How to look after your pump station
If a pump station serves your property, the likelihood is that the property is not connected directly to the mains sewer system.
Sewage pump stations are designed to handle foul water, sewage, natural human waste and biodegradable products. Other household waste and non-biodegradable products should never be disposed of through the drainage system.
Disposal of non bio-degradable products will affect the reliability of all pump stations, causing pump to block and storage chambers, pumping stations to become congested with non-pumpable waste.
Bear in mind too that it isn’t only the toilet that is connected to your pump station: anything that goes down the sink, bath etc. also ends up there.
The following must not be discharged into drains:
- Cleaning Rags
- Cloths
- Syringes; Hypodermic Needles
- Medicines; Medical Equipment. Take unused medicines to a pharmacist for safe disposal
- Fat, Oil; Grease. These products tend to cool down, separate from water and coagulate within the pump stations chamber (FOG’s) encase the pump and floats, causing blockages and failure of pumps
- Nappies, Sanitary Towels, Incontinence Materials Soft Toys, Tennis Balls etc. It may seem a bit obvious to say this, but it is amazing what gets flushed down the loo from time to time, causing blockages of the drains and pump stations.
- Even so-called disposable nappies and sanitary towels often do not degrade fully and can lead to malfunction, so it is best to dispose of them by other means. Fabric cleansing wipes; nappy liners can block pipe work or your pumping station. They should not be flushed into the drainage system.
Routine De-Sludging and Servicing
Pump stations over time accumulate settled solids. It is good practice to check and if necessary empty/de-sludge you pump station at the same time as any mechanical or electrical servicing is carried out.
It is vital to your pumping stations ongoing operation and should be carried out regularly. Mechanical and electrical servicing, particularly, must be performed by properly trained personnel suitably qualified and experienced in this type of work.
Regular servicing of pump stations and pumping equipment will extend their life expectancy, hydraulically efficiency and help to avoid emergency call outs. For further information contact us or ask about our service agreements.
Installation & Commissioning
We offer waterproofing and sump pump installation, including all mechanical and electrical work for domestic and commercial projects. If you’re looking for a complete supply and install service for a new basement, or an upgrade to an existing system, book us for a site survey and quotation – free of charge.
Complete package
We supply and install the complete suite of products required for any project requiring a cavity drainage system, including waterproofing membrane, packaged pump stations, control and alarm systems along with the required electrical and pipe work.In person site surveys
We’ll visit your home or business before major works are carried out, so we can provide an accurate quote for the job. We’ll supply a scope of work including any exclusions and clarifications required before the project starts.Commissioning Certification
Once we’re satisfied that the installation is in accordance with manufacturer’s guidelines, we will issue a certification of commissioning to the client, with manuals for all equipment. A warranty of 12 months starts with the transfer of certificate. We’re a
provider – meaning our products and installation are of the highest standards in the industry.
Reassuring aftercare
We provide aftercare services to all customers; no matter how big or small – including
tailored maintenance agreements at amazing rates. We operate a 24/7/365 support line, for assistance on any emergency.
Our Commissioning checklist
- Chamber is clean, and free of any silt/debris which could obstruct the operation of the pumps
- The activation of the float switches can take place, without obstacle If cable joining kits have been used, they will be secured
- Gate valve have been turned anticlockwise to ensure it is fully open
- Electrically isolate the pump to standard height (duty pump), fill the chamber wit water and check that the pump discharges correctly
- Ensure that the high level alarm is working visually and audibly.
- Check for leaks on pipework, ensure all is connected correctly.
- Check all cables are securely ties to the manifold and clear from obstructing float switches Ensure each pump is wired to an individual non-switched spur
- Check each spur is wired to an individual RCBO (not RCD)
- Label the equipment.
- Stickers include contact information for instances where urgent attention is required
- Ensure battery backup is switched on correctly and operates on backup mode
- Run through the operation of the station with the client onsite, advise on best practice for managing a pump station
