We are currently building our new home. We were initially told we would need a lift station to pump sewage to the sewer line because our site is at the bottom of a hill and the main sewer line is higher. Then we were told there was a 2"sewer line across the front of our property, but a lift station would still be necessary to pump waste to the main line. What exactly is the criteria for needing a residential lift station? If we can gravity feed to the 2" line, shouldn't public works be responsible for the pump? Maybe I am just not understanding the whole deal. Any help or comments would be appreciated.
Lisa

A two-inch sewer is insufficient for sewage from a house, unless the sewage has first been pumped through a grinder pump. Public works is not likely to install and maintain a pump for a private home.

Think about a duplex grinder pump installed in your house, which will discharge through a 1 1/2 inch or 2 inch line connected directly to the main sewer. Grinder pumps have a good lift capacity,

Lisa:

Richard's response is correct. You will have to pump and, to access a 2-inch line, a grinder (probably two pumps) will be necessary. You sewer utility will likely have certain conditions and standards for installing a grinder, so be sure you and your plumber/contractor follows their guidelines.

The 2-inch line is a pressure line (force main) which means, even if it were deep enough to get to it with a gravity line, you'd still have to pump.

Grinder pumps allow you to get sewer service where you couldn't otherwise do so, but they are considerably more expensive to install and operate than normal (gravity) sewer service. Follow all manufacturer's recommendations and it should be a relatively painless situation. Ignore them and pay the price!

Good luck!