An image of a puddle with brown and yellow leaves

Stormwater Pump Maintenance: How to Prevent Winter Breakdowns

Advice

As the rainy seasons are already here, the demands and the risks on your stormwater pump system increase dramatically. Winter brings challenges such as heavy rainfall, twigs, leaves and fluctuating usage — all of which can strain your system. Without proper stormwater pump maintenance, these factors can lead to unexpected failures, costly repairs, and unpleasant disruptions.

At Mawdsleys Pump Services, we specialise in comprehensive stormwater pump maintenance and emergency support, helping our clients stay operational throughout the colder months.

Why Stormwater Pumps Need Maintenance Before Winter

Winter can be one of the harshest times of the year for your pumping system due to several environmental and mechanical factors:

  • Debris: During autumn and winter, the heavy rainfall can guide a lot of leaves, twigs and silt into your system, which can compromise it and is a serious danger.
  • Heavy Rain and Flooding: Increased water inflow forces pumps to work harder for longer, wearing out key components.
  • Reduced Use or Idle Periods: Infrequently used systems can suffer from hardened debris, seized impellers.

  • Electrical and Control Failures: Damp or cold weather can affect control panels, wiring, and sensors, leading to false alarms or total system failure.

An image of a puddle with brown and yellow leaves

Common Winter Pump Problems

Without regular submersible pump maintenance, systems can quickly develop avoidable faults. Below are the most frequent winter issues — and why they happen:

1. Pump Blockages – Twigs, leaves and silt in the impeller and flow channels, leading to inefficiency or pump failure. In winter, these materials harden faster, making blockages more severe.

2. Motor Burnout – Overworking during high inflow events or faulty float switches can cause the motor to overheat and fail. Preventive maintenance can identify early signs of overload.

3. Float Switch Failure – Faulty or dirty floats prevent proper start/stop cycles, causing the pump to either fail to activate or run continuously.

4. Pump Not Turning On -Electrical faults, stuck floats, or seized impellers can prevent activation. Routine inspections catch these before they cause flooding.

5. Pump Not Turning Off – Constant running increases energy consumption and accelerates wear on internal components. This issue is often linked to float switch or relay faults.

6. Frequent High-Level Alarm Activation – A high-level alarm means the pump isn’t keeping up with incoming flow — often due to blockages or component failure. Ignoring it risks flooding and equipment damage.

7. Control Panel Faults – Cold, damp conditions can cause water ingress in control panels, leading to component failure. Regular maintenance keeps panels clean and protected.

8. Non-Return Valve Blockage – If blockage of the NRV happens, the pumps will function much more than usual, and there is an increased risk of flooding and increased energy costs.

An image of a flooded street

How to Prevent Stormwater Pump Breakdowns

Preventative action is always cheaper than emergency repair. Here’s how to prepare your system for winter:

  1. Book a Pre-Winter Inspection: Our engineers will inspect, test, and service your pump, test the control panel and controls to ensure they are in top condition.
  2. Check the Control Panel: If you see any indicators of problems with the system, get in touch with a specialist as the earlier any issues are sorted, the better. 
  3. Check for Standing Water Around Drains: If the sump is overflowing or drains are backing up- this is an indication of a blocked or malfunctioning system.
  4. Schedule Regular Storm Pump Maintenance: Set up an ongoing maintenance plan with Mawdsleys to keep your system reliable all year.

Benefits of Routine Stormwater Pump Maintenance

A structured stormwater pump maintenance plan offers long-term protection and savings:

  • Fewer Breakdowns: Catching faults early reduces emergency callouts and expensive repairs.
  • Energy Costs: Clean, regularly maintained pumps and controls consume less power and operate more effectively and do not use excess energy.
  • Extended Lifespan: Well-maintained pumps last longer, delaying costly replacements.
  • Priority Support: Maintenance customers receive faster response times and emergency service priority.
  • Regulatory Compliance: Stay compliant with environmental standards and receive detailed maintenance reports.
  • Peace of Mind: Regular checks ensure your pump system performs when you need it most — especially in winter.
An image of an engineer fixing a control panel

Prepare for Winter with Mawdsleys Pump Services

Don’t let flooding take your system by surprise. With professional submersible pump maintenance from Mawdsleys Pump Services, you can prevent problems before they start and keep your pumps performing efficiently all year long.

