What is a pump station and how do they work?

A pump station, otherwise known as a pumping station or a sewage pumping station, is a storage and collection chamber that lifts and distributes wastewater or sewage when it cannot naturally be carried by gravity. 

This guide will look at pump stations in more detail, including how they work, why and when they are used, their pros and cons, and the types of pump stations available. 

Pumping stations are used in a variety of applications. Housing estates, hospitals, commercial sites, schools, and other public and private establishments all use them. 

They have several purposes, but primarily they: 

You might need a pump station if: 

A pump station works by collecting sewage or wastewater and storing it in a chamber. When the collected sewage reaches the maximum level, the sewage is lifted through a discharge system using a high-pressure integral pump. The liquid is then pumped into a sewage treatment works or gravity sewer.

A float switch or a liquid level sensor is used to closely monitor the levels. When the sensor or float switch is triggered, the pump station switches on. Once all the liquid has been carried away, the station switches off. Depending on the application, some stations use a single pump, while others use multiple. 

Often times, a pump station operates entirely on its own, and does not need to be manually switched on and off thanks to automated design features. 

There are two main categories of pump stations: private pump stations and adoptable pump stations. 

Private pump stations are installed at developments that are run privately, in both the commercial and residential sectors. These stations are used for removing wastewater or sewage from properties that do not have access to the main sewage systems. 

Adoptable pump stations are installed at large-scale or public applications and must be compliant with all sewage, construction, and water company requirements. These stations are used for removing sewage or wastewater in public sewage systems. 

Some of the biggest advantages of installing a pump station are: 

The setbacks of pumping stations are: 

There are many types and sizes of pump stations, each designed for a specific purpose. When selecting a pumping station, a utility should consider: 

Pump stations are the best solution for transporting wastewater and sewage when gravity is not strong enough for the job (or a gravity system is not practical). Pump stations can be installed in public and private applications, and are automatic devices that do not require manual input. Although pumping stations are expensive and have a low risk of blockages, their long-term benefits usually make them worth the investment.

Brian Campbell is the founder of WaterFilterGuru.com, where he blogs about all things water quality. His passion for helping people get access to clean, safe water flows through the expert industry coverage he provides. Follow him on twitter @WF_Guru or contact him by email brian.campbell@waterfilterguru.com.

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