Distance Wastewater Movement: If your septic system is located far from your home or business, a lift station helps efficiently transport wastewater over long distances.
3. Customizable Solutions: Lift stations can be tailored to fit the specific needs of your property, whether it’s a large home, commercial property, or unique landscape. This adaptability ensures optimal performance and reliability.

Benefits of Prepackaged Lift Stations:

• Components: A prepackaged lift station includes a pump, container, and controls, all designed to work together seamlessly.
• Performance: When properly selected and installed, these systems offer years of reliable performance.
• Installation: Compared to site-built lift stations, prepackaged units are easier to install and provide consistent, trouble-free operation when designed and assembled by a qualified manufacturer.

The System included the following:

1. (2) 188 Pumps
   • Model: 188-0005
   • Specifications: 230V, 3Ph, 2-inch discharge
2. Basin and Rail Assembly
   • Model: 33-4755
   • Specifications: 72×162 inch fiberglass duplex basin assembly, Z rail system, and 2” discharge
3. Control Panel
   • Model: 124E4-0001
   • Specifications: Duplex Pivot Pro Duplex
4. Mechanical Float Switches
   • Model: 10-0744
   • Specifications: 20’ float switches
   • Quantity: 4
5. Float Tree Assembly
   • Model: 10-1456
   • Specifications: 4 float tree assembly

The septic system was installed and is working well to meet the needs of the equine hospital. Septic systems are sustainable for many years if they are designed, installed, and maintained properly.