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:
- Debrie: 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, corrosion, or stagnant water damage.
Electrical and Control Failures: Damp or cold weather can affect control panels, wiring, and sensors, leading to false alarms or total system failure.
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 total shutdown. 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 overflows.
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. 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 environmental damage.
7. Control Panel Faults – Cold, damp conditions can cause condensation in control panels, leading to electrical shorts and faulty sensors. 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 increaased risk of flooding.
How to Prevent Stormwater Pump Breakdowns
Preventative action is always cheaper than emergency repair. Here’s how to prepare your system for winter:
- 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.
- 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.
- Check for Puddles of Water: If the sump is overflowing – this is an indication of a blocked or malfunctioning system.
- Schedule Regular Sewage 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.
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.