A lift station (or "lift pump") is a pump used when your drain field sits higher than your tank. Required on uphill lots. Adds maintenance (pump replacement every 8-12 years) and a minor electric cost.
More detail
Lift stations are required when terrain prevents gravity flow from the tank to the drain field. The pump (typically a submersible effluent pump rated for septic-grade liquid) sits in a separate pumping chamber after the tank, activated by float switches when effluent reaches a set level, and pushes the effluent uphill to the drain field. Common in Cincinnati hillside lots in Anderson Township, Indian Hill, and parts of Mariemont. Maintenance: annual float switch inspection, periodic pump impeller check, pump replacement every 8-12 years (cost $400-$1,200 for the pump plus labor). Electric cost is modest ($30-$60/year typical). Power outages stop the pump; aerobic systems with lift stations need water-use restriction during outages. Backup-battery options are available for critical applications but are uncommon residential. Cincinnati hillside-lot context: Anderson Township, Indian Hill, parts of Mariemont, and outer Loveland have many hillside lots where the drain field sits uphill from the house. Lift stations are required on these lots. Local contractors include the lift station as a separate line item in installation quotes; existing systems with failing lift pumps are a common service call ($400-$1,200 for the pump replacement, depending on accessibility).