Can I custom design a pump station?
Yes! Our pump station selection tool enables you to design a pump station to suit the job you are quoting on or need a pump station for.
What cover should I use on my pump station?
All sewer pump stations will have sealed covers (not grates). Stormwater can have either sealed covers or grates – but if you are collecting surface water you will need a grate. A sealed cover in stormwater has the benefit of protection the pump from debris falling into the chamber.
For load rating - If your pump station is positioned somewhere that vehicles might drive over it (like a driveway) you need a heavy-duty Class D cover as this is suitable for vehicle traffic loads. A light duty cover or grate is suitable for pedestrian only installations.
Why is there no flow rate specified for my sewer pump station?
For domestic homes, the average inflow rates of sewer pump stations are generally very small, making specification unnecessary. This is why we don't often see flow rate included in domestic hydraulic plans. When showers or other outlets are running they appear to be absorbing a lot of inflow. However, the sewer pump station chamber can receive this and store it until the pump is engaged to drain it away to the discharge.
Can I use stormwater pumps in a sewer pump station?
This will depend on if your application will have solids and the size of them. Typically, as blackwater (raw sewage) solids can vary significantly in size, the pumps need a macerator function. However, for effluent or trade waste you would most likely not get solids, therefore a vortex pump would be suitable.
Can I use sewer pumps in a stormwater pump station?
This would not be ideal as the types of solids you encounter in stormwater are different to those found in sewer. Sewer pumps have a macerating function to help them reduce large soft solids into small particles, whereas stormwater pumps have larger free passage to allow then to pass hard solids through the pumps without trying to reduce them.
Is there warranty on your products?
We guarantee workmanship and quality in all our products. Manufacturer’s warranty is 12 months from date of installation, provided such part or equipment that is deemed by the respective manufacturer to be faulty. Please read through the purchasing conditions for more information.
What accessories are available?
For every pump station, we offer a range of covers depending on your application and load bearing requirements. For single pump stations, we offer plug-in high-level alarms. Floats are included with our control panels, however if you need extra floats, they are available to be purchased separately.
Are your controllers weatherproof? What IP rating?
Yes, they are. The enclosures are IP65 rated with an inner door. However, they are not suitable for applications within proximity (i.e. 2kms) from the ocean. If so, contact one of our friendly team to upgrade the enclosure to 316 Stainless Steel.
How do I select pumps for my pump station?
To select your pump, you need to know the flow rate required, distance of the rising main pipe, diameter of pipe and vertical head. Once these values have been nominated, the pump station calculation tool will suggest the suitable pump for your application.
How to read a pump curve?
The head is on the y axis and the flow rate is on the x axis. Find the point that the friction loss curve (colour) and the pump curve (colour) intersect and that is the duty point (link).
How do pump stations work?
Pump Stations are typically composed of these six components: Chamber, Lid, Pump/s, Pipe Kit, Controller, and floats or a high-level alarm. The chamber holds the liquid, and the pump/s move the liquid out of the chamber through the pipe kit to a discharge location. The floats and controller activate the pumps when necessary and provide a warning when the liquid inside the chamber is reaching a high level.
How does a sewage pumping station work?
Raw sewage flows into the chamber from your gravity line. Pumps for raw sewage are typically macerator-type submersible pumps, which essentially blend raw sewage into a slurry, making it easier to pump