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Sewage Pump Stations
How do sewage pump stations work?
Sewage systems are made up of a network of pipes that carry sewage from homes and businesses to the main sewers. Usually, the pipes will rely on gravity for the waste to flow down into the main sewer. However, if the main sewer sits on higher ground than the domestic sewage pipes, you’ll need a sewage pumping station to push the sewage into the main sewage network.
A sewage pumping station consists of a large tank, sometimes called a wet well, that receives sewage and waste from homes and buildings. When the sewage reaches a certain level in the tank, a pump will start to pressurise the sewage, pushing it out of the wet well and into the main sewer and onto its point of destination – usually a treatment plant.
When do you need a pump station?
There are many reasons that a sewage pump station is preferable to a normal, gravitational waste pipe system. It might be that the cost of groundworks to allow sewage to flow by gravity outweighs the cost of a sewage pumping station. You may have basement floors that are below the main sewer, so a sewage pumping station will push the waste upwards until gravity can take over and deliver the waste into the main sewer. If the sewer line passes over a ridge, you may need a sewage pumping station to help transport the waste across to the main sewer.
What are the advantages of a sewage pumping station?
- If you’re installing a new sewage system, a pumping station offers a lot of convenience and could cut construction costs. Our range of pre-assembled units are easy to install and maintain, offering a simple, economical solution to get sewage where it needs to be.
- Pumps are available in different sizes for both domestic and commercial applications – usually with a wide intake to prevent blocking.
- Sewage is pumped automatically without the need for any human contact, minimising health risks.
- Operators can be kept updated via remote monitoring systems fitted in the pump stations. They are also fitted with alarms to alert you to any problems with the system.
Which sewage pump is best?
This will depend entirely on your specific project and requirements! One of the most crucial factors you will want to check is how much sewage the pump can move per hour.
FAQs
What is a sewage pump station and how does it work?
A sewage pump station is a storage chamber incorporating a sewage pump which transfer either the foul or surface water to a local drain, manhole, sewer or soakaway pit.
A pumping station is used where a normal gravity system cannot be, either because there is insufficient fall over a distance, or the common collecting point is lower than the discharge point.
To see our full range of pumping stations click - https://www.tanks-direct.co.uk/waste-water-tanks/sewage-pump-stations/c1011
A sewage pump is a submerged pump that moves sewage solids from one point to another, usually from a septic tank or sewage treatment plant to a percolation area or soakaway pit which is a distance away of uphill. Alternatively, it can be used to pump into a gravity flow sewer mains.
How does a sewage pump work?
Used to transfer waste liquids and solids from one place to another, a sewage pump is often referred to as a submersible sewage pump since the pump is submerged most of the time. Sewage pumps have a motor that rotates an impeller to create pressure that pushes the waste into a discharge pipe. In residential applications, the sewage is generally pumped from a sewage basin to a sewer system or a septic tank. Sewage pumps can be manual, automatic or dual mode, where the pump can be used as both manual and automatic. It is not recommended to use a manual sewage pump inside of a sewage basin due to the risk of sewage overflow.
How do you install a sewage pump?
Removing the pump
- Begin by isolating the effected pump by switching to ‘Off’ on the control panel facia. Please note: if the pumping station will be remaining in service — with the other pump working on its own — it is essential that the effected pump controls are disabled by isolating or removing fuses.
- Disconnect the effected pump motor cables at the control panel terminals, carefully noting the terminal positions for each wire. Plug off the cable entry hole at the panel.
- Close the control panel door and return the main isolator to ‘On’.
- Lift the effected pump clear of the chamber using the lifting chain provided. Please check the pump weight before attempting to manual lift. If specified on ordering, lifting equipment will have been supplied. The coupling fitted to the pump permits it to be removed and refitted simply by lifting it clear with the chain, the pump assembly sliding up and down the guide rail. No manual disconnection of pipework is required, and it is therefore not necessary for personnel to enter the chamber to remove a pump for servicing.
- Hose the pump off thoroughly.
Pump refitting
- Check the effected pump switch on the control panel facia is still in the ‘Off’ position and switch the main isolator to ‘Off’.
