Lift Stations · Rags, Grease, Grit, and Clogging
What Are the Signs of a Clogged Pump?
A clogged pump may run longer to lower the wet well, move less flow, draw unusual current, vibrate, make abnormal noise, or trip a protective device.
A slower-than-normal drawdown is a common sign. Compare the affected pump with its normal trend and with another similar pump under comparable conditions. Confirm valve positions, level indication, and discharge conditions before assuming the impeller is clogged.
Different problems can cause the same symptoms. A restricted force main, worn impeller, air problem, bad check valve, or inaccurate sensor can resemble clogging.
Do not keep restarting a pump that repeatedly trips. Protect remaining capacity, follow escalation procedures, and isolate the unit for qualified inspection when required.
Key point: Clogging is diagnosed from several observations, not from one alarm or reading.
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Lift Stations for Wastewater Operators
This page comes from the course. It covers pumps and level controls, inspections, alarms, power and bypass pumping, clogs, gas hazards and overflow response, one step at a time, with short knowledge checks and a certificate of completion.
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