Gravity does most of the work in a well-designed sewer system, but terrain does not always cooperate. When wastewater needs to move uphill, across long distances, or from a low-lying development to a treatment plant, a lift station becomes essential. Sewage lift station installation is a complex undertaking that combines deep excavation, mechanical and electrical systems, and precise coordination with existing infrastructure. For municipalities, utility districts, and developers across Nevada and the Western United States, choosing an experienced contractor is critical to long-term reliability. Resource Development Co, a Reno, NV general contractor with more than 50 years of experience in heavy civil water and wastewater construction, understands what it takes to deliver lift stations that perform day after day. This guide covers how lift stations work, what the installation process involves, and how to plan a successful project.
What is a sewage lift station?
A sewage lift station, sometimes called a pump station, collects wastewater in an underground chamber and pumps it to a higher elevation so it can continue flowing toward a treatment facility. Lift stations are common in areas with flat or uneven topography, in new subdivisions located below existing sewer mains, and in communities where extending gravity lines would require impractically deep trenches.
Most lift stations share several core components. The wet well is the chamber that receives incoming wastewater. Pumps, often submersible units, move the sewage out through a pressurized pipe known as a force main. Level sensors or float switches tell the pumps when to start and stop, while a control panel manages operations and triggers alarms when something goes wrong. Valves, piping, access hatches, ventilation, and backup power round out the system.
Types of lift stations
Submersible lift stations
Submersible stations place the pumps directly inside the wet well, submerged in the wastewater they move. This design has a smaller footprint and typically costs less to build, making it a popular choice for residential developments and smaller municipal applications. Pumps are raised to the surface on guide rails for maintenance.
Wet well and dry well stations
In this configuration, the pumps sit in a separate dry chamber next to the wet well. Operators can access equipment without contact with raw sewage, which simplifies maintenance on larger, high-capacity systems. These stations require more excavation and structural work but are often preferred for major municipal facilities.
Packaged versus custom-built systems
Prefabricated packaged stations arrive largely assembled, which can shorten construction schedules for smaller projects. Custom-built stations are designed around specific flow requirements, site conditions, and future growth projections. The right choice depends on capacity needs, budget, and the owner's long-term plans, and it should be settled early in the sewage lift station installation planning process.
The sewage lift station installation process
Every project is different, but most follow a similar sequence from planning through startup.
Site evaluation and design
The process begins with an engineering assessment of expected flows, peak demand, site elevations, soil conditions, and groundwater levels. Engineers size the wet well, select pumps, and design the force main route. Many agencies reference recognized design guidelines, such as the Recommended Standards for Wastewater Facilities, commonly known as the Ten States Standards, along with local utility requirements.
Permitting and approvals
Wastewater projects require approvals from local utilities and state environmental agencies. In Nevada, the Nevada Division of Environmental Protection oversees many wastewater infrastructure reviews. Securing permits early helps keep the sewage lift station installation schedule on track.
Excavation and structural work
Wet wells are often set deep below grade, which means excavation must be carefully planned. Shoring, trench safety systems, and dewatering are frequently required, particularly where groundwater is high. Crews then set the wet well structure, which may be precast concrete, cast-in-place concrete, or fiberglass, and prepare the foundation and backfill.
Mechanical and electrical installation
Once the structure is in place, crews install pumps, guide rails, piping, check valves, and isolation valves. The force main is connected and pressure tested. Electrical contractors install the control panel, level controls, alarms, and in many cases a remote monitoring or SCADA connection that lets operators track performance from off site. Backup power, whether a permanent generator or a portable generator connection, is a critical safeguard against overflows during outages.
Testing and startup
Before a station goes into service, every system is tested. This typically includes pump performance checks, control sequence verification, alarm testing, and leak testing of the wet well and piping. Operators should receive training and complete documentation, including equipment manuals and as-built drawings.
Resource Development Co brings experience across each of these phases, from site work and structural construction to piping and final commissioning.
Common challenges and how to avoid them
Groundwater is one of the most frequent obstacles on lift station projects. High water tables can flood excavations and create buoyancy forces that push wet wells upward, so proper dewatering and anti-flotation design are essential. Rocky or unstable soils, which are common in parts of northern Nevada and the Sierra foothills, can slow excavation and require specialized equipment.
Tie-ins to existing sewer systems also demand careful planning. When a new station replaces an aging one, flows must be bypassed during construction to prevent spills. Odor control, noise, and access for maintenance vehicles are additional considerations, especially in residential neighborhoods. A contractor experienced in sewage lift station installation will anticipate these challenges during planning rather than reacting to them in the field.
Resource Development Co has built a portfolio of heavy civil water and wastewater projects that includes treatment facilities and buildings, pump stations, large-diameter pipelines, and hydraulic structures. That breadth of experience helps the team navigate complex sites and coordinate the many trades involved in a lift station build.
Planning for long-term performance
A lift station is a long-term investment, and decisions made during construction affect decades of operation. Owners should plan for future growth by sizing wet wells and electrical systems to accommodate additional capacity. Selecting corrosion-resistant materials and protective coatings is important because the hydrogen sulfide gas in sewage environments can aggressively attack concrete and metal.
Resource Development Co offers in-house industrial coating capabilities and applies products from manufacturers including Sauereisen, Raven, Carboline, Tnemec, and Sherwin-Williams, many of which are formulated for severe wastewater environments. Combining civil construction and coating expertise under one contractor simplifies coordination and helps protect the structure from the start.
Regular maintenance is the final piece. Pump inspections, wet well cleaning, alarm testing, and generator exercising keep stations running reliably. A well-executed sewage lift station installation makes these tasks easier by providing safe access, clear documentation, and quality equipment.
Choosing the right contractor
When evaluating contractors, owners should look for proven wastewater experience, a strong safety record, and the capacity to manage excavation, structural, mechanical, and coating work together. Resource Development Co holds contractor licenses in Nevada and California and has earned repeated safety recognition, including an award for more than 250,000 hours worked in 2024. Since 1972, Resource Development Co has delivered water and wastewater infrastructure throughout the Western United States.
How Resource Development Co supports your wastewater project
A reliable lift station protects public health, supports community growth, and keeps wastewater moving where it needs to go. Successful sewage lift station installation depends on careful planning, skilled construction, and attention to long-term performance. Resource Development Co is a Reno, NV general contractor serving communities throughout Nevada, California, and the Western United States, with more than five decades of experience in heavy civil water and wastewater construction, welded steel storage tanks, and industrial coatings. Whether you are building a new station or replacing aging infrastructure, the team is ready to help. Call the office at 775.356.8004, email info@resourcedevelopmentco.com, or contact us to get your project started.
← Back to Insights