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Booster Pump Set

How Much Could a Booster Pump Energy Check Save You?

AdviceBooster Pumps

Booster Pump Set

Booster pumps are an effective method of increasing water pressure and ensuring building users can access water of a suitable pressure, regardless of the number of outlets in use or size of the building.

Booster pumps are often used in larger sized buildings with multiple occupants such as flats, apartment blocks, office buildings, hotels, schools and Government buildings where mains pressure alone isn’t enough to meet demands.

Many booster pumps we find in operation are old units with antiquated controls which become less economical and efficient over time. With environmental impact becoming very important and the cost of electricity always rising, it can pay dividends to understand how economical your pump is and take steps to improve it.

Read our blog post to find out more about the considerable savings that can be unearthed through an energy check, the benefits of a modern booster pump and the importance of keeping your booster set professionally maintained.

Booster Set Energy Check Savings

A pump energy check gives you a clear view of your pumps current performance and the associated cost savings that could be made by upgrading your existing booster pumping system. When carrying out an energy check, the following factors are considered:

  • Pump & head flow
  • Motor power data
  • Operating hours per year
  • Age of pump
  • Pump use
  • Operating needs

From this data, the test can ascertain what energy savings could be made with the installation of a new booster set, including how long the payback time would be.

At Mawdsleys Pumps, we regularly carry out energy checks in line with the ISO 14414 Pump Energy Assessment Standards before making system recommendations to clients, often revealing thousands of pounds worth of energy savings that could be made.

In a recent test we carried out, we uncovered potential savings of over £40,000 over a 10 year period at an NHS facility in Bristol, read the full case study here.

The Benefits of a Modern Booster Set

Modern booster sets are made up of several components designed to enable adequate water pressure to any sized building. As technology has improved, so have the number of benefits a booster set offers, the key advantages are:

  • Variable Speed Drives – Modern booster sets are fitted with variable speed drives, these drives have pressure sensors and flow sensors which keep the pressure constant with varying demand, extending the life of the pump and meaning you only pay for what you use.
  • High Efficiency – As technology has improved, booster pumps have become more and efficient, offering adequate pressure on a normal mains water supply.
  • Environmental Benefits – As a result of improved efficiency and variable speed technology, modern booster sets use less energy, reducing the carbon footprint.
  • Duty, Standby and Assist – Modern booster sets are usually compromised of multiple pumps, meaning that there is a backup should the demand exceed the main pump, plus a standby pump should one fail. These are known as ‘duty’, ‘duty – assist’ and ‘standby’ pumps.
  • Lower Running Costs – Equally, improved efficiency and reduced energy use results in lower overall running costs, building owners can expect a booster pump to pay off its installation cost long before the end of its life.

Keeping Your Booster Set Well Maintained

Due to their critical nature, there is never a good time for a booster pump to fail or start to underperform.

In order to keep your booster set running at maximum efficiency, it is recommended that you have your pump serviced by a professional pump engineer.

As well as keeping the pump running at full strength, regular servicing ensures that any developing faults are rectified, reducing the risk of breakdown.

Additionally, there are maintenance checks such as visual inspections that can be carried out every month to complement annual servicing.

To help keep on top of routine maintenance, we have created a free inspection checklist for responsible persons. Click the button below to download your copy.

Download free booster pump maintenance checklist

Booster Pump Installation, Energy Checks & Service Contracts

At Mawdsleys Pumps, we offer an end to end service for the design, installation, repair and ongoing servicing of booster sets; with servicing contracts including regular preventative maintenance to keep your pump running efficiently, which will reduce risk of breakdown.

