SinglePump Sewage Pump Stations

Sizing depends on the number of people or dwellings served, daily wastewater volume, and how far and high the sewage needs to be pumped. As a rough guide, a single household typically needs a station at the smaller end of the range (around 190-750 litres), while larger properties or those with holding requirements between empties need greater capacity. Our team can help you match a station to your property's occupancy and discharge point once you know your invert levels.

Below ground stations are buried so the wet well sits beneath the incoming drainage run, making them ideal where gravity feed into the chamber is needed and you want the unit hidden from view. Above ground stations sit on the surface and are generally used where excavation isn't practical, for internal plant rooms, or for temporary and semi-permanent installations. Ground conditions, water table and available fall to the pump will usually determine which is appropriate.

Most single pump stations use a 40mm to 50mm rising main, though this varies by model and pump duty. Pumping distance and lift height are governed by the pump's head/flow curve, so you'll need to check the total dynamic head — static lift plus friction losses over pipe length and any bends — against the pump's performance data. Get in touch with your run length and lift height and we can help you check the pump is suitable.

Yes, installation of a sewage pump station falls under Building Regulations Part H (drainage and waste disposal), and if you're connecting into or near a public sewer you may also need permission from your local water authority. Discharge consents differ from those for treatment plants since pump stations typically feed into the foul sewer network rather than a watercourse. It's worth checking with your local building control body and water company before installation begins.

Routine maintenance includes checking the pump and float switches operate correctly, clearing any rag or debris from the impeller, and testing the alarm and control panel. Most manufacturers recommend a service at least once a year, though heavier-use properties may need more frequent checks. Keeping the wet well free of wipes, fats and other non-degradable material significantly reduces the risk of pump blockages and premature failure.

Every single pump station should include a high-level alarm, usually audible and visual, to warn you before the wet well overflows. Because there's only one pump, there's no automatic duty/standby backup, so during a power cut wastewater will simply store in the chamber until power or pumping is restored — this is why correctly sizing the wet well capacity for your household's needs matters. For properties needing extra resilience, a battery backup alarm or standby generator connection is worth considering.