Aftercare for Pump Chambers, servicing, what JW Clark can help with afterwards… and what we can’t help with…..!
Aftercare for Pump Chambers
A pump chamber is used where foul or surface water drainage cannot flow by gravity and needs to be pumped uphill to connect into the public sewer or another gravity system. These systems are commonly installed on private domestic properties and, whilst reliable, they do require ongoing care and responsibility from the owner.
Once installed and commissioned, the pump chamber becomes part of the property’s private drainage system and its long-term operation sits with the homeowner.
What a Domestic Pump Chamber Does
A domestic pump chamber typically consists of:
- An underground chamber
- One (and often two) submersible pumps
- Float switches or level sensors
- A non-return valve and rising main
- An electrical control supply (sometimes with an alarm)
- Often a ‘control panel’ at the electricity source or within a ‘kiosk’ that we fit
Wastewater flows into the chamber by gravity. When the level rises, the pump activates and pushes the water uphill through a ‘rising main’, usually an MDPE pipe, until it can discharge by gravity into the public sewer.
What Can (and Cannot) Go Into a Pump Chamber
Pump chambers are mechanical systems, not disposal units.
Only the following should enter the system:
- Pee
- Poo
- Toilet paper
The following are the most common causes of pump failure and blockages:
- Wet wipes (even “flushable” ones)
- Sanitary products
- Nappies
- Fats, oils and grease
- Excessive food waste
- Building debris, wipes or rags
Blockages caused by misuse are not defects and are not covered by any warranty.
Owner Responsibilities After Installation
Once the pump chamber is installed and operational, the homeowner is responsible for:
Routine inspection
Periodically lifting the cover (safely) to check for abnormal smells, noises or high liquid levels.
- Electrical supply
Ensuring the pump remains powered. Tripped breakers or isolated supplies are a very common cause of call-outs. - Servicing and maintenance*
Arranging inspection, servicing or pump replacement as required by a specialist contractor.
Pump chambers are robust, but pumps are ‘wear’ items. Over time they will require servicing* or replacement.
- Alarms (If Fitted)
Some domestic pump chambers are fitted with a high-level alarm, and we highly recommend these for Pump Chambers in particular. On the majority that we fit, a beacon on the ‘control panel’ or on the outdoor kiosk will flash in the event of a problem.
If an alarm sounds:
- Try to reduce usage immediately, if you can
- Check the electrical supply, primarily any ‘trip switch’ on the internal fuseboard for the house
- Contact a specialist pump engineer* if the issue does not resolve itself
An alarm indicates rising water levels and should never be ignored, as continued use can lead to flooding or pump burnout.
- What JW Clark Will Support After Installation
Within two years of installation, JW Clark will assist with:
- Replacement of pumps supplied and installed by us, if they fail due to manufacturing defect
- Issues relating to pipework we have installed
- Ground settlement or reinstatement issues directly linked to our works**
- What JW Clark Does Not Cover
JW Clark does not provide and are not responsible for:
- Routine servicing or maintenance
- Emergency pump call-outs
- Replacement of pumps outside the warranty period
- Repairs caused by misuse, blockages or lack of maintenance
- Electrical faults beyond the original connection made to the chamber
- Electrical faults relating to the electrical installation, whereby we did not appoint the electrician
- Repairs to pipework not installed by us
- **Ground settlement relating to where an old septic tank, or similar, has has been filled with inert material
*For ongoing care, homeowners should appoint a pump maintenance specialist. We recommend UK Pump Maintenance (https://www.ukpumpmaintenance.com/) for servicing, maintenance and emergency support of domestic pump chambers.
- Why Maintenance Matters
Most pump failures are not sudden — they are the result of:
- Gradual wear
- Blockages from unsuitable materials
- Electrical isolation or neglect
Simple checks and occasional servicing can significantly extend the life of the pump and avoid costly emergency failures.
**In the event that we fill an old septic tank with inert material, it is not possible for us to compact any ‘fill’ that we put inside the tank. Therefore, further settlement is to be expected later on. For this reason we always suggest retaining the manhole cover on top of the old septic tank, in order that any settlement is covered. In the event that we remove the manhole cover and reinstate a grass area on top of an old septic tank, settlement of the fill will be noticeable in time, and JW Clark cannot be responsible for returning to site to keep filling settled ground. Should you wish for an old septic tank to filled and for there to be no future settlement, the tank must be filled with concrete instead. This will add significant further cost to our original quote.
In Summary
A domestic pump chamber is a reliable solution where gravity drainage is not possible, but it is not maintenance-free. Understanding how it works, using it correctly, and responding promptly to issues will ensure long-term, trouble-free operation.
Any more questions, please don’t hesitate to ask!
For many years, at JW Clark Ltd, we have installed only Pump Chambers manufactured by Marsh Industries. All Pump Chambers are made-to-order, based on the distance to be pumped, the ‘lift’ and the size of house and number of bedrooms and likely number of inhabitants. See video below for more information on Marsh Industries Pump Chambers.
Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit. Ut elit tellus, luctus nec ullamcorper mattis, pulvinar dapibus leo.
Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit. Ut elit tellus, luctus nec ullamcorper mattis, pulvinar dapibus leo.
By JWC