We also carry out energy checks for booster pumping systems, to highlight and inefficiencies in your system and suggest upgrades which could improve efficiency, reduce energy usage and save on running costs.

For more information about our energy checks, booster pump service or maintenance contracts, give one of our expert team a call today on 0117 954 8030 or fill out a contact form and we will get back to you.

How To Improve Water Pressure

AdviceBooster Pumps

Water pressure is an essential part of any building with a water supply, yet it’s often taken for granted until something goes wrong and the pressure drops. Low water pressure can be caused by a number of factors, such as high demand and can affect every water outlet in the premises, including toilets, showers, taps, pumps, washing machines, and water tanks.

Experiencing low water pressure is extremely frustrating for building users and in commercial and agricultural environments, can result in huge drops in efficiency due to the extra time taken to output water. Read our latest blog post to find out more about the causes of low water pressure and how you can improve your water pressure.

What are the Causes of Low Water Pressure?

Water pressure is effectively the force that transports water through your pipes, so lower water pressure means that the water flows at a lower velocity.

There are a number of reasons why your water pressure may have dropped. The most common reasons for low water pressure are:

  • When demand for water is higher, pressure may be impacted
  • Properties that have a shared supply are more likely to experience issues with water pressure
  • In larger buildings such as hotels, offices, or blocks of flats, water outlets at the top of the building tend to have lower pressure
  • In gravity fed systems, your water pressure depends on how high the source of water is above your property
  • Additionally, the distance your property is away from the water source will impact the pressure you get
  • Old or damaged pumping facilities may no longer be able to cope with the demands of the building
  • Pipes restricting the flow of water due to diameter, corrosion, blockages, and leaks can reduce the water pressure
An image of a water tap

Why Water Pressure Matters

Low water pressure can create several issues in all environments, whether it’s a domestic premises, commercial office or leisure facility.  The most common complaints about low water pressure include:

  • Showers and taps can be reduced to a trickle of water
  • Toilets may not flush properly
  • Results in reduced efficiency in commercial premises
  • Any activities requiring higher pressure, such as irrigation or high-pressure cleaning, may not be possible
  • Certain modern appliances do not work below specific pressure thresholds
  • Equally, certain pumping equipment requires a specific amount of pressure to work

All of this can contribute to a poor experience for the users of the building, and in a commercial building such as a block of flats, gyms, schools or a hotel, is likely to attract complaints.

Get in touch with us so we can improve your water system efficiency and save you money

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Steps To Improving Your Water Pressure

If you’ve noticed a drop in your water pressure, here are steps you can take to try and increase it once more:

  • Check that the outlet for your water is not clogged up or blocked in any way
  • Check that the water valves for your property are fully open
  • Check for blockages in your water system
  • Check for any leaks in your water system
  • Ensure that your current pumping system meets your requirements
  • Test your appliances at peak times vs quieter times to see if there is a difference in the water pressure you receive
  • Invest in appliances such as power showers which can enable higher output even when overall pressure is lower

If you own the premises, you can take it upon yourself to check these or contact a professional if you do not have the expertise.

However, if you are a building user or rent a space in the building, it is likely that you will need to contact the landlord of the building to investigate further.

An image of a booster set system

Benefits of a Booster Pumping System

If you are still struggling with water pressure, it is likely that you need to consider taking measures to increase the pressure of water to your system, this can be done very effectively with a booster pump.

Booster pumps are installed to increase the water pressure throughout a building and are an effective means of improvement in any type of building.

They can be installed in most properties whether you rely on a typical water supply or get your water from a private supply (such as a borehole or well).

A booster pump is a long term investment that will serve your property for years if properly maintained, download our free booster pump inspection checklist to find out more.

Booster pumps are available to suit any premises, whether it’s fixed speed or a range of multiple pump variable speed sets to meet demands and offer energy saving benefits.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can changing a shower head improve water pressure?

