Myers Pump for Lift Stations: Design Tips

A quiet morning, coffee in hand, and then the alarms start chirping: high water in the lift station. The panel is lit up like a Christmas tree. You pop the hatch, catch the smell, and watch wastewater inch over the guide rails. In 30 minutes your building has a backup problem, your tenants have a grievance, and you’ve got a pump system that isn’t moving a gallon. I’ve walked into that scene more times than I care to count. In most cases, the root cause isn’t exotic—it’s design shortcuts. Undersized rails. Wrong impeller type. No redundancy. Poor control logic. Budget brand pumps that die before the second winter.

Let me introduce a family that just lived this. Jacob and Priya Mendieta, 39 and 37, manage a small farm stay with four rental cabins outside Walla Walla, Washington. Their lift station (serving three cabins and a bathhouse) ran a mixed bag of parts: a 2 HP non-clog from a budget line and a mismatched float tree. After their Goulds non-clog shorted during a spring storm, they spent 12 hours hauling graywater by the tote. With weekend guests inbound, they needed a fix and a future-proof plan. We designed around Myers—specifically a Myers sewage and grinder configuration—and they haven’t looked back. No alarms since, amperage is steady, and their wet well runs clean.

Here’s what we’ll cover to keep your lift station out of the danger zone and squarely in the dependable zone with PSAM’s Myers line: correct horsepower and TDH, impeller selection, wet-well sizing and cycle timing, rails and quick-disconnect hardware, level controls and panels, check/valve vaults, ventilation and corrosion protection, solids handling vs grinding decisions, maintenance-friendly layout, and emergency resiliency. Whether you’re a rural homeowner on a private system or a contractor bidding small commercial, these are the design decisions that separate “it works for now” from “it works for years.”

Before we dive in, a quick reminder why Myers through PSAM is my go-to: industry-leading 3-year warranty, Made in USA builds, and Pentair engineering behind each unit. Myers’ stainless fasteners, balanced rotors, and the same quality mindset I love in their well gear show up in their wastewater pumps, too. When uptime matters, that combination is worth every single penny.
#1. Sizing the Workhorse Right — TDH, Flow, and Pump Curves with Myers sewage and grinder options
Undersized or over-amped pumps create short lives and long nights. Proper sizing around your system’s real TDH (total dynamic head) and duty cycle is where reliability begins.

Myers sewage and grinder pumps are engineered for predictable pump curve performance. Start by calculating static lift (water level in wet well to discharge height), add friction losses for all fittings and pipe length, and include backpressure from the force main. For small commercial stations, typical design flows run 30–120 GPM for non-clog sewage pumps, or 7–35 GPM for grinder pumps under high head. A 1 HP grinder easily tackles 50–80 feet TDH; going 1.5–2 HP extends capability well past 100 feet with smaller force mains.

Jacob Mendieta’s force main snake was 420 feet of 2-inch PVC rising 26 feet. With fittings, his friction head landed near 19 feet at 28 GPM. We selected a Myers grinder at 1.5 HP for steady-state operation near the best efficiency point (BEP), giving headroom for peak loads.
Flow Targets and Duty Cycle
Design around peak hour flow, not just average. Aim for 6–12 starts per hour to protect motors and contactors. Short-cycle systems cook windings; long cycles age seals.
Using the Pump Curve Correctly
Plot your TDH line against the Myers curve to find duty points and amperage. Choose a model where the operating point sits just right of BEP. That’s where efficiency and longevity live.
Wire, Voltage, and Amperage Checks
Confirm 230V single-phase supply and ensure the branch circuit matches locked-rotor amps. Undersized conductors create voltage drop and hot motors.

Key takeaway: Sizing is math, not guesswork. PSAM will run the numbers and match you to a Myers model that lives near BEP and lives longer.
#2. Non-Clog vs Grinder — Choosing the Right Impeller for Your Waste Stream
Impeller selection is the fork in the road for lift station performance. A non-clog impeller moves higher flow and tolerates larger solids; a grinder chews solids into fine slurry and pushes through higher head in smaller force mains.

