You may be unsure about the type of sewage pumping station you need for your site or maybe you are unsure whether you need a pumping station at all. Understanding the numerous options available can be a daunting task but here are a few facts about pumping stations.
What is a pumping station?
Most sewage systems rely on gravity to deliver sewage from business premises and residential homes into the main sewer. In case a gravity connection is not possible, the waste should travel horizontally or uphill to reach the main sewer. Pumping stations can help in such cases. Sewage flows into the tank and once it has reached a certain level, the pump starts pumping and moving the waste out to a point where the force of gravity can take over. When deciding whether a pumping station is ideal for your site, it may help you understand how the pumping stations operate.
Do you need a pumping station?
There are certain circumstances when you need a pumping station. For example, you will need a pumping station when the ground level is too low to enable the sewage pipes to move downwards to the main sewers. You may also need a pumping station when the sewage pipes go over a raised ground or a ridge.
If the volume of sewage from the site is significant and a regular system may be overloaded, it is a sign that you need a sewage pumping station. By making use of a pumping station, you will be able to optimise the transfer of sewage in a way that increases convenience and reduces waste.
Types of pumping stations
There are three main types of pumping stations that you can choose from. We will look at each one of them separately.
Package pump station
This type of pumping station is any chamber that is sent to the site with valves and pipework already installed. The pros are that it is cheaper, reduces confined space entry on the site, and reduces installation time.
The cons of this pumping station are a shorter life span, limited depth range and it is not a structural unit.
Pre-cast concrete pumping stations
This type of pumping station involves the chamber being installed in situ and fitted out with the required equipment. The pros are that it has a longer life span, a greater range of sizes, good for high water tables and is more durable.
The cons are that it is more expensive to buy and longer installation period on site.
Adoptable pumping stations
These pumping stations are designed to the relevant authority’s requirements. Some of the pros are that the cost of ownership and maintenance is taken care of by the water authority, higher equipment specifications, and reduced storage requirements.
The cons are that it is more expensive to buy, the design and installation are more involved and more time is needed for the approval process.
Once a sewage pumping station has been installed, it will function automatically. In case of any failures, a quick response is necessary to reduce disruptions.