Yes, in some cases simply changing the shower head can improve the water pressure you get.

Shower heads can also become blocked up with limescale which restricts the amount of water that can be output, so in some cases a simple clean will help improve the water pressure.

Additionally, some showers have water saving heads that intentionally reduce the water pressure to save money.

How to improve water pressure from a well?

If you rely on a well as your water supply, it’s critical that you get adequate pressure from your system given that there is no backup.

A booster pumping system can be used to effectively increase the pressure received from private domestic water sources.

Can I install a booster pump to the mains water pump?

Yes, a booster pump can be installed to the mains water pump.

However, due to water supply regulations, pumps that draw more than 12 litres of water per minute cannot be connected to a supply pipe without permission, therefore, it’s typically a better option to install a separate water tank for your booster pump.

It’s highly recommended that you engage with a booster pump installation company who will be able to recommend the best course of action based on your situation.

Talk to the Experts

We hope that this post has given you some ideas on how you can improve the water pressure at your premises.

If you are still struggling with water pressure and want to find out more about how a booster pump could significantly improve your situation, talk to Mawdsleys Pumps today.

We are experts in booster pumping systems and have installed units in locations including domestic properties, schools, hotels, apartments, and regularly work with facilities management companies to keep booster systems performing well.

If you would like to know more, contact our expert team today on 0117 954 8030 or fill out a contact form and we will get back to you.

An engineer inspecting a sewage treatment plant

How Much Does a Sewage Treatment Plant Cost?

AdviceSewage Treatment Plant

Sewage treatment plants are used in commercial and domestic properties when access to mains drainage is not possible. They treat water to make it suitable to be discharged into a drainage field or watercourse.

Cesspits and septic tanks have a number of drawbacks, including potentially dangerous gases being released, pollution and complications when trying to sell the property; most home and business owners are making the switch to sewage treatment plants.

These plants are more expensive than a cesspit or septic tank, but they provide superior performance and mean that you can safely discharge water from the plant once treated.

In this blog post, we will examine the costs of buying and running a sewage treatment plant at your home or commercial premises.

Benefits of Sewage Treatment Plants

A sewage treatment plant is robust and extremely effective, offering many benefits over other methods of treatment and disposal:

  • Sewage in a plant is treated to a safe level
  • Does not harm the environment
  • Reliable and modern solution
  • Cost-effective over time
  • Compact system
  • Improve the resale value of premises
  • Safer and poses a lower risk to health
  • Simple and easy installation

Above all, these plants are a solution for the future. As environmental agencies impose stricter rules on the process of treating and disposing of wastewater, a proper biological wastewater treatment system ensures these standards are met.

An image of a sewage treatment plant in green

Cost To Install and Supply

The cost to install a sewage treatment plant will vary depending on a number of factors such as the size of the tank, the condition of the site and any additional extras you may wish to have installed.

In domestic premises, prices start from £2,000, subject to the size of the sewage treatment plant. The price of installation will vary, and a site survey is generally required for an accurate figure.

Additionally, the price will be different if you are replacing an old system or a different type of sewage disposal unit or if you are installing one from scratch.

At Mawdsleys Pump Services, we design sewage treatment plant systems to meet the exact needs of our clients, meaning you don’t pay more than you need to for a plant that meets your needs.

An engineer inspecting a sewage treatment plant

Additional Costs To Consider

As well as the initial cost to purchase and have the plant installed, there are other additional costs after installation that should be considered:

  • Annual Service – An annual service is essential to the ongoing performance of your plant and reduces the risk of breakdown. An annual service starts from just £350 in most cases, subject to equipment and location.
  • Emptying – Once the sewage inside your plant is treated, it will need to be discharged. When it is emptied, there are costs involved, including contractor fees and tanker charges.
  • Discharge Consent – In order to release sewage from the plant, you must first apply for discharge consent and will incur a fee for doing so. At Mawdsleys, we can help with discharge water testing and can also acquire discharge consent for your unit.
  • Repairs – In the event of damage to your plant, fast and professional repair is critical to ensure that you can use the facilities in your property once more. At Mawdsleys Pumps Services, we offer a 24/7 emergency pump breakdown service.
  • Power Costs – As sewage treatment plants require a power source, you will incur a cost to run the unit. However, modern units are extremely efficient and use a small amount of power to run.

