Pumping Sewage

Typical Viscosity: 1cst
Typical SG: 1

Sewage, or effluent, is a mixture of faeces and a significant amount of water, often containing paper and non-flushable items like wet wipes. Pumping sewage can be challenging due to its unpredictable composition, leading to frequent pump blockages. Saturated fat, wet wipes, and other debris entering sewage systems are common causes of such blockages.

Blockages in sewage pumps can lead to extensive downtime, especially as accessing submersible pumps often requires confined space for servicing personnel. In transport applications such as trains and planes, delays can be costly if sewage tank emptying is interrupted for any reason. Additionally, storage tanks typically hold only 1-2 days' worth of sewage, necessitating prompt pump maintenance. 
 
We offer solutions to address these challenges, including non-clog pumps that can be dry-installed without the need for costly confined space entry teams. We recommend the use of self-priming pumps wherever possible to prevent pump clogging and detect wear early on. 

What to consider when selecting a pump for pumping sewage 

Selecting a pump for pumping sewage is a critical decision that requires careful consideration of various factors to ensure efficient and reliable operation in wastewater systems. Sewage pumps are essential for transferring wastewater from residential, commercial, and industrial facilities to treatment plants or disposal sites. Here are key factors to consider: 

Solid Handling Capability: Sewage often contains solid particles, debris, and other solids that can clog or damage pumps if not handled properly. Choose pumps with sufficient solid handling capability, including large impeller passages and solids-handling pumps like vortex or grinder pumps, to prevent clogging and maintain uninterrupted flow. If discharge pipes are long, or sewage pump are located in basements then a macerator type pump is likely to be used as they are capable of delivering higher pressures than traditional vortex impeller types. 

Corrosion Resistance: Sewage contains corrosive substances and aggressive chemicals that can degrade pump materials over time. Pumps are typically selected from Cast Iron due to their price performance ratio, however selecting pumps constructed from higher grade corrosion-resistant materials such as stainless steel, cast iron with protective coatings, or other non-corrosive alloys can extend long-term reliability. 

Flow Rate and Head Requirements: Determine the required flow rate and head (pressure) for the sewage pumping application to select a pump with the appropriate capacity and performance capabilities. Consider factors such as peak flow rates, friction losses in the piping system, and elevation changes to ensure the pump can meet the system's demands under various operating conditions. 

Reliability and Maintenance: Sewage pumps are critical components of wastewater systems and must be reliable and easy to maintain to minimise downtime and operational disruptions. Choose pumps with robust construction, reliable sealing mechanisms, and easy access to components for routine maintenance and servicing. 

Controls: Single-phase pumps can be manual or be fitted with an automatic float switch attached to the pump. Three-phase pumps will often be controlled via a control panel with a multitude of float switches or probes to control pump operation.  

Float switches or probes will control the starting, stop of individual pumps or multiple units should the need arise to lower sewage levels. They can also control whether a high-level alarm needs to sound to draw attention to any possible issues. 

Energy Efficiency: Energy consumption is a significant consideration in sewage pumping applications, particularly for facilities with high flow rates or continuous operation. Select pumps with high efficiency motors, variable speed drives, or energy-saving features to optimise energy consumption and reduce operating costs over the pump's lifespan. 

Safety and Environmental Compliance: Ensure that the selected pump complies with safety standards and environmental regulations governing sewage handling and disposal. Consider factors such as explosion-proof ratings for hazardous environments, leakage prevention measures, and adherence to local environmental regulations for wastewater discharge. 

By carefully considering solid handling capability, corrosion resistance, effluent type, flow rate and head requirements, reliability and maintenance, energy efficiency, and safety and environmental compliance, operators can select the most suitable pump for pumping sewage, ensuring efficient and reliable wastewater transport in sewage systems. 

Get in touch to discuss your sewage handing requirements and one of our pump transfer specialists will be able to help.