By: Bethany Thompson, Municipal Category Manager | Feb. 18, 2025
____________________________________________________________________________________________

Wastewater management is a critical component of municipal infrastructure, ensuring safe and effective processing of water before its return to the environment. However, operators of lift stations face a persistent challenge that undermines efficiency and increases costs: the buildup of fat, oil, and grease (F.O.G.). This seemingly small issue creates significant problems, from pump clogs and equipment wear to frequent, costly maintenance and unplanned downtime.

To address this challenge, Kasco® has introduced the HydraForce™ Lift Station Agitator, a revolutionary tool designed to tackle F.O.G. buildup at its source. More than just a piece of equipment, HydraForce transforms wastewater management by offering a proactive, reliable solution to an age-old problem.

“F.O.G. is one of the most persistent problems in wastewater systems,” says Paul Amos, Kasco’s Outside Sales Representative. “HydraForce is specifically engineered to combat these challenges, offering operators a proactive tool to make their jobs easier.”

The Problem with F.O.G.

F.O.G. is an unavoidable byproduct of modern living. From commercial kitchens to residential drains, fats, oils, and grease enter wastewater systems every day. In lift stations, where wastewater is collected and pumped to higher elevations for further processing, F.O.G. creates a thick, sticky layer that can obstruct flow, clog pumps, and damage equipment.

Traditional approaches to managing F.O.G. often focus on treating the symptoms rather than addressing the underlying issue. Operators may use manual cleaning, chemical treatments, or pump replacements to mitigate the effects of F.O.G. buildup. However, these methods are labor-intensive, costly, and only provide temporary relief, leaving operators in a frustrating cycle of reactive maintenance.

The recurring nature of these issues places a strain on resources and infrastructure, making it clear that a more effective, long-term solution is needed.

HydraForce: Proactive Wastewater Management

Kasco’s HydraForce agitator is designed to break the cycle of reactive maintenance by addressing the root cause of F.O.G. buildup. The innovative device actively suspends F.O.G. and other solids in the wastewater, preventing them from settling and forming obstructions.

Central to HydraForce’s effectiveness is its powerful diffuser system, which ensures consistent mixing throughout the lift station. This not only keeps F.O.G. in suspension but also reduces wear and tear on pumps by maintaining a steady, clog-free flow.

“HydraForce isn’t just a piece of equipment – it’s a game-changer for wastewater management,” explains Amos. “It’s designed for rugged operation, ensuring reliability and efficiency in even the most demanding environments.”

The agitator operates continuously, ensuring round-the-clock protection against buildup. With its durable construction and minimal maintenance requirements, HydraForce provides a dependable, cost-effective solution for facilities of all sizes.

Environmental and Operational Benefits

Beyond addressing F.O.G., HydraForce delivers a range of environmental and operational benefits that enhance its value as a long-term investment. By maintaining consistent flow and reducing clogs, the agitator minimizes the energy demands of lift station pumps. This improved efficiency translates to lower operational costs and a reduced environmental footprint.

HydraForce also helps facilities meet regulatory standards for environmental compliance. By preventing the formation of stagnant areas in lift stations, it minimizes odor issues and ensures wastewater is properly processed before reaching treatment plants. These features make HydraForce an asset for communities striving to balance performance with sustainability.

Additionally, the agitator’s ability to extend the lifespan of critical equipment such as pumps and pipes cannot be overstated. With fewer clogs and reduced wear, facilities can defer costly replacements and allocate resources to other priorities.

Real-World Success

Operators who have adopted HydraForce report measurable improvements in their lift station operations. Reduced maintenance time and costs, coupled with fewer clogs, have allowed facilities to focus on proactive system management rather than reactive problem-solving.

One wastewater facility reported a significant decrease in pump failures after installing HydraForce, leading to annual cost savings that justified the investment within months. The enhanced flow rates and reduced maintenance needs enabled the team to reallocate labor to other pressing tasks, improving overall system efficiency.

These real-world results highlight HydraForce’s ability to deliver tangible value to wastewater operators, confirming its status as a transformative tool for the industry.

A Solution Built on Expertise

Kasco’s development of HydraForce is rooted in decades of experience in fluid dynamics and water management. By leveraging insights gained from customers and continuous product testing, the company has created a solution tailored to the unique challenges of lift stations.

“Every HydraForce Agitator represents our commitment to innovation and reliability,” says Amos. “We listened to the needs of operators and built a tool that delivers on performance, durability, and ease of use.”

For communities and wastewater professionals alike, HydraForce represents the future of lift station management – a dependable ally in keeping systems running smoothly and effectively.