Talk to the Experts

Do you want to find out more about the cost of a sewage treatment plant at your premises? Whether you have a plant that needs upgrading, are currently relying on a septic tank/cesspit, or do not have any sewage treatment method currently installed, we can help.

Mawdsleys Pump Services takes your bespoke requirements and budgets into account and designs a system that meets all of your waste disposal needs.

Once the system is installed, we can manage all the aftercare, giving you the peace of mind when dealing with a single contractor for everything related to your plant.

For more information, give one of our expert team a call on 0117 975 87030 or fill out our contact form below, and we will get back to you.

An image of a block of flats

Best Practice for Controlling Noise in Booster Pumping Systems

AdviceBooster PumpsSectors

If you’re a facilities manager, public building owner or a tenant living within an apartment or block of flats; you will understand the vital role an efficient booster pumping system plays – providing water of sufficient pressure to every water point within the building.

However, one of the main reasons we are called out to attend booster pumping systems is due to noise coming from the system, attracting complaints from residents who may have been woken in the early hours of the morning by the pump.

In our latest blog post, we’ll cover off reasons why booster pumps make noise, how you can control it and essential regular maintenance checks you can carry out to ensure your pumping system runs efficiently without generating excessive noise.

Why Do Booster Pumping Systems Make Noise?

The key reasons booster pumps make noise are:

  • Higher water demand than the pump can facilitate.
  • Pump positioned incorrectly.
  • Worn components such as bearings.
  • Old or unmaintained pump.
  • Excessive vibration from the pump.
  • Excessive vibration from pipework within the building.
An image of an engineer programming a booster set

How Can I Stop My Booster Pumping System Making Noise?

With a few controls and proper maintenance, noise from booster pumps can be adequately controlled without impacting on the performance of the system:

Use the Right Pump for the job

Using the right tool for the job is key to achieving any task, and it’s the same with your pumping system. In older buildings, we often find that older and inefficient systems are being used to boost water pressure.

Not only does this mean lower efficiency and higher bills, but during times when everyone in the facility is using water, such as the morning shower, all pumps in the booster set are needed to provide adequate water, creating excessive noise.

In an efficient system that’s tailored to building requirements, the whole bank of boosters would never need to run simultaneously to supply the amount of water required.

Position the Pump Correctly

Following the selection of the most suitable pump for the job, the location of the pump is essential for achieving zero sound disruption for building users. In most cases, we recommend that the pump be installed in an enclosed space such as a soundproofed control room.

If your pump is already set in place and relocation would be impractical and expensive, it is still possible to erect a control room or sound barrier around the pump to reduce noise.

Note that regardless of your pump positioning, if you are using an inadequate system, complete cancellation of noise will be difficult to achieve.

A photo of an anti-vibration mount

 

Use Vibration Isolators

One of the most common causes of noise from booster pumps is vibrations; these vibrations generally come from the pipes or the pumping system itself vibrating against the structure of the building.

Using vibration isolators is a cost-effective way of reducing noise from your pump – the most effective method will depend on the level of vibrations your system is producing:

Low Level of Vibration – If your pumping system is producing a low level of noise and vibration, a vibration mat is a simple and cost-effective method of control. This is essentially a thick mat or pad on which the pump is placed to prevent vibrations from being carried up the building.

Mid Level Vibration – If your pumping system is producing a medium level of noise and vibration, vibration springs or mounts can be fitted, which absorb the vibrations coming from the pump.

