Tsurumi’s C Series Cutter Pumps Solves Clogging and Maintenance Problems at Lift Station in Idaho

The City of Emmett, Idaho, resolved persistent clogging and maintenance challenges at a key lift station by installing Tsurumi C Series cutter pumps. The equipment provided by Mountain West Pumps and Valves, Eagle, Idaho, improved the overall system efficiency.

Lift stations play a critical role in municipal wastewater management; however, an inadequate pump can lead to frequent clogging, increased downtime, and rising operational costs. For years, the City of Emmett faced ongoing maintenance challenges from ragging and debris accumulation into the system. Despite multiple pump replacements, crews were spending up to 12 hours per month clearing blockages – a costly and unsustainable cycle.

“We tried three different manufacturers of non-clog pumps and still had issues. We were getting call outs at least twice a month that usually happened on the weekend or at two in the morning,” said Andrew Abercrombie, sewer and water operations manager for the City of Emmett. Recognizing the need for an effective, long-term solution, the city partnered with Mountain West Pumps and Valves to find an alternative that would seamlessly integrate with the existing infrastructure while improving the reliability of the lift station.

Solution: Tsurumi’s C Series Cutter Pump

Mountain West Pumps and Valves recommended Tsurumi Pump’s C Series cutter pump, known for its ability to excel in solid-heavy applications while preventing clogging. Tsurumi’s cutter pump allows for easy installation into most applications without major alterations to the existing system.

Three key objectives were established to ensure a smooth and efficient process of implementing the pump into the City of Emmett’s lift station:

1. Improve reliability and reduce downtime: The C Series design effectively processes debris, eliminating the frequent clogging that had plagued the station.

2. Seamless integration: With the use of Tsurumi flange adapters customized by Mountain West Pumps and Valves, the new pump was easily adapted to the lift station, avoiding costly modifications.

3. Electrical compatibility: a simple panel upgrade allowed for the use of a 230V VFD inverter-duty motor, ensuring the new pump meets the city’s electrical constraints.

“Tsurumi’s C Series cutter pump was the ideal fit, offering a powerful, durable solution without requiring a complete system overhaul,” said Jeremy Branco, president of Mountain West Pump and Valves. “Now, instead of spending time clearing blockages, the City of Emmett can focus on other essential operations.” 

The results: time and money saved

Since the installation of the Tsurumi pump, the City of Emmett has eliminated the need for clogging related downtime at the lift station, significantly reducing maintenance time and operational costs. The station is now operating without interruption, allowing city crews to focus on other priorities. Tsurumi’s durable product provided a long-term solution that outperformed previous installations.

“Since we put these Tsurumi pumps in, we haven’t had any issues. The pumps have ran exactly as advertised,” Abercrombie said. “This has been a major improvement for our operations.”  

To visit Tsurumi Pump’s website, visit: https://www.tsurumipump.com