Actually they seem to have thought out the idea pretty well. Usually
they use two pumps with circuitry to alternate them to equalize wear.
That way there is a backup in place, tested, ready to go if one pump
fails. They are fed by utility electric power and usually have the
generator as backup. Add a large pit and lots of monitors, alarms and
a maintenance force and they work well. Ever heard of sewer system
failure?

On Jan 15, 10:30 pm, "Eigenvector" wrote:
"Howard" wrote in ooglegroups.com...

Generally sewage is routed to the low point of the development. If
that is below the level of mainline to the sewage plant then a pump
station is developed. The output of the pump station is under
pressure. Most of the pump station is below grade. You can sometimes
spot one by looking for a concrete pad, surrounded by a fence. On the
pad is a watertight electrical box and usually a backup generator. The
watertight box is the control for the multiple pumps located below
ground in the pit.Hmm, thanks, I'll have to take a closer look next time I'm walking around
the neighborhood. Seems like a pretty tenuous solution given the
consequences if it fails but what else can you do?



On Jan 15, 9:19 pm, "Eigenvector" wrote:
What is done when a house's sewer line is below the level of the main
sewer
line? I didn't think those lines were pressurized, so how does a house's
sewage system work in those conditions?

For instance in my neighborhood half the houses are about 20 feet below
my
street. In this instace would the city install a pumping unit for those
houses or would they route the sewer line towards those houses and out?
I
guess it depends on the situation, but still, if the waste treatment
plant
is above your house (vertically that is) does that mean your sewage is
pumped to that plant or is sewage all gravity fed?

Always wondered about that, I never hear pumps running under the street
and
I didn't think lines were pressurized anyway.