High Level of Vibration – If your pump is producing a high level of vibrations, an inertia base can be constructed – this is a robust measure that will absorb the maximum amount of vibration.

Vibrations Coming from Pipework – If you find that the vibrations are coming from your pipes as opposed to your pump – fitting vibration isolators such as springs to pipework will prevent them from vibrating against the building.

If you find your pump is vibrating excessively or the vibrations are getting worse over time, call a specialist to come and inspect – it could be that vital components within your pump have become damaged.

Ensure Pump is Properly Maintained

As pumping systems age, vital components such as bearings wear down – creating unwanted noise. It is essential that these components are regularly inspected and replaced as required to prevent noise and further damage to the system.

Putting a proper pump maintenance plan in place is the most effective and cost efficient way of controlling noise and preventing failure within your system.

 

Essential Maintenance Checklist for Booster Pumping Systems

If you are responsible for the maintenance of the booster pumping system within a facility, we recommend carrying out a visual inspection once a week to ensure you can deal with problems before they develop; During your inspection, you should do the following:

  • Check all valves for free travel.
  • Check water and air pressure gauge.
  • Test alarm.
  • Inspect and lubricate bearings as required.
  • Check for any damage to the pump or any of its main components.
  • Take note of any unusual noises or ‘struggling’ from the system during start-up.
  • Take note of excessive vibration or unusual noise from the pump.
  • Take note of the temperature within the room.

To help keep on top of routine maintenance, we have created a free inspection checklist for responsible persons. Click the button below to download your copy.

An image promoting our free booster pump inspection checklist

Ensure Pump is Properly Maintained

As pumping systems age, vital components such as bearings wear down – creating unwanted noise. It is essential that these components are regularly inspected and replaced as required to prevent noise and further damage to the system.

Putting a proper pump maintenance plan in place is the most effective and cost efficient way of controlling noise and preventing failure within your system.

Essential Maintenance Checklist for Booster Pumping Systems

If you are responsible for maintenance of the booster pumping system within a facility, we recommend carrying out a visual inspection once a week to ensure you can deal with problems before they evolve; during your inspection, you should do the following:

  • Check all valves for free travel.
  • Check water and air pressure gauge.
  • Test alarm.
  • Inspect and lubricate bearings as required.
  • Check for any damage to the pump or any of its main components.
  • Take note of any unusual noises or ‘struggling’ from the system during start-up.
  • Take note of excessive vibration or unusual noise from the pump.
  • Take note of the temperature within the room.

To help keep on top of routine maintenance, we have created a free inspection checklist for responsible persons. Click the button below to download your copy.

Nationwide Booster Pump Installation, Repair and Maintenance

At Mawdsleys Pumps, we provide an all-encompassing service for the design, installation, ongoing maintenance and emergency repair of booster pumping systems, we can also provide solutions for booster systems that are creating excessive noise.

Whether you are considering a booster pumping installation or experiencing noise or underperformance from your existing system – we can help. Give us a call today on 0117 954 8030 or fill out the form below and one of our team will get back to you. 

Booster Pump Set

How Working from Home Could Be Impacting Your Pumps

AdviceBooster PumpsSewage Pumps

 

One of the biggest impacts on people’s daily routines because of COVID-19 is the increased amount of time they are spending at home, with many continuing to work remotely where they can to adhere to lockdown rules.

Figures from the Office for National Statistics reveal that in April 2020, when the first lockdown was announced, 46.6% of Britain’s workforce did some work at home.

The shift to remote working has posed many challenges, with businesses and staff needing to adapt quickly to ensure staff can work efficiently from home whilst retaining a work/life balance.

A victim of remote working that has perhaps been overlooked is pumps. These systems that we rely on every day keep water pressure high and facilities such as toilets working properly, but with increased usage; these essential systems can run less efficiently and are at a higher risk of failure.