Myers sewage pumps use hardened, open non-clog impellers designed for 2-inch solids. Myers grinder pumps use precision-cutting assemblies paired with high-head multi-stage pump hydraulics for long force mains and tight easements. With vacation rentals like the Mendietas’ cabins, foreign objects are inevitable—wipes, hygiene products, even the occasional shop rag. That’s grinder territory.

Compared with Goulds non-clogs in problematic wipe-prone systems, Myers grinders often reduce callouts to zero. You sacrifice raw GPM, but gain system stability when your force main runs long or shallow-buried lines invite cooling grease to congeal. Jacob and Priya went grinder specifically to defeat wipe loads and hit 120+ feet equivalent TDH on bad days.
When to Go Non-Clog Short runs, 3–6-inch force mains Higher inflow buildings (restaurants, schools) Grease management in place When to Go Grinder Long 1.25–2-inch force mains Rentals, public use, or “mystery solids” Hilly terrain with high TDH Horsepower and Staging
Typical picks: 1–2 HP grinders for small commercial; 2–5 HP non-clogs for larger basins. Match staging to head—don’t overspin an impeller into churn.

Key takeaway: Know your solids and your main. Myers gives you both tools; pick the right blade for the job.
#3. Wet Well Geometry and Cycle Timing — Preventing Turbulence, Odor, and Ragging
A properly sized basin prevents turbulence that encourages ragging and grease balls. Sizing starts with the inflow rate and target cycle frequency. Keep starts between 6–12 per hour; fewer for larger horsepower. Provide a minimum run time of 60–90 seconds per cycle for effective scouring.

Myers pumps don’t need pampering, but they do appreciate a calm basin. A smooth approach to the pump intakes, no tight corners creating vortices, and an inlet tee that dissipates velocity go a long way. For the Mendietas, we extended the influent drop to below the waterline and added a baffle. Result: calm suction, cleaner level controls.
Volume Between Lead and Off
Calculate gallons per inch in your basin. Set lead/lag/off to move 2–3 minutes of flow during peak periods, avoiding rapid cycling and deadhead heat.
Anti-Vortex and Inlet Control
An anti-vortex plate above the pump inlets reduces air entrainment and rag wraps. Inlet tees cut inlet jetting and odor.
Grease and Grit Management
If grease is present, add a skimmer or modify inflow. If grit is common, choose hardened components and schedule periodic basin washdowns.

Key takeaway: Calm basins produce calm amps. Design your well to serve the pump, not fight it.
#4. Guide Rails, Quick-Disconnects, and Bases — Serviceability That Pays for Itself
Lift stations fail at the worst times. Smart rail design means you can swap a pump in minutes, not hours. Myers sewage and grinder units mount to standard 2-inch or 3-inch rail systems with a heavy-duty mounting bracket and quick connect system at the discharge elbow.

I insist on schedule 80 rails, stainless fasteners, and a solid base elbow. Poorly aligned rails cause binding, damaged power cords, and chipped volutes. The Mendietas’ old rail pair was misaligned; we reset plumb and re-centered the elbow. Now their Myers unit drops cleanly and seals first try.
Cord Management
Install a cable guard and strain relief at the rail top. Keep power and sensor cords tied every 4–5 feet. Avoid stretch and chafe.
Sealing Surfaces Matter
Inspect the discharge elbow o-ring and seat during each service. A scarred seat invites bypass and turbulence.
Lift-Out Hardware
Use a stainless safety rope independent of cords. When pumps hang, cords fail. Ropes don’t.

Key takeaway: If service takes two people and a prayer, your rails are wrong. Myers hardware and PSAM kits make it right.
#5. Level Controls and Panels — From Floats to Smart Transducers with Redundancy
Controls make or break a station. Redundant level sensors, clear alarm logic, and properly sized contactors keep pumps happy. I like dual float trees plus a pressure transducer on critical sites—one primary, one backup, one “truth teller.”

