The main lift station serving the wastewater treatment plant in Morgan’s Point, Texas, continually experienced problems with its three standard non-clog pumps. The pumps frequently clogged when rainfall totals reached or exceeded 2 in. Shop rags, pieces of lumber, plastic bottles, gloves and wet wipes all commonly clogged the pumps when the standard demand increased. Pump removal, unplugging and recurring repairs were required, but the service company was not always available for immediate assistance, causing problems for residents serviced by this lift station.
From 2009 to 2016, Morgan’s Point spent approximately $100,000 to have the three pumps maintained and serviced. Over that period, 24 service calls were required to remove the pumps, de-rag them, reinstall them and reset them. In addition, technicians rebuilt the pumps at least six times and had to purchase two replacement pumps.
The Solution
Due to the excessive downtime and repairs to the standard non-clog pumps, Brian Schneider, the city administrator for the city of Morgan’s Point, contacted the local Vaughan representative to find a solution. In May 2016, Vaughan Co. proposed a new SE-Series submersible chopper pump along with a complete guide rail system to solve the frequent clogging problem. The city of Morgan’s Point approved Vaughan’s proposal, and the system was on its way in an expedient 45 days.