Find out more about the types of pumps that have been impacted by working from home and how building owners can ensure users always get a high level of performance from their pumps in our latest blog post.

An image of a golf course in frost

Golf Course Pumping Systems – Tips for a Successful Winter

AdviceBooster PumpsSectors

 

As winter starts to bite, golf courses across the UK will be making preparations for the challenges that the cold weather brings including frost, snow and stressed grass.

Clubs and groundsmen are generally well prepared for the challenges that winter brings, with many being able to continue serving golfers for the majority of the cold season.

However, pumping systems found on golf courses such as irrigation, boreholes, booster sets, multistage pumps and sewage pumps are often overlooked – with a lack of expertise available on site to complete vital maintenance and prevent potential failure when the cold hits.

In our latest blog post, we run through essential steps clubs and groundskeepers should be taking to ensure they can continue to operate throughout the winter months or reduce the risk of damage to pumps during winter closure.

2 engineers in hi vis jackets in front of two Mawdsleys Vans

Top 5 Things You Can Do To Fix Your Submersible Pump

Advice

There is nothing worse than having a sump pump fail on you. If it’s a sewage pump, the first thing you might notice is that the electrics have tripped on the control panel, or that when you flush the toilet it starts backing up and the water level isn’t subsiding.

Worse still, sewage could start overflowing out of the manhole cover. If it’s your sump pump you might notice that your electrics have tripped and the water level is rising. If this is flood water coming into your basement this can rise very quickly and cause damage to your property and belongings. Here is a list of our top 5 Tips on what to do when your sewage or sump pump fails.

1. Always isolate the electrical supply to the pump

If you are in any doubt, please phone a qualified Electrician for assistance.

2. Make sure the pump hasn’t tripped

Have a look at your control panel or fuse box to see if the supply to the pump has tripped. If the supply has tripped, you will then need to consider the following:­

  • Has there been a power cut? – If yes – re­set the trip switch.

Has it been raining heavily? – If Yes, this puts the pump under increased load, the pump will need removing and checking.

3. Is the Sump full of fibrous material and/or debris?

If yes – This could block impellor, causing the electrical supply to trip – the pump will need a visual inspection for blockages.

4. Is the equipment old and unmaintained?

If yes – Pump and associated equipment will need to be checked.

Only consider the following if the size and weight of the pump allows:­

  • Remove sump cover
  • How is the pump mounted? Free standing on guide rail system? Only consider removing pump from sump if it is a free-standing system.
  • Locate lifting chain and slowly raise pump from sump?
  • Visually inspect for damage or blockages.
  • Remove any visible material from impellor and outlet.
  • Lower pump back into the sump, re­set electrical supply, and test for free operation of equipment.

5. Check the level control floats are operational

  • Floats can be attached to the pump or wired in separately?
  • Is the pump running continuously or is it not running at all? Either way, lift float or pump and float from sump, clean off and give a quick shake to re­activate.
  • If this does not work, the floats appear to have failed and will require replacement.
  • Check floats are not stuck on pipe work or debris, free up if necessary.
  • If in doubt, call the experts for advice

Need a Hand?

If none of the above tips help and the pump still won’t start, then now is definitely the time to call in the experts and get the problem fixed before greater damage occurs. Give us a call on 0117 954 8030 or fill out a contact form and we will get back to you.

An image of a cess pit

The Dangers of Septic Tanks and Cesspits

AdviceDirty Water Pumping SystemsSewage Pumps

If your home or business is out in the countryside or otherwise ‘off the grid’, you may use an alternative sewage treatment method such as a septic tank or cesspit/cesspool.

As well as upcoming changes to legislation making sewage treatment plants the only approved method of waste treatment, septic tanks and cesspools pose a number of risks and can damage the environment around them.

Find out more about the hidden dangers of septic tanks and cesspits and why you should upgrade to a full sewage treatment plant in our latest blog post.

What’s the Difference Between a Septic Tank and a Cesspit?

