Pump Servicing and Installation

As specialists in Basement conversions, we are also able to provide basement and cellar sump pump servicing and maintenance, along with new sump pump installations. Regular maintenance and inspection is essential to minimise the risk of pump failure and in some cases, a stipulated requirement to maintain any guarantees that were issued following a fully waterproofed basement conversion.

A sump pump system is now a common sight in many cellars and basements. A pump may form an integral part of a fully waterproofed and habitable basement conversion, or may be installed in a bare basement, cellar, floor void or external stairwell in order to keep water ingress at bay!

A pump failure can occur for a multitude of reasons, ranging from poor installation, a lack of maintenance, inferior equipment, power failure or just dated equipment that requires replacement. The damage caused by a flood can be costly to rectify, especially if your basement has been converted into habitable space.

Some basements are prone to flooding during periods of high rainfall, others suffer from continuous water ingress. We can provide a solution to the problem, ranging from a single sump and pump, with options of fitting a high water level alarm, a secondary backup pump and also battery backup systems that would power the pump in the event of a mains power failure. The industry recommendation is now a double pump system with a high water level alarm. Replacement pumps, backup pumps and high water level alarms can normally be retro fitted to a suitably installed, existing sump pump system.

A typical sump pump installation would see a purpose made sump liner placed in an excavation in the basement floor with a sealed, lid. The lid is removable to provide access for future inspections. A fully automatic submersible pump then activates when the water within the sump reaches a certain level. The water is then discharged to an external drain.

Although correctly installed, good quality, submersible pumps are generally very reliable, but as an electro/mechanical piece of equipment, it is essential that the equipment is checked and maintained on a regular basis.

As a general guide we would recommend that an inspection is carried out every 12 months. However some installations will need shorter service intervals depending on such things as the demand on the pump and how much silt for example, the water is carrying to the sump.

We can provide annual or one off inspections for your sump pump, provide repairs, replacement equipment and upgrades. We also carry out complete new sump pump installations.

For further information and to discuss your requirements or book a visit, please feel free to contact Phil on 07970 805886 or e mail phil@hatchmorespace.co.uk

What does a sump pump inspection include?

  • A typical pump inspection may include, but not limited to the following, depending on the setup and equipment installed

  • A full clean / vacuum of the sump chamber and pump/s to remove silt and debris

  • A visual inspection and clean of the pump/s and float switches

  • A visual inspection of electrical cables, pipework, non-return valves and high water level alarm float if installed

  • A full test of the pump/s

  • A full test of the high water level alarm and battery if installed

  • Adjustments to high water level alarm and pump floats if required

  • A reset of the alarm service reminder if applicable

  • A visual check of the discharge pipe where accessible

  • A test of control panels if applicable

  • Test of any pump battery back-up systems if installed

  • Provide recommendations for any improvements to the system should they be required

Equipment

There are many different manufactures and types of equipment available on the market today. This section is aimed to provide you with an idea of sumps and pumps we can service and install, but is not exhaustive and we can normally deal with the majority of the equipment out there in the market.

Sump liner

The sump liner is a purpose made chamber that sits in the ground, designed to house the submersible pumps and collect the water. The chamber has a removable sealed lid to enable access for future inspection, an example of this is shown below with 2 sump pumps installed.

Submersible pumps

There are many suitable submersible pumps available on the market, with a variety of different capabilities, qualities and float switches. The pump/s should be wired to individual, dedicated power supplies where ever possible and are fully automatic. When water becomes present within the chamber, the pump will activate at a pre-set level, discharging the water to an external drain.

High water level alarm

A high water level alarm is a highly recommended and essential piece of equipment, and can normally be retrofitted if not already installed.

This unit monitors the water level in the sump and will activate with an audible and visual alarm should the pump fail to perform its function. If there are 2 pumps installed, the alarm activation float is set so that, should the first pump fail, the alarm sounds before the second pump actives. This alerts you to a potential problem before a disaster occurs! Again, although there are many types of alarms available on the market, the picture below shows the Delta HLA (our alarm of choice). This alarm is mains electricity powered and also contains a battery back-up, which will ensure the alarm is still active in the event of a power failure. The unit also incorporates a service indicator which acts as a reminder that the equipment requires an inspection. This is normally set to 12 months

There are also options to fit equipment that will call remote device/s in the event of a high water level situation. This can be in the form of a text, phone call or e mail. Particularly useful if you spend periods of time away from you property!

The picture shows the Delta HLA, it is our alarm of choice, although there are several other units available on the market with various capabilities and functions

Battery Back-up units

A battery back-up unit will power the pump in the event of a mains power failure. These units are well worth consideration especially if the basement is a known flood risk and we would say essential, if your basement is converted to habitable space. Properties in rural areas that are more prone to power outages, could also benefit from this type of equipment

The battery/s within the unit are continuously trickle charged, with the battery inverter system only becoming active should it detect the absence of mains power. The unit is designed to sit outside of the sump chamber in a dry area, an alarm within the unit will sound, should the unit detect power being drawn from the battery/s

These units can normally be retrofitted to existing installations if required.

The unit pictured is wall mounted

Delta membranes are one of the UK’s market leading suppliers of waterproofing products and basement sump pump systems. As a Delta registered pump servicing installer, we are able to offer an extended warranty of 5 years on new sump pump installations subject to certain conditions

The following conditions will apply to attract a 5 year warranty

  1. The equipment must be installed and commissioned by ourselves

  2. An extended warranty form must be filled out following commissioning of the system

  3. The equipment must be checked by ourselves 3 months after commissioning

  4. The equipment must be serviced by ourselves every 12 months throughout the period of the warranty