Wastewater systems are built to move and treat unpleasant materials. But even the most robust systems can be brought to a halt by three persistent challenges: foaming, rags, and fats. Each presents unique complications for pump reliability and maintenance, and together they represent a trifecta of trouble in modern wastewater operations. At HOMA Pump Technology, … Continue reading
The impeller is the heart of a centrifugal pump. In wastewater applications, it’s not just responsible for moving fluid—it also plays a pivotal role in determining whether a pump clogs, wears out prematurely, or operates at peak efficiency. Simply put, impeller design can make or break pump performance in challenging environments. At HOMA Pump Technology, … Continue reading
The wastewater treatment industry is quietly changing. Behind the scenes, smart monitoring technologies are transforming how operators manage pumps, identify problems, and maintain performance. This isn’t just about adopting new gadgets; it’s about rethinking how systems are monitored and maintained for greater reliability, efficiency, and safety. At HOMA Pump Technology, we recognize the role smart … Continue reading
Submersible pumps are the workhorses of modern wastewater systems. Designed to operate fully submerged, they perform critical tasks in lift stations, treatment plants, and industrial applications. But while their performance is well known, their inner workings often remain out of sight and out of mind. At HOMA Pump Technology, we believe that understanding how your … Continue reading
In wastewater systems challenged by rags, plastics, fibrous debris, and unpredictable waste loads, clogging can feel inevitable. Standard non-clog pumps may manage for a time, but when solids grow too dense or entangled, system reliability takes a hit. That’s where chopper pumps are ideal—engineered specifically to handle the toughest materials in high-solids environments. At HOMA … Continue reading
When it comes to handling high-solids wastewater, choosing the right type of pump is critical. Two of the most common pump types for solids-heavy applications are chopper pumps and grinder pumps. While both are designed to tackle debris and prevent clogging, they operate differently and are suited to distinct use cases. At HOMA Pump Technology, … Continue reading
Proper pump sizing is essential for achieving maximum efficiency and ensuring a long service life. Sizing a submersible pump involves determining the performance requirements—primarily flow rate and total dynamic head (TDH)—so that the chosen pump can meet these demands while operating near its Best Efficiency Point (BEP). Correctly sized wastewater pumps will consume less energy … Continue reading
Even with proper selection and sizing, submersible pumps can fail if they are not installed or maintained correctly. Below are five common causes of pump failure in the field—and how to address or prevent them to ensure optimal pump performance and longevity. 1. Clogging and Ragging Cause: Wastewater and sump pumps often face debris like … Continue reading
Ragging refers to the accumulation of fibrous debris—such as rags, wet wipes, hair, and stringy trash—inside a pump. This typically happens when these materials entangle around the impeller in wastewater systems, forming rope-like bundles or “rag balls.” Ragging leads to a drastic drop in pump performance by reducing flow as impeller passages become obstructed, forcing … Continue reading
Proactive maintenance is key to extending the life of submersible pumps and ensuring they operate at peak efficiency. A structured preventative maintenance program helps catch issues early, preventing costly unplanned downtime. The following checklist outlines routine inspection tasks, best practices, and recommended intervals for maintaining submersible pumps in industrial, commercial, and municipal applications. Maintenance frequency … Continue reading