Naturally, stormwater does its job by washing off outdoor surfaces before it flows into the drainage system by its own. However, there are instances where it floods somewhere due to factors like not enough gradient for gravity flow and many other factors. If you notice flooding or pooling of stormwater in your property, it’s time to consider installing a pumping system to get rid of it. Here are some few things you need to know before installing one in your property.
What Is A Stormwater Pump Station?
A stormwater pump station is a system that moves stormwater into its designated destination through pipes. In this case, a collection tank is located underground where all the pools of stormwater are piped into. As the water in the tank rises and reaches a set limit, the pump kicks on and moves it at a discharge point. In this way, you can prevent flooding due to stormwater which can cause potential dangers to people who go near the area. Pump stations can be made from different materials but the most popular is the precast concrete pump station due to its durability and convenience in installation.
Who Usually Needs A Stormwater Pump Station?
Basically, if you have problems regarding stormwater flooding in your property, you can ask the experts for installation of a stormwater pump station. The most common industries that utilize this system are car parks, commercial or industrial establishments, workshops, and areas with in-ground infrastructure.
Factors To Consider When Installing A Pump Station
There are lots of things to consider if you’re planning to install a stormwater pump station. These are the cost, power, and monitoring.
- Budget – You need a significant amount of budget if you’re planning to install a pump system. Since it needs to be installed underground, you need additional budget for excavation aside from the cost of the pump station itself. For larger pump stations, you can save by installing it horizontally and reduce the depth of excavation.
- Power source – Your pump station should have an accessible electrical power source to make it functional. Make sure that you can switch power supply on or off for safety purposes during maintenance checks.
- Monitoring – Stormwater pumps usually have automated systems that switch on and off depending on the water level in the tank. However, you can also install monitoring equipment that notifies you in case something is wrong with the system.
What Size Of Pumping Station Do I Need?
The size of the pumping station you will need depends on the amount of water you want it to hold. If you want it to hold more rainwater before pumping it out, you might consider installing a bigger one. Smaller sized pumping stations are good to use if you’re expecting lesser water inflow. You can also opt for small size even if you’re expecting heavy inflow, just adjust the system to pump out rainwater at a lower level. Pump station sizes can range from 40 litres to 30,000 litres.
To make sure that you get the best pump station, don’t hesitate to consult with the experts.