Pair your Myers pumps with a dedicated control panel sized to their amperage draw. Use alternation logic for duplex systems. Test the high-level alarm monthly. For the Mendietas, we replaced a DIY float cluster with a proper float tree, added a transducer for trending, and tied in a siren and remote dialer. No more mystery starts.
Float Placement
Use three floats minimum in duplex: Off, Lead, Lag/Alarm. Space them to guarantee run time and avoid chatter.
Transducer Advantages
Continuous level data improves diagnostics. If starts creep up or run times stretch, you’ll know before it’s an emergency.
Overload and Surge
Select panels with thermal overload protection and lightning protection. Wastewater stations live outside; storms aren’t kind.

Key takeaway: Controls are the brain. Give Myers a smart brain water pump myers https://www.plumbingsupplyandmore.com/4-deep-well-package-bronze-hj75d-series-lead-free.html and the whole station runs smoother.
#6. Check Valves, Isolation Valves, and Anti-Siphon — Don’t Let the Line Fight You
A bad check valve or missing isolation valve turns routine service into a wet, messy, and sometimes unsafe job. I specify full-port ball or resilient wedge gate valves for isolation, and heavy-duty swing checks or spring-loaded checks sized to your velocity.

Position checks vertically if possible; horizontal checks should be installed per manufacturer’s flow arrow and orientation. Add an anti-siphon or vented check for high-static systems where back-siphon can reverse spin an impeller. The Mendietas’ original check valve leaked by 1–2 GPM, quietly causing frequent short cycles. A PSAM-supplied check and isolation pair stopped the ghost flow.
Access and Valve Boxes
Put valves in an accessible vault outside the wet well. You’ll thank yourself during the first midnight call.
Cracking Pressure and Water Hammer
A low cracking pressure reduces slam and chatter. For long mains, consider a spring check with damped closing.
Test Ports
Add a gauge tap and flush port. Diagnostics are easy when you can read line pressure and move water.

Key takeaway: Good valves save calls. PSAM can bundle Myers pumps with the right valves and fittings for a turnkey kit.
#7. Materials and Corrosion Control — Stainless Where It Counts, Coatings Where It Helps
Wastewater chemistry is not kind. Hydrogen sulfide, chlorides, and humid enclosures chew through marginal gear. I spec stainless hardware, epoxy-coated basins, and sealed conduit fittings. While clean-water well pumps showcase 300 series stainless steel, Myers wastewater pumps leverage robust housings, stainless fasteners, and durable elastomers where they matter. Keep dissimilar metals in check and bond equipment properly.

The Mendietas had mild H2S from warm-season loads. We added ventilation (see next section) and swapped corroded hardware for stainless. Their panel latches and conduit hubs are now sealed and rust-free.
Conduit and Cable Integrity
Use watertight fittings and drip loops into panels. Moisture kills controls, not just pumps.
Sacrificial Anodes (When Needed)
In aggressive environments, an anode on metal components slows corrosion. Inspect annually.
Coatings and Anchors
Select epoxy anchors rated for wet embed. Cheap anchors spin loose during the first service.

Key takeaway: Corrosion is relentless. Choose materials once, not twice. PSAM’s Myers packages come with the right stainless where service techs need it.
#8. Ventilation, Odor, and Gas Management — Keep Panels Alive and Air Breathable
A lift station without ventilation is a chemistry set with a timer. Provide passive ventilation at minimum; for odor-prone sites, add powered ventilation with carbon filtration. Keep your control panel out of the worst airflow and gasketed against moisture.

Odor complaints vanish when you stop anaerobic conditions. The Mendietas’ station got a low-watt fan and a carbon canister vent. Corrosion slowed and the “whiff” disappeared.
Air Exchange Targets
Aim for several air changes per hour in small stations. Exhaust above grade, away from doors and windows.
Float and Transducer Protection
Dry, clean air extends sensor life. Moisture-laden air ruins insulation and metals.
Safety First
Assume hazardous atmosphere when opening a wet well. Ventilate and use gas detection as policy.

