Pumping Stations and Sump Pumps: When Gravity Drainage Isn’t Enough

Most drains work by gravity: waste water runs downhill to the sewer. But some properties, or parts of them, sit too low for that to work. A basement, a sunken garden, an annexe at the bottom of a slope or an outbuilding below the level of the drain all need help getting water away. That’s where a pumping station or sump pump comes in. We’ve been installing sumps and pumping stations in Stockport and across Greater Manchester for several years, and thanks to our supplier we can offer competitive prices on every installation.

What is a pumping station?

A pumping station is an underground chamber that collects water or waste and automatically pumps it up to a suitable discharge point, such as the main drain, sewer, soakaway or outfall. Inside the chamber is a submersible pump with a float switch. When the level rises, the pump switches on, empties the chamber and switches off again.

Surface water and foul water

Surface water pumping

Used to remove rainwater and groundwater where gravity drainage isn’t possible. Typical uses include:

• Basements and cellars that take on water
• Low-level gardens, patios and courtyards that flood
• Driveways that slope down towards the house or garage
• Land drains that have no lower point to run to

Foul water (sewage) pumping

Used where toilets, showers or kitchens sit below the level of the sewer connection, or are too far away to drain by gravity, such as a basement bathroom, garden annexe or outbuilding. A foul pumping station has a larger chamber and a pump designed to handle sewage.

For a single toilet or shower inside the house, a smaller macerator unit may be enough. See our post on Saniflo installations.

Sump or pumping station: which do you need?

A simple sump pump suits small amounts of clean or surface water, like a damp cellar. A full pumping station is for bigger volumes or foul water. The right choice depends on:

• Where the water comes from and how much there is
• Whether it’s surface water, foul water or both
• How high and how far it has to be pumped
• Where it can legally and practically discharge
• Where the power supply is

Because every site is different, we quote after a site visit so we can design something that works.

Things to plan for

• A high-level alarm so you know if the pump fails before the chamber overflows
• Access to the chamber lid for servicing
• A non-return valve so pumped water doesn’t flow back
• Approvals, as new drainage work, especially foul drainage, may need Building Regulations approval. We’ll talk you through what applies

Looking after a pumping station

• Keep wipes, sanitary products and fat out of a foul system, as they wrap around pumps and floats
• Test the alarm regularly
• Have the pump and chamber checked and cleaned periodically
• Don’t ignore a pump that runs constantly or cycles on and off, as it may be failing or the float may be stuck

Need a pumping station or sump?

Our land drainage and flood prevention page covers pumping stations, land drains and soakaways. See all our services. We work across Greater Manchester, including Stockport, Cheadle and Wilmslow. Call 07375 521027 or WhatsApp us photos of the area and we’ll arrange a visit.