Pump-and-engineers

8 Common Problems with Sewage Pumps and How to Fix Them

Sewage Pumps

Sewage pumps play a crucial role in managing wastewater in almost every premises, from private homes to large commercial establishments.

However, like any mechanical system, sewage pumps can encounter problems that prevent them from operating as expected and even cause them to break down completely.

When sewage pumps fail, it can be extremely disruptive to building users and can result in toilets backing up, lack of access to clean water and overflow.

To prevent this, our latest blog post reviews 8 common problems with sewage pumps and how you can fix them. The most common problems with sewage pumps include:

A sewage pump being taken out of a manhole

1. Pump Won’t Start

When a sewage pump fails to start, it can be due to a range of factors, including power outages, sensor malfunctions, faults in the control panel, motor failures, debris blocking the impeller, or blockages leading to tripped electrics. Given the numerous potential causes, it is recommended to call out a pump engineer to carry out an inspection of the pump. An experienced technician can identify the cause and carry out necessary repairs.

2. Pump Won’t Turn Off

A sewage pump that continuously runs may have a faulty control float switch or a blockage. Additionally, if you’ve noticed a spike in your electricity bills, it could sign that your pump isn’t shutting off as it should.

If the pump is non-critical, we would recommend cutting the power to the unit. To address the issue properly, schedule an inspection with an engineer. They can assess the control float switch and related components to restore proper pump functionality. Failure to stop the pump will run the pump dry and damage the seals within the pump, causing the pump to fail.

An image of a toilet roll with "Don't panic" written on it

3. Toilets Backed Up

Toilet backups are often caused by blockages within the pump, issues with sewage treatment plants, or the need for septic tank emptying.

Given the disruption that toilets backing up can cause for building users, it is recommended to minimise your water usage by avoiding using toilets and taps until an engineer can attend.

4. Leaking from Pump & Pipework

Leaks in sewage pumps are often caused by broken valves or cracked/broken pipework. These leaks can lead to reduced efficiency and, potentially, further damage.

Damaged pipework or Failed Non Return Valves will cause the sewage to recirculate within the sump.  This causes the pumps to work harder to remove the waste, so energy consumption will increase and wear on the pump is likely to reduce the life of the pump.

We recommend carrying out a visual inspection of the pump to identify where the leak is coming from, this will allow you to order the correct replacement part or describe the issue more accurately to an engineer.

If you can’t find the cause of the leak, contact a pump engineer to inspect the unit. Additionally, consider implementing a pump maintenance plan to prevent future leakage and related problems.

Leakage and is a serious emergency which require immediate action!
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5. High-Level Alarm Sounding

High-level alarms activate when water levels rise to critical points within the pump system.

In case of a high-level alarm, switch off the pump immediately and contact an engineer for professional assistance. It’s essential to identify and resolve the underlying cause to prevent system overload.

6. Loud Noises from Pump (Vibrations, Banging)

Noises like vibrations or banging emanating from a sewage pump may be due to improperly secured pipes, a malfunctioning system check valve or an impeller that isn’t secured within the pump casing.

We recommend carrying out a visual inspection of the pump, including checking the pump fixtures, before contacting a pump engineer who will be able to ensure the pipes are adequately secured and may potentially be able to install a quieter valve.

7. Burnout

Burnout can occur for several reasons, including:

  • Pump not suitable for the job (wrong size, wrong type)
  • Overwhelming surges from heavy usage
  • Failed float stops causing the pump to run until burnout
  • Overloads are not set correctly
  • The pump is blocked, causing it to pull high amps

Arrange a consultation with an engineer to ensure that your sewage pump is correctly designed for its specific role. As well as reducing the risk of burnout, using the right pump for the job can result in a longer lifespan and save you money.

8. Bad Smells from the Pump

A bad smell from the pump can indicate improper seals, stagnant pump water, or the growth of mould within the pump.

If you notice bad smells, it’s crucial to have an engineer inspect the pump thoroughly.

Regular pump maintenance can also help prevent this issue by ensuring proper seals and preventing the build up of stagnant water.

Professional Sewage Pump Repair and Maintenance

Dealing with sewage pump issues promptly is crucial to maintaining proper wastewater management and preventing disruptions.

