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  • 05/05/25

Tackling FOG Clogs: A Pump Station Case Study

Branford, CT owns and operates a Water Pollution Control Facility that incorporates over 50 pump stations. One troblesome pump station was especially vulnerable due to nearby sources such as a nursing home and local restaurants. Town personnel were forced to spend up to two hours every week manually cleaning the station with fire hoses or vacuum trucks to avoid severe blockages.

When it comes to reliable pump station operation, few challenges are as persistent—and disruptive—as the buildup of FOG (fats, oils, and grease). In Branford, CT, the Burban Street pump station faced recurring issues from both modern trash and congealed FOG, which caused pump inefficiencies, frequent clogs, and heavy maintenance demands.

The Solution: Modern Pump Technology and Smart Controls

Branford partnered with Fleet Pump & Service Group and its manufacturer partners to deliver a lasting fix. The outdated equipment was replaced with two Flygt NP 3171 HT submersible pumps. With explosion-proof 34-horsepower motorsand high chrome impellers, these pumps offered higher efficiency and exceptional clog-resistance—a vital upgrade for reducing the frequency of emergency pump repairs.

But the real breakthrough came with the installation of the Flygt MultiSmart controller and PumpView3 SCADA system. This advanced system enabled features such as pump reversal, wet well cleaning cycles, and FOG ring avoidance. It also provided Branford with real-time remote monitoring and predictive maintenance alerts based on energy consumption and phase conditions.

Results That Matter

Thanks to this comprehensive upgrade, the town saw immediate results:

  • Clogging was eliminated due to the innovative N-pump impeller design.
  • The FOG issue was managed through strategic cycling and automated wet well cleaning, drastically reducing staff labor and the need for weekly manual interventions.
  • Long-term savings are expected through reduced maintenance and energy costs.
  • Town officials are now planning to retrofit additional stations with similar smart controls.

​This successful intervention is a model for how municipalities across NY, NJ, and CT can combat chronic pump issues with the right technology and partners. If your facility is struggling with FOG buildup, clogging pumps, or outdated systems, Fleet Pump & Service Group is your trusted provider of industrial pump service NY, pump repair service NY, and pump repair NY solutions.

Need expert help with your pump station or wastewater system?
Call Fleet Pump & Service Group today at (914) 835-3801 or visit www.fleetpump.com to schedule an assessment.​

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