Home » Sewage Pumping Station FAQ

Sewage Pumping Station FAQ

SECTION 1 — GENERAL INFORMATION

  1. What is a package pumping station?
    A package pumping station is a pre-assembled chamber containing pumps, pipework, valves, and controls that transfers sewage or wastewater to the nearest drainage point when gravity drainage isn’t available.

  2. What does a pumping station do?
    It collects wastewater in a chamber and automatically pumps it uphill or across distances to a sewer, manhole, or treatment system.

  3. What types of wastewater can it handle?
    Foul sewage, grey water, surface water, stormwater, and effluent — depending on pump type.

  4. Where can a pumping station be used?
    Homes, basements, extensions, commercial buildings, rural properties, outbuildings, and developments without gravity drainage.

  5. Is a pumping station used for sewage?
    Yes — many systems are designed for raw sewage with solids handling capability.

  6. What is a pre-packaged pumping station?
    A fully assembled station with pumps, pipework, valves, and floats already installed.

  7. Why choose a packaged station?
    It speeds up installation, ensures compatibility, and reduces engineering work onsite.

  8. Do pumping stations need electricity?
    Yes — submersible pumps run on electricity (typically 230V or 400V depending on application).

  9. Is a pumping station noisy?
    Submersible pumps operate underwater, so noise levels are low.

  10. Are pumping stations suitable for outdoor installation?
    Yes — most chambers are designed for underground installation outside.

SECTION 2 — COMPONENTS & DESIGN

  1. What is the chamber made of?
    Typically HDPE, MDPE, GRP, or polypropylene depending on strength requirements.

  2. What type of pump is used?
    Vortex, cutter, grinder, or sewage pumps depending on the application.

  3. What is a vortex pump?
    A sewage pump that passes solids without clogging.

  4. What is a cutter pump?
    A pump that chops solids to prevent blockages in smaller pipework.

  5. What is a grinder pump?
    A pump with hardened blades that macerates solids into fine slurry.

  6. What is an inlet?
    The connection point for incoming wastewater pipes.

  7. What is the discharge outlet?
    The exit pipe where wastewater is pumped out.

  8. Do pumping stations have non-return valves?
    Yes — they prevent wastewater from flowing backwards into the chamber.

  9. What are level controls?
    Float switches or probes that activate the pump based on water level.

  10. Do pumping stations have alarms?
    Many include or support high-level alarms for safety.

  11. What is a pedestrian-rated cover?
    A lid designed for foot traffic, not vehicles.

  12. Can I get a vehicle-rated cover?
    Yes — reinforced covers exist for driveways or heavy loads.

  13. What is a guide rail system?
    Hardware that lets pumps be lifted out for maintenance without entering the chamber.

  14. What is a twin pump station?
    A system with two pumps for duty/standby or duty/assist operation.

  15. Why use twin pumps?
    For redundancy, increased capacity, and continuous operation if one pump fails.

SECTION 3 — INSTALLATION QUESTIONS

  1. Can I install a pumping station myself?
    Most installations require a qualified drainage engineer.

  2. Where should the pumping station be installed?
    Below ground and close to the wastewater source.

  3. What depth is needed?
    Depends on chamber size and invert depth required.

  4. Does a pumping station need concrete backfilling?
    Some require concrete surround; others use granular backfill — model dependent.

  5. Can pumping stations be installed indoors?
    Yes, in plant rooms or basements if properly ventilated and accessible.

  6. Does the station need ventilation?
    Yes — either passive or active ventilation depending on regulations.

  7. Do I need planning permission?
    Usually no, but building control approval may be required.

  8. Does the pumping station need a separate electrical breaker?
    Often yes — consult an electrician.

  9. Can the station be installed in a flood area?
    It must be fully sealed and anchored to prevent flotation.

  10. What gradient does the inlet pipe need?
    Typically 1:40 to 1:80, depending on site conditions.

  11. Can I relocate an existing pumping station?
    Yes, but it requires excavation, reconnection, and testing.

  12. Do pumping stations need isolation valves?
    Yes — for safe maintenance.

  13. How long does installation take?
    Anywhere from a few hours to a full day depending on system size.

  14. Do I need an external electrical cabinet?
    Large systems may require a separate control panel.

  15. Can I direct rainwater into a sewage pumping station?
    Only if it is designed for stormwater and approved.

SECTION 4 — PERFORMANCE & CAPACITY

  1. How far can a pumping station pump?
    Distances vary by pump but can reach 100+ metres horizontally.

  2. How high can it pump vertically?
    Commonly 5–20 metres depending on pump power.

  3. What is the difference between foul and stormwater stations?
    Foul = sewage solids. Stormwater = clean water with no solids.

  4. How is pump capacity measured?
    By flow rate (L/s) and head height (m).

  5. What chamber size do I need?
    Depends on number of appliances and peak flow.

  6. What pump size do I need?
    Based on expected flow, lift, and solids handling.

  7. How many appliances can a pumping station handle?
    One station can serve an entire property (WC, shower, sinks, utilities).

