Why Lift Station Maintenance—and Pipe Replacement—Matters More Than You Think

Most people don’t give a second thought to what happens after flushing the toilet or where all that stormwater goes during a big rain. But behind the scenes, lift stations are working 24/7 to keep things flowing smoothly—and when they don’t, the problems are messy,

expensive, and hazardous.

At Phoenix General Contractors, we’ve seen first-hand how vital these stations are to the health of sewer systems—and just as importantly, how critical it is to maintain and properly replace key components like stainless steel piping.

What’s a Lift Station?

Quick recap: a lift station is designed to pump wastewater or stormwater from lower ground up to higher elevations, allowing gravity to do the rest of the work. Without lift stations, sewer systems would fail in flat areas or any place where wastewater can’t flow naturally downhill.

Each station has a complex system of:

• Pumps and motors

• Wet wells

• Control panels and sensors

• Valves and, crucially, stainless steel pipes

These components all have to work seamlessly together to ensure efficient, reliable service.

The Backbone: Stainless Steel Pipes

Let’s talk about the pipes. Stainless steel piping is the backbone of a lift station’s internal flow. These pipes are chosen because they’re strong, corrosion-resistant, and built to handle the harsh, high-pressure environment of wastewater transport.

But even the toughest materials wear out over time. Corrosion, chemical exposure, and constant pressure fluctuations mean that stainless steel pipes eventually need replacement—and when that time comes, it’s not a simple swap.

During a recent job in El Paso, TX, we replaced stainless steel piping at a wastewater lift station. After filling in the outdated sewage pumps, we had to rehabilitate the well walls. The walls were made from brick, so after years of use, they were decomposing. Once the inspection and 3D scan of the well was made to see the structure before entry, we had to bypass the sewage into another manhole to direct it to the treatment facility.

We had to assure that all pipes were securely blocked with “balloons” (rubber pipe stops). We then entered the manhole, pumping out any remnant sewage with a high temperature pressure washer. After cleaning, we sealed the pipes at the bottom and placed cement to repair the structure on damaged areas. We then placed a primer on the walls of the structure; once that was dry, we placed a new epoxy coating with a plural sprayer which had a heated component to be placed correctly.

After the coating, we placed the stainless-steel pipes, which were about 24' long, and secured to the walls with anchors.

Why Proper Replacement Matters

Replacing stainless steel piping in a lift station isn’t like replacing a faucet in your kitchen. These systems are highly engineered, and even a small mistake—misaligned joints, poor welds, or improper seals—can cause major problems down the road, including:

• Leaks and Contamination: Wastewater leaks can damage the environment and create serious health hazards.

• Pump Damage: Improperly installed pipes can create flow issues that strain and even burn out expensive pump systems.

• System Downtime: A bad replacement job can force costly shutdowns and emergency repairs.

• Regulatory Fines: Failures can quickly lead to environmental compliance violations and steep fines.

In short, precision is everything. Every connection, weld, and alignment have to be executed perfectly to maintain pressure integrity and ensure long-term performance.

What to Look for in a Contractor

This is where choosing the right contractor becomes essential. You need a team with deep expertise in wastewater systems, precise technical skills, and a proven track record of doing things by the book—every time.

At Phoenix General Contractors, we don’t cut corners. Our technicians are trained specifically in stainless steel pipe installation and replacement for lift stations, with a focus on:

• Correct pipe sizing and alignment

• Expert welding and sealing

• Pressure testing to confirm integrity

• Full system integration with pumps and controls

• Compliance with all safety and environmental regulations

We also understand that downtime is a big deal. That’s why we plan meticulously, communicate clearly, and work efficiently to minimize disruptions while ensuring the job is done to the highest quality.

After the steel pipes were placed, we fit a prefabricated concrete pad on top of the manhole. Using the highest crane safety standards, we then placed a prefabricated pumphouse on top of the concrete pad to replace the outdated pumps we had previously filled in earlier. The engineering consultants, H20 Terra, were satisfied with our work, and liked working with us. We recently completed another project with them.

An Added Layer of Trust: Our 8(a) Certification

We’re proud to be an SBA 8(a)-certified contractor, which means we’ve been vetted for financial stability, technical expertise, and compliance with federal contracting standards. For government agencies and federally funded projects, this certification provides extra assurance that you’re working with a trusted, capable partner who understands the complexities of public infrastructure work.

The Bottom Line

Lift stations are the unsung heroes of wastewater management, and stainless-steel piping is one of their most critical components. When it’s time for a replacement, you need more than just a general contractor—you need a specialist who understands the stakes, the systems, and the importance of precision.

At Phoenix General Contractors, we bring the experience, skill, and commitment to quality that keeps your lift stations running reliably—and your community safe.

Contact us today to learn how we can support your lift station maintenance and stainless-steel pipe replacement needs with the care and expertise you deserve.