Key takeaway: Ventilation pays dividends you can’t see—longer panel life and fewer complaints.
#9. Redundancy: Duplex, Lag Strategy, and Alarm Pathways — Because Pumps Get Old, Too
Even the best pump needs a partner. For most small commercial or multi-family sites, duplex is a must: Lead/Lag alternation spreads runtime, and the lag covers surges and failures. Tie in both local and remote alarms. Test monthly.

Myers offers matching pairs that share curves and motor specs, making alternation seamless. The Mendietas run lead/lag on a weekly alternation schedule. When a busy holiday weekend hit, both pumps ran together for a few minutes per cycle and never tripped a breaker.
Alternation Logic
Alternate automatically. Manual alternation is a promise people forget.
Alarm Redundancy
Siren, beacon, and a dialer or network alert. If a tree takes out the line, you still know.
Generator Readiness
Add an inlet for portable generator connection. Size cords and lugs for the pump FLA and starting current.

Key takeaway: Redundancy turns “disaster” into “service call.” Duplex Myers setups are non-negotiable for mission-critical stations.
#10. Commissioning, Maintenance, and Data — The Boring Stuff That Saves Budgets
A good startup is the cheapest insurance you’ll ever buy. Check rotation, measure amperage draw under load, verify check valves, log levels, and set floats precisely. Record baseline run time per inch of drawdown.

Set a quarterly inspection: pull one pump, check the intake screen, wipe the volute, verify insulation resistance, and confirm station ventilation. The Mendietas keep a clipboard on the panel: date, starts, run time, any alarms. Trend a year of data and you’ll see trouble coming.
Commissioning Checklist Insulation test motors and cords Verify lead/lag sequence Confirm setpoints: Off/Lead/Lag/Alarm Record static and operating head Spare Parts Strategy
Keep a seal kit and float on hand. For remote sites, a full spare pump is money well spent.
Vendor Partnership
PSAM stocks Myers parts and ships same day on in-stock items. In a pinch, we’ve saved weekends.

Key takeaway: Maintenance isn’t optional. Plan it, track it, and your Myers pumps will repay you in uptime.
Detailed Competitor Comparisons You Should Know
When I’m called to diagnose chronic lift station issues, the problems often trace back to brand and build choices. Here’s the straight talk, from decades of wrench time.