  8. Can pumping stations handle kitchen waste?
    Yes — if pumps are rated for grease and food solids.

  9. Can a pumping station run 24/7?
    It runs only when full; designed for frequent cycling.

  10. Does the chamber ever overflow?
    Only if pumps fail or inflow exceeds capacity; alarms prevent this.

SECTION 5 — MAINTENANCE & CLEANING

  1. Do pumping stations need maintenance?
    Yes — typically once a year.

  2. Who can service a pumping station?
    A qualified pumping engineer or wastewater specialist.

  3. Should I clean the chamber?
    Internal cleaning is recommended during professional servicing.

  4. Do pumps need to be descaled?
    Yes — limescale can affect performance in hard water areas.

  5. How long do pumps last?
    5–15 years depending on usage and quality.

  6. How do I prevent blockages?
    Avoid flushing wipes, nappies, or unsuitable solids.

  7. Why does the pump smell?
    Possible waste buildup; ventilation or cleaning required.

  8. What cleaning chemicals can be used?
    Mild detergents only — harsh chemicals may damage seals.

  9. Do I need to test the station regularly?
    Monthly test cycles are recommended.

  10. Should I manually activate the pump?
    Only as part of testing or maintenance.

SECTION 6 — TROUBLESHOOTING

  1. Why is there an alarm sounding?
    The chamber water level is too high — pump may not be activating.

  2. Why does my pump not start?
    Possible float switch failure, blockage, or electrical issue.

  3. Why is the chamber filling up?
    Pump may be blocked, failed, or overloaded.

  4. Why does the pump run continuously?
    Float switch stuck, non-return valve failure, or pipe restriction.

  5. Why does the pump vibrate heavily?
    Possible blockage or impeller imbalance.

  6. Why is wastewater backing up?
    Check non-return valve and discharge line.

  7. Why is there a foul smell?
    Ventilation issues or organic buildup inside the chamber.

  8. Why is the pump tripping electrical breakers?
    Water ingress, faulty wiring, or failing motor.

  9. How do I know if the pump is overheating?
    Unusual shutoff cycles or thermal protection activation.

  10. Why is the pump making grinding noises?
    Foreign objects may be caught in the impeller.

SECTION 7 — USAGE & BEST PRACTICES

  1. Can I flush wipes into a pumping station?
    No — wipes cause blockages even in large systems.

  2. Can fat or grease go into the pump?
    Avoid it unless the pump is designed for grease-laden waste.

  3. Can a pumping station manage a whole house?
    Yes, with correct sizing.

  4. Can I add more appliances later?
    Only if the station has adequate spare capacity.

  5. Should I install a backup pump?
    Recommended for properties with high usage.

  6. Can a pumping station handle rainwater and sewage together?
    Generally no — separate systems are best unless the pump is rated for both.

  7. Can the station be used temporarily on building sites?
    Yes — temporary site pumping stations are common.

  8. Is a pumping station suitable for holiday homes?
    Yes — they function well with intermittent use.

  9. Can I build over a pumping station?
    No — access must remain available.

  10. Should I insulate the chamber?
    Not usually, but pipes may require insulation.

SECTION 8 — REGULATIONS & COMPLIANCE

  1. Do pumping stations need building control approval?
    Often yes, especially for new foul water systems.

  2. Do they meet UK water regulations?
    Most packaged systems are designed to comply.

  3. Must the discharge connect to a foul drain?
    Yes — unless pumping clean water.

  4. Do I need a backflow prevention device?
    Most stations already include a non-return valve.

  5. Do I need permission to connect to the public sewer?
    Yes — contact your local water authority.

  6. Are pumping stations WRAS approved?
    Components may be; whole systems may vary.

  7. Can I use a pumping station for commercial kitchens?
    Only if rated for grease and solids.

  8. Is ventilation mandatory?
    Yes — foul water systems must vent gases safely.

  9. Do stations comply with BS standards?
    Most chambers meet BS EN standards for underground tanks.

  10. Are electrical connections certified?
    A qualified electrician must sign off the installation.

SECTION 9 — COSTS, DELIVERY & PURCHASING

  1. Are pumping stations expensive to run?
    They use little electricity because they operate only when needed.

  2. Do pumping stations come pre-assembled?
    Most do — reducing installation time.

  3. How much does delivery cost?
    Delivery varies by supplier and chamber size.

  4. How long does delivery take?
    Usually next working day for in-stock units.

  5. Do stations come with a warranty?
    Most include manufacturer warranties — length varies.

  6. Are spare parts available?
    Yes — pumps, floats, valves, and lids are commonly replaceable.

  7. Can I upgrade the pump later?
    Yes, if the chamber size and pipework permit.

  8. Can I customise the chamber size?
    Many suppliers offer custom sizes for unique projects.

  9. Do pumping stations come with installation manuals?
    Yes — instructions are always provided.

  10. Where can pumping stations be bought?
    From specialist pump suppliers, merchants, and wastewater equipment retailers.