At Triple “D” Pump Company, we believe in keeping systems running smoothly — and that starts with keeping the wrong materials out of your sewer system. One of the most common causes of pump failure today? So-called “flushable” wipes. While these wipes may seem harmless, they are not truly flushable. They can wreak havoc on your lift stations or sewer pump system. The hidden cost of flushable wipes cost cities and taxpayers.
Unlike toilet paper, which breaks down quickly in water, flushable wipes remain largely intact as they travel through pipes. These wipes are fibrous and get tangled in pump impellers and other moving parts. This causes the pump to work harder, overheat, and eventually burn out. Once a pump burns out, replacement is often the only option — a costly and avoidable situation.
A failed pump also means downtime — and for municipalities, that can lead to backups or overflows. There are a few practical solutions to protect your system from damage caused by wipes:
- Install a Trash Basket or Bar Screen
These systems serve as the first line of defense by physically blocking wipes from entering your lift station. They are ideal for both municipal and commercial installations. - Educate Your Users
Whether it’s residents, tenants, or facility staff, make it clear: only toilet paper and waste should be flushed. Posting signs or including messaging in bills can go a long way!
While public education campaigns are necessary, infrastructure solutions must be robust enough to handle the reality of waste disposal. This reinforces the critical need for engineered solutions that can manage the actual composition of the waste stream, even if it deviates from ideal disposal practices.
Scientific evidence consistently refutes manufacturers’ claims of dispersibility. A rigorous 2019 study conducted at Ryerson University in Toronto examined 101 single-use wipe products, including 23 specifically labeled as “flushable” by their manufacturers. The study concluded that none of these products fell apart or dispersed sufficiently to safely pass through an average home’s plumbing system to the public sewer, and therefore are a contributing factor to the hidden cost of flushable wipes.
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Designing for Resilience: Triple D Pump’s Approach to Durable Lift Stations
Beyond pump technology, Triple “D” Pump incorporates strategic wastewater lift station design for optimal wipe management:
- Duplex Systems for Reliability: Duplex (two-pump) configurations are a critical benefit. These systems feature two pumps, each sized to handle peak flow. If one pump requires service or experiences a clog, the other pump can automatically take over, ensuring continuous operation and uninterrupted utility service. This significantly enhances system reliability and reduces downtime.
- Stainless Steel Guide Rail Systems: These robust guide rail systems allow pumps to be easily lifted, lowered, and disconnected for inspection, cleaning, or maintenance without the need for personnel to enter the wet well. This improves worker safety, simplifies upkeep, and significantly reduces maintenance time. This is invaluable for efficiently addressing wipe-related clogs.
- Optimized Basin Sizing and Material Selection: Proper sizing of the wet well is crucial, based on current and projected flow rates, desired pump run times, and retention requirements. Triple “D” Pump emphasizes the use of durable materials like Fiberglass Reinforced Plastic (FRP) basins. These basins are increasingly specified for their longevity and resistance to corrosive wastewater environments.
- Advanced Control Panels and Monitoring: Custom-engineered control panels and integrated sensors are vital for optimizing pump operation, providing real-time monitoring of levels and performance, and alerting operators to potential issues before they escalate, thus contributing to preventative maintenance.
Triple “D” Pump’s strong emphasis on custom engineering and comprehensive system design assistance positions them as indispensable strategic partners rather than just suppliers. We work collaboratively with engineers and contractors from the initial planning stages. We provide expert guidance on pump and component selection. Triple “D” can develop complete lift station layouts, offer detailed CAD drawings, and assist with specification support. This ensures that every system is meticulously tailored to specific site conditions and flow requirements. A collaborative approach empowers clients to proactively adapt their critical infrastructure to unforeseen and evolving challenges. Find more information about how we work with you on the Triple “D” Pump Company services page.
Protecting Your Investment: Combatting the Hidden Cost of Flushable Wipes
The paramount importance of continuous, reliable service for wastewater management systems cannot be overstated. Design features like duplex pump systems, where one pump can operate if the other needs service, and control panels with alarm systems to alert you before a pump failure occurs, ensure that essential services remain operational even during routine maintenance or in the event of minor issues. This prevents costly and hazardous service interruptions, which are critical for public health and environmental protection.
Partnering with Triple D Pump ensures the long-term longevity, optimal efficiency, and unwavering reliability of wastewater infrastructure. This not only protects significant investments but also contributes directly to safeguarding public health and fostering a cleaner, healthier environment.
Request a quote for your custom wastewater lift station needs, or contact Triple “D” Pump Company directly at 254-772-7623.
