Sewage Pump - Klargester is the market leader for small and medium-sized domestic treatment plant and waste water treatment systems in the UK


Courtesy of Kingspan Environmental Ltd

There are a variety of solutions on the market for properties in the UK that are unable to connect to the main sewer by gravity. However, UK building regulations dictate that pumping stations must be used whenever possible.

As a result, pumping stations are the most commonly specified solutions for off-mains developments, ahead of sewage treatment plants, such as the Biodisc, and septic tanks.

In some situations, a pumping station will be the only solution needed to access the main sewer. However, it may also be used as part of a package of solutions for more complex sites.

For example, an effluent pump-set may be required to make a septic tank or sewage treatment plant work effectively if the level of the outlet of the holding tank is too low to enable gravity flow to the discharge point or soak-away.

A pump set may also be required for a sewage treatment plant or septic tank if the watercourse is likely to flood, in order to prevent backflow.

Although pumping stations are commonly specified solutions, they are complex products that are often packaged to cater for the individual needs of a site, and require careful and detailed measurements if they are to function properly and safely.

It is essential to get all the figures right, since an incorrectly specified pumping station has the potential to wreak havoc, ranging from overflowing toilets and baths to blocked drains

The key issues that need to be considered when specifying pumping stations are the height and distance from the product to the main sewer if pumping directly to it, the depth of the incoming drain, the type of liquid that needs to be pumped and the type and number of users.

The most common specification mistakes tend to involve miscalculations of the depth of the incoming drain, and failure to accurately measure the distance and height to the main sewer when planning to pump directly to it.

Many of these mistakes occur because builders are tempted to estimate the figures, rather than take accurate measurements, particularly on smaller sites. However, this can cause major problems, since the depth of the incoming drain cannot be altered and even small misjudgements can result in the specification of a pumping station that is under-powered and therefore unable to do the job properly.

It is always best to call in a sewage solutions expert at the building design stage to determine the right location for the pumping station and make the necessary calculations. If this is not possible, then the builder must decide exactly where the pumping station will be located and carefully measure the drains at that point before specifying the product.

Another important issue that needs to be considered at the construction stage is the electrical capacity of the property. Most houses have single phase electricity. However, if the main sewer is more than 10m higher or 300m away from the property, then three phase electricity could be needed to operate a pump efficiently and economically.

Another problem is that pumping stations operated via single phase electricity cannot cope with many of the items that are put into drains, such as wet wipes and nappies etc.

Pumping stations operated by single phase electricity are therefore better suited to small developments, where usage can be more easily controlled. If a large number of people will be relying on a pumping station, then a cutter or grinder pump will be needed to breakdown the additional material that will inevitably find its way into the drain and three phase electricity will be required to operate the product.

Both pumping stations and effluent pump sets can incorporate timers so that the liquid can be discharged at night, if required. This may prove crucial in enabling a development to gain planning permission if the local mains drainage system is up to capacity.

To ensure best practice and safety, it is always best to call in a sewage solutions expert at the building design stage to help determine the correct location for the product, make the necessary calculations and ensure that the property will have sufficient electrical capacity.

Builders must also ensure that the pumping stations they specify comply with building regulations which state, for example, that all pumping stations taking untreated sewage to a main drain must have 24-hour storage capacity in the event of pump or electric supply failure. They should also recommend that customers ensure the products are regularly inspected and maintained in line with the manufacturer's recommendations.

To help builders and their customers gain an added understanding of pumping stations, Klargester Pollution Control offers factory tours and seminars. Further details are available on 01296 633 000.

Klargester Pollution Control have continued to update and improve their pumping station range and have more recently launched a new range of pump stations to cater for up to 300 population, larger units can be also designed. Adoptable standard units are now available with 24 hr storage.


All standard Klargester package pumping stations come complete with GRP/Plastic chambers, pump(s), pre-set automatic level control, non-return valve discharge pipe and fitting to just outside the chamber. Klargester can supply pump stations and chambers to suit single houses right up to large municipal adoptable schemes - all pumping stations conform to Building Regs and contain 24 Hour storage in case of power failure.


Installation is quick and economical, the unit requiring only a concrete surround.


Klargester package pumping stations are designed for minimum low cost maintenance. Klargester offers a full commissioning and after sales service involving planned maintenance visits on the U.K. mainland.


Alarm systems - for the warning of power or equipment failure, and high level conditions.

Bespoke Systems

Klargester manufactures pumping chambers of various diameter and depths, either on their own or with pumps, guide rails and control equipment installed as per the client's specification.

Please contact us direct and we will be pleased to quote against your specific requirements.

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