Myers vs Goulds Pumps — Materials and Solids Handling
Technical performance: Myers wastewater pumps lean on robust housings, stainless hardware, and carefully balanced impellers. Goulds non-clog units perform well in ideal conditions but often include components that don’t love corrosive atmospheres. In wipe-heavy systems, Myers grinder designs maintain cutting performance longer thanks to durable wear interfaces and stable shaft support that resists runout under load. Real-world application: In rental-heavy and public-use environments, foreign solids are the rule, not the exception. Myers grinders keep amperage predictable and lines moving through long 1.25–2-inch mains. Goulds non-clogs can move big solids, but ragging probability rises in turbulent basins and small-diameter force mains, increasing pull frequency and labor costs. Value proposition: Over a 10-year window, a Myers grinder with proper controls typically cuts emergency calls and excavation events—worth every single penny when you factor tenant satisfaction and avoided backups.
Myers vs Grundfos — Controls Simplicity and Lifecycle Cost
Technical performance: Grundfos packages are sophisticated and often require complex 3-wire or proprietary control systems. Myers offers panels and pump sets that integrate cleanly with standard alternators, float trees, and simple telemetry—keeping startup friction low. Energy use is competitive, with Myers operating near BEP on well-chosen systems for excellent hydraulic efficiency. Real-world application: For small commercial sites without a full-time facilities team, straightforward control panels matter. Myers simplifies parts stocking and field swaps, reducing truck rolls and downtime. Grundfos can be excellent in large municipal projects, but overkill and complexity can bite at the small-station scale. Value proposition: Fewer specialized parts, faster service, and PSAM’s quick-ship availability make Myers a lower-stress, lower-total-cost choice—worth every single penny for owners who prioritize uptime and simplicity.
Myers vs Red Lion — Durability Under Pressure Cycling
Technical performance: Red Lion’s thermoplastic constructions are light and inexpensive but don’t enjoy repeated thermal and pressure cycling in buried force mains. Myers uses durable housings, stainless fasteners, and proven seal stacks that hold up under long-head starts and stop-start duty. Real-world application: Budget pumps might run fine at first but struggle in real-world grime, gas, and grit. I’ve replaced more cracked housings and worn seals from budget brands than I can count. Myers units I’ve set a decade ago still run with only seal and wear-part refreshes. Value proposition: Skip the replacement carousel. Myers’ longer service life and parts support through PSAM make it the practical, economical decision—worth every single penny. FAQ — Your Most Pressing Lift Station and Pump Questions, Answered 1) How do I determine the correct horsepower for my lift station’s head and flow?
Start with TDH: static lift plus friction loss at your target flow. For grinder stations with 1.25–2-inch mains and longer runs, 1–2 HP handles 60–140 feet TDH at 10–30 GPM. For non-clog sewage pumps feeding 3–6-inch mains, 2–5 HP is common at 80–200 GPM with 20–60 feet TDH. Use the Myers pump curve to find the operating point near the BEP where efficiency is highest and amperage draw is stable. At PSAM, we’ll run your pipe lengths, elbows, and fittings to estimate friction accurately. Rick’s recommendation: size for peak hour flow and give yourself 10–15% headroom; don’t oversize HP to “be safe”—that drives short cycles and heat.
2) What GPM should I design for, and how does impeller type affect pressure?
For small commercial duplex grinders, design around 14–35 GPM per pump depending on TDH. Non-clog sewage pumps run 80–150+ GPM with lower head. A grinder’s multi-stage hydraulics produce higher pressure at modest flows; non-clogs move volume at lower head with open channels. Multi-stage means your Myers grinder keeps pushing as elevation and friction increase. Example: a 1.5 HP grinder maintaining 22 GPM at 110 feet TDH, versus a 3 HP non-clog delivering 140 GPM at 28 feet TDH. Choose based on your force main size and what’s actually in your wastewater stream.
3) How does Myers achieve high hydraulic efficiency compared to many competitors?
Myers tunes impeller geometry and volute design to keep the duty point near the best efficiency point. Balanced rotors, tight hydraulic clearances, and motors sized for real wastewater loads reduce slip and heat. In clean-water sectors, Myers Predator Plus Series submersibles hit 80%+ hydraulic efficiency; the same engineering discipline shows up in Myers wastewater lines—stable curves, predictable starts, and consistent amp draw. That adds up to lower energy bills and longer seal life.
4) Why is stainless hardware and quality materials critical in lift stations?
Wastewater carries corrosion triggers—H2S, chlorides, and continuous humidity. Stainless steel fasteners, rails, and cable guards resist attack and keep service points intact. Basins and fittings with epoxy coatings hold up better against gas exposure. Inferior metals swell, freeze, and seize, turning a one-hour pump pull into a day of cutting and extraction. Myers’ material choices put stainless where service techs actually touch the system—meaning safer, faster maintenance.