By understanding these common problems and solutions with sewage pumps, you can take proactive steps to minimise the risk of pump breakdown.

If you are experiencing issues with your sewage pump, call our expert team today on 0117 954 8030 or fill out a contact form.

Booster Pump Set

How Working from Home Could Be Impacting Your Pumps

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Booster Pump Set

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.

Dangers-of-dirty-sewage-water---Featured-

The Dangers of Septic Tanks and Cesspits

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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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Pumping system maintenance for schools

Back To School – Are Your Pumps Ready for the New Term?

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Pumping system maintenance for schoolsWith summer coming to an end, the new term is looming for schools and other educational establishments across the country.

In these environments, proper maintenance of pumps and associated equipment is essential, but stretched budgets, no maintenance plans and lack of knowledge can often result in schools dealing with unexpected breakdowns.

In our latest blog post, we’ll run through the risks of failing to maintain pumping equipment in schools, the pumps most commonly found in schools, checks you can carry out and how Mawdsleys can help ensure your pumps stay up and running all year round.

sewage pump breakdown

Winter Sewage Pump Maintenance – Avoid Unexpected Breakdown This Winter

ServicesSewage Pumps

Businesses and homes we service don’t stop working throughout the holidays, and neither do we. We know how detrimental a sewage pump failure can be to you, whether it affects the use of your toilet at home or the functionality of your entire business.

Winter can be a difficult time to experience a sewage pump breakdown as many water service specialists close over winter, however, we continue working throughout the Christmas period. There is never a good time to experience a pump breakdown and regular pump maintenance is recommended to prevent this happening.

Common Problems In Sewage Pumps

Pump not turning on – this can be caused by a number of issues, including problems with the float, debris jamming the impeller, the pump not receiving enough electricity, a blockage in the pump tripping the electrics or that the pump has broken down completely.

Pump not turning off – if your pump isn’t turning off it is most likely a problem with your control float switch, it could be stuck in the wrong position or out of adjustment. If you notice an unusual increase in your electricity bills, it could be a sign that your pump is not turning off.

Toilets backing up – This can be caused by a number of issues including a blockage in the pump, a back- up in sump pump area or an issue with the septic tank. A sewage odour will usually be present before the toilets start backing up, if you do notice an unusual odour, avoid using your toilets and taps and call a professional.

Broken pipework – Broken pipework is a common problem in sewage and sump pumps and can lead to flooding of waste water. Broken pipework can be a very expensive repair job if it’s not caught in the early stages, this is why we recommend routine pump maintenance for all the pumps we install.

High-Level alarm sounding – The high-level alarm on your sewage pump is designed to sound when high water levels have been detected. A malfunction can also cause it to sound, you should call a professional immediately if you hear your alarm sounding to eliminate the risk of flooding.

Sewage Treatment Plants Undergoing Maintenance

The Benefits Of Routine Pump Maintenance

Most of the issues listed above are easily prevented with routine maintenance, where we check all the components of your sewage pump to repair any minor damage before it becomes more serious. There are several benefits of our maintenance plans:

  • Routine maintenance reduces underperformance and the risk of unexpected breakdown
  • Having your pump services routinely extends its life expectancy
  • Recognising problems early saves you money on expensive repairs down the line

Why Choose Mawdsleys Pumps?

  • Our tailored servicing contracts allow us to create a service plan that meets your needs, regardless of your budget
  • Our in-house team of expert engineers can identify and fix any pump issues on-site, this allows us to provide a quick and efficient service whilst also keeping pricing competitive
  • We offer 24/7 emergency callout, even throughout Christmas and the New Year
  • Our project management service takes you from initial assessment to final installation of your pump. Whether it’s a replacement part or a complete re-installation, we will recommend the best solution for you and ensure you know how your new equipment works
  • Our engineers are qualified Confined Space Accredited

Talk To The Experts

If you’re experiencing underperformance or failure in your pump, or your usual contractor is unavailable throughout the holidays, get in touch with us for a free, no obligation quote based on your needs.

We cover a vast majority of the South West from Bristol and Bath to Dorset and Cornwall. Call us today on Bristol: 0117 954 8030 and we will recommend the best course of action to get your pump up and running again.