The Importance of Regular Pump Station Maintenance

For any commercial site sitting below the level of the main sewer, the pump station is the silent piece of infrastructure that keeps the whole property functioning.

How A Pump Station Works

  • The wet well. A sealed underground chamber where wastewater collects.
  • One or more submersible pumps.
  • A control panel. Manages the pumps and triggers the high-level alarm.

How Pump Stations Fail

  • Float switch jamming. Wet wipes wrap around the float.
  • Impeller blockage. Wet wipes and rags burn out motors.
  • Silt and grease build-up. Over time the working volume reduces.
  • Electrical faults.
  • Motor failure. Typically 8 to 15 years.

Cost Of Failure Vs Cost Of Maintenance

A planned maintenance visit typically costs £200 to £400. A failure on a Friday afternoon can easily cost five or ten times an entire year of planned maintenance.

What A Maintenance Visit Covers

  • Visual inspection of the wet well.
  • Removal of silt, grease and debris.
  • Lift-out and inspection of each pump.
  • Check of mechanical seals and bearings.
  • Testing of float switches.
  • Testing of the control panel.
  • Operational test under load.
  • Written report.

How Often Should A Pump Station Be Serviced?

  • Light domestic-style: annual service.
  • Commercial with moderate use: bi-annual.
  • Heavy-duty (restaurants, hotels): quarterly.

Set Up A Maintenance Schedule

Call Call2Drain on 01892 571 555.