5) How do grinder pumps handle wipes and stringy solids without constant clogs?
The Myers grinder assembly cuts incoming solids into fine slurry before the impeller adds head, so the force main sees uniform, pumpable material. This drastically reduces ragging in small-diameter lines. In stations with rentals or public traffic, grinders eliminate the guesswork of “what went down there.” Seal stacks and shaft design in Myers grinders resist runout, keeping the cutting clearance where it belongs for consistent performance.
6) What makes Myers motors and panels more reliable in small commercial systems?
Motors are selected to match duty—steady single-phase torque at 230V, with protection for overload and surge. Control panels are straightforward: alternation logic, thermal overload protection, and lightning protection options that don’t demand specialized servicing. Fewer proprietary parts means most licensed contractors can maintain your station. That’s real-world reliability.
7) Can I install a lift station pump myself, or should I use a contractor?
If you’ve never set rails, sealed a discharge elbow, or wired a duplex panel, hire a licensed contractor. Lift stations involve confined space, electrical hazards, and code requirements. A pro will plumb the check valve, set floats correctly, and verify amps under load. If you’re experienced, PSAM can package the Myers pump, rails, panel, and valve kit and support you with a startup checklist.
8) What’s the difference between 2-wire and 3-wire configurations in wastewater and why does it matter?
In clean-water well systems, 2-wire vs 3-wire affects control box needs. Wastewater submersibles in this class typically come ready for direct panel connection with internal start components or panel-integrated starters—so you won’t be choosing “2-wire vs 3-wire” the same way you do with a submersible well pump. Instead, focus on correct overloads, alternation controls, and surge protection. Rick’s tip: keep panels simple and parts common.
9) How long should a Myers wastewater pump last in a lift station?
With proper sizing, ventilation, and maintenance, 8–12 years is realistic for a Myers sewage or grinder unit in small commercial duty. I service Myers installs running past a decade with only seals and wear parts replaced. Clean inflow and stable duty cycles add years. Abuse—rapid cycling, voltage drop, no ventilation—cuts life on any brand.
10) What maintenance extends pump life the most?
Quarterly: inspect cords, pull one pump, clean the intake screen, verify seal cavity condition where applicable, check check-valve function, and record baseline amps. Annually: calibrate the transducer, test alarms, grease or replace panel components per manufacturer guidance, and verify anchor tightness. Every visit: log run times and starts. Rising starts with same water volume means wear or valve leak-by. Fix it before it fails.
11) How does Myers’ 3-year warranty stack up?
An industry-leading 3-year warranty on eligible Myers models outpaces many competitors’ 12–18 months. Coverage focuses on manufacturing defects and performance issues. Pair that with PSAM’s parts support and quick shipping, and downtime gets measured in hours, not weeks. It’s insurance that actually insures.
12) What’s the real 10-year cost: Myers vs budget brands?
Budget brands may save a few hundred dollars upfront, but factor two replacements in 10 years, extra callouts for clogs or leaks, and higher energy from running off-curve. Myers’ efficiency near BEP, better materials, and longer service intervals shift the math. Owners like the Mendietas save in avoided emergencies alone. Add warranty strength and PSAM support, and the total cost of ownership skews decisively to Myers.
Conclusion — Build It Right Once, and Your Lift Station Disappears into the Background
A dependable lift station is invisible—no alarms, no odors, no late-night calls. That starts with sizing to the pump curve, picking the right impeller (non-clog vs grinder), calming your wet well, and making everything serviceable with rails, valves, and clear control logic. Protect it with ventilation, corrosion-resistant materials, and honest maintenance. Do that with Myers through PSAM and your station stops being a risk and becomes an asset.

Jacob and Priya Mendieta turned a chaotic spring weekend into a smooth summer by adopting a Myers grinder, proper controls, and a PSAM-supplied valve kit. Now, their pumps alternate, the basin runs quiet, and guests never know a lift station exists under their feet. That’s the standard we design for.

If you want a station that simply works—backed by Pentair engineering, a true 3-year warranty, and parts support that ships PSAM myers pump https://www.plumbingsupplyandmore.com/submersible-well-pump-rustler-series-1-stage-1-2-hp-8-gpm.html fast—choose Myers. Call PSAM, ask for Rick’s Picks for lift stations, and let’s design a system that is, quite literally, worth every single penny.

Bolded technical terms used: TDH (total dynamic head), pump curve, 1 HP, best efficiency point (BEP), multi-stage pump, amperage draw, 230V, intake screen, thermal overload protection, lightning protection, check valve, mounting bracket, quick connect system, cable guard, safety rope, corrosion, stainless steel.