Contrary to popular belief, a cesspit and a septic tank are two different things – the fundamental difference is that within a cesspit, sewage is simply stored, the cesspit is then emptied by a professional when it is full.

On the other hand, within a septic tank, sewage is stored and partially broken down before being discharged, whilst safer than raw sewage, this discharge is still considered to cause damage to the environment.

The General Binding Rules 2020

The General Binding Rules were first released in 2015 and come into force in 2020. If you have a septic tank that discharges into a body of water such as a stream, you’ll need to upgrade to a sewage treatment plant before 2020.

Additionally, if your current set up is found to be negatively impacting its surrounding environment, or if you are looking to sell your property, you will be required to upgrade sooner.

Dangerous Gases

Due to the nature of what is stored within them, both cesspits and septic tanks contain gases that are potentially harmful to health. Whilst there is no risk when they are sealed in the tank, there are several dangers they hold including:

  • Rupture of the tank – This can be caused by tree roots and building works and will result in harmful gases being released in the vicinity of the septic tank or cesspit.
  • Lid collapse – Septic tanks generally have a concrete lid to keep them secure. Over time, the gases can eat away at the lid, causing it to become weaker and increasing the risk of collapse.
  • Fires – The gases produced by cesspits are extremely flammable, a naked flame should never be anywhere near a cesspit.
A label "poison gas" on a container

Flooding

Flooding of a septic tank can be caused by several circumstances including heavy rain, flooding, blocked pipes, damage to internal components and saturated soil preventing discharge.

If your septic tank is flooding, you will need to reduce or completely restrict the amount of water that is used to avoid contracting an illness and making the problem worse, you find raw sewage backing up into your sinks and toilets.

Additionally, you will need to contact a professional to inspect and service the tank, failure to do so can leave you liable to legal action should the flooding cause a health or pollution risk.

Flooding can cause a lot of damge to your property or the facilities which you manage!

In an emergency call us on 0117 954 8030

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An image of highly contaminated water

Pollution

As cesspits are sealed, they generally only cause damage to the environment around them if they are damaged. However, as septic tanks discharge into bodies of water, they can cause serious damage to the environment, killing wildlife and contaminating private water supplies.

In addition to sewage, a septic tank or cesspit will contain anything that is flushed down the toilet or poured down the sink, this often includes chemical cleaning products, kitchen oils, detergent and human waste.

Inspection Costs

The final danger of cesspits and septic tanks is the amount they will cost you! In addition to installation costs, you will need to pay for regular emptying, inspection and servicing of your cesspit or septic tank in order to prevent it from posing a risk.

Furthermore, if your property currently relies on a septic tank or cesspit, you will have trouble selling it, as the new owners will have to take into consideration all the costs associated with maintaining it and the inevitable cost of upgrading to a sewage treatment plant.

Nationwide Sewage Treatment Plant Installation, Repair and Maintenance

If your property currently handles sewage through a septic tank or cesspit, you will need to upgrade it before 2020. At Mawdsleys Pumps, we provide a nationwide service for the installation, repair and maintenance of sewage treatment plants; we’ll even remove and dispose of the old unit for you.

For more information, give one of our expert team a call today on 0117 954 8030

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Sports Pitch Maintenance Tips for Groundskeepers

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Having a pitch maintenance plan is essential for groundskeepers at any level of the sport. Without proper care and attention, the quality of the pitch can slip; impacting the standard of play, increasing the risk of injury, causing financial loss for the club and even leading to games being cancelled or forfeited.

At Mawdsleys Pumps, we recognise the importance of keeping a high standard of pitch and have worked with sports teams of all standards to help keep their pitch in order, from semi-professional football pitches to rugby world cup pitches.

If you are a groundskeeper, owner, manager or volunteer that’s responsible for the upkeep of a football, rugby, cricket, golf, equestrian, bowls or other sports field; our top tips to sports pitch maintenance will help you take proper care of it all year round.