Lift Stations | Hillsborough County, FL

Hillsborough County Privately-Owned Collection & Transmission System Program (POCTS)

The purpose of the POCTS Program is to evaluate private lift stations and collection systems to ensure they are maintained properly to control excessive amounts of inflow and infiltration and to prevent clogging of the County’s sewer system due to excessive discharges of grease and other non-flushable materials.

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What is a Lift Station?

A lift station is a structure designed to pump the wastewater (sewage) from your property or business and transport it to a private or municipal treatment system. Lift stations consist of a wet well, pumps and floats, discharge piping, an electrical control panel, pump switches, and high-level emergency alarms.

How does a lift station work?

The illustration above depicts a lift station wet well. It has several components:

• At least two submersible pumps to move the wastewater
• A set of floats to activate the pumps when the water gets to a certain height and to activate the alarm system
• A discharge pipe that goes from the pump to the valve box that leads to a connection to the sewer system
• A lid for easy access to the wet well and/or valves

Do your part to prevent overflows

• Clean the lift station as needed to prevent overflows
• Have a regular maintenance schedule
• Do not wait for something to break before you call someone to look at it
• Post a sign for an emergency contact where it can be seen by the public
• Be conscious of what goes down the drain. Grease and debris shorten the life for of the pumps that move the wastewater and can interrupt the floats from signaling the pumps to turn on.

Do not ignore the alarm!

The alarm system is in place to warn you of elevated water levels and/or a possible overflow. The alarm should be audible and visual. When water raises the float closest to the lid, it will signal this alarm system to turn on.

Inspections

Hillsborough County POCTS staff conduct inspections on privately-owned lift stations and collection systems to ensure compliance with the County Code of Ordinances, Section 120-200.

Some of the major requirements included in an inspection are:

• A minimum of two approved and operational pumps that alternate are in place
• All floats are operational
• Audible and visual alarm systems are operational
• The wet well and electrical panel are locked for safety
• The wet well is free of debris and grease
• The valve box and electrical panel are operating properly
• Emergency contact information is posted where it is visible to the public

Reporting a spill

All spills or sanitary sewer overflows (SSO) are required to be reported to all of the following agencies:

Environmental Protection Commission (EPC) within 24 hours of discovery.

EPC of Hillsborough County - (813) 627-

Hillsborough County Environmental Services at or (813) 744-

In addition, spills over 1,000 gallons or where public health or the environment may be endangered are required to be reported to the following entities:

Are you interested in learning more about Sewage Lifting Device? Contact us today to secure an expert consultation!

Florida State Watch Office

1-800-320-

Florida Department of Environmental Protection (FDEP)

In the world of modern plumbing and city infrastructure, most of us rarely think about what happens after we flush. Behind the scenes, a vital piece of engineering called a sewage lift station helps keep our wastewater moving—especially when gravity alone just doesn’t cut it.

The Basics: What Is a Sewage Lift Station?

A sewage lift station—sometimes called a pump station—is designed to move wastewater from a lower elevation to a higher one. Why? Because sewage systems ideally rely on gravity to carry wastewater to treatment plants. But when the terrain dips or stays flat, gravity needs a little help. That’s where lift stations come in.

How Do They Work?

At the heart of a sewage lift station is a wet well, a tank that temporarily holds incoming wastewater. Once the sewage reaches a certain level, pumps automatically turn on and push the waste through pressurized pipes (called force mains) toward a higher elevation. From there, gravity can take over again.

Modern lift stations use sensors, control panels, and backup systems to ensure smooth operation—even in power outages or emergencies.

Key Components of a Lift Station:

• Wet Well: Where sewage collects before pumping
• Pumps: Usually submersible and installed in pairs (one runs, one on standby)
• Level Sensors: Trigger the pumps based on sewage level
• Check Valves: Prevent backflow of sewage
• Control System: Automates pump cycles and alerts operators to issues

Why Are They So Important?

• They allow cities to grow. Without lift stations, many neighborhoods in low-lying or flat areas couldn’t exist.
• They reduce infrastructure costs. By lifting sewage over obstacles, they eliminate the need for super-deep sewer lines.
• They prevent health hazards. A well-maintained lift station keeps wastewater moving, reducing the risk of overflows or backups.

Maintenance: Not Glamorous, But Critical

Lift stations are tough, but not invincible. Regular maintenance is key to preventing clogs (from grease, debris, or even "flushable" wipes), pump failures, and costly spills. Smart sensors and real-time monitoring systems are making this job easier—and more efficient—than ever.

Final Flush: A Hidden Hero of Public Health

Sewage lift stations might not be the most glamorous part of urban infrastructure, but they’re absolutely essential. They keep our communities clean, safe, and livable day in and day out.

Got questions or want to learn more about the mechanics behind your city's sewage system? Drop them in the comments below!

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