Pump Stations

An apparently intact well-maintained pump station does not always mean an undamaged pump.

An SAP evaluation team may assess a pipeline that includes a pump station located either inside or outside of a building. In these cases, the team evaluates the assigned segment of pipeline, the pump station, and the structure in which the pump equipment is located.

Water, wastewater, liquid fuel, and natural gas (compressor stations) pipelines usually have pump stations. Most pump stations are at grade, and may have components as deep as 10 feet below grade. The most common types of damage to pump stations are:

• Loss of power


• Damage to the emergency power system


• Fallen electrical and control cabinets


• Pipe damage


• Building damage is less likely, unless the structure is made of unreinforced masonry.  

Wastewater pump stations may be many feet deep and are often located in liquefiable soils. If the soils liquefy, the pump stations can become buoyant and cause connection pipes to break.

When the pump station assessment is complete, the team decides on a recommended posting. Do not physically post pump stations with placards, but consider whether immediate action is needed.

• If damage to the pump station warrants removing it from service, immediately inform the jurisdiction representative. The representative will contact Public Works to take the appropriate steps.


• When recommendations are not time sensitive, pass them along when you return to the staging area. 


• If the pump station is in an above-ground building and you have performed a building evaluation, post the building based on the recommendations of the building assessment and following the instructions for completing the detailed evaluation form.

Pump Station Evaluation Form

Completing the Pump Station Evaluation Form