- Lower the pump back down into the chamber on its guide rail, using the lifting chain provided. When in position on its pedestal, its own weight will lock the pump discharge connection into position.
- Re-connect the pump cable at the panel terminals, taking care to ensure the gland entry is properly re-sealed.
- Refit or re-connect fuses as required.
- Close the panel door and switch the main isolator back to ‘On’. Reset the pump switch to ‘Auto’ mode and check for correct operation of both pumps through a complete set of cycles in accordance with the procedures in ‘Start up’.
How long do sewage pumps last?
With the right care and maintenance, your sewage pump should last for many years. There are, however, several factors that will affect the lifespan of your sewage pump. If your sewage pump is not correctly installed to begin with, its lifespan will decrease. That is why we recommend your sewage pump is installed by a fully qualified engineer. We’d also advise that your sewage pump is regularly serviced to identify any potential issues and prevent it getting blocked. With the correct installation and ongoing maintenance, sewage pumps have the potential to last for over 30 years.
What size tank do I need?
Tanks are sized on the number of people using the system, you should allow 150 litres per person multiplied by the number of people using the property to calculate your 24hr storage capacity.
For commercial properties please contact us, and we can help size this for you.
Do the tanks come with any pre-drilled inlet holes?
No the tanks are supplied without an inlet hole, this is usually drilled on site however we do supply the seal to make the hole water tight and should you require us to drill this for you at the factory, we can offer this also.
What type of sewage pump do I need?
Sewage pumps are available in a few different options including effluent pumps, grinder pumps or macerator pumps and submersible pumps. Effluent pumps remove the grey wastewater that stays in your septic tank after the solids have settled and are good for residential and small commercial applications.
Grinder pumps or macerator pumps collect wastewater from your household appliances and fixtures including toilets, washing machines, and bathtubs. Grinder or macerator pumps works by the pump grinding the waste into a fine slurry before pumping it to your septic tank when the water in the tank reaches a certain level from a holding tank to collect waste. Submersible pumps are used for residential, commercial, and agricultural applications.
If you are unsure of the type of sewage pump you need, we are more than willing to help. Please give us a call or send us an email.
Which sewage pump is the most efficient?
Effluent pumps are generally more efficient than other sewage pumps as they are only pumping grey water. However, the effluent pumps may not be suitable for your use. The most efficient sewage would be the one that is most suited to your application and system size. If you are unsure of the type of sewage pump you need, we are more than willing to help. Please give us a call or send us an email.
How long should a sewage pump run?
Your sewage pump should not run constantly. Usually it should run from 10 to 15 seconds until the float switch detects the water level has dropped adequately. It will then cut off. If your sewage pump is running constantly it may need to be serviced, repaired or replaced. The average life expectancy of a sewage pump is about 10 years.
To see our full range of sewage pumps click - https://www.tanks-direct.co.uk/water-tanks/pumps/sewage-and-waste-water-pumps/c1049
Which make of pumps are used in the Sewage Pumping Stations?
In our 2” vortex range we use Hippo 50 pumps for up to 6m head and Hippo 100 pumps for up to 10m head. In our 2” macerator range we use Semison 125GR pumps, in our 2½” vortex range we use Semison 650 pumps and lastly in our 3” vortex range we use hippo 80-200. Details of which can be found either on our website or a copy can be sent across please call for more information.
How do i know if my sewage pump is working correctly?
You may need to service or replace your sewage pump is you find the following: -
- If the water at the discharge point is dirty or brown
- The pump is not working at all or sounds like it’s struggling to pump
- Your pump is constantly running and doesn’t switch off even though no one is using the facilities in the building
- Sewage is backed up into the building
- There is a smell of sewage
- There is no fluid emptying from the holding tank
- There is no power to the pump
If you do require a Service, please give a ring to arrange.
Will my sewage pump need maintenance?
Yes, it is cost effective to get your sewage pump regularly maintained to lengthen the life of the pump. Typically pump servicing will include: -
- Cleaning out the sump chamber
- Cleaning of pumps and float switch
- Electrical test of pumps and all floats
- Checking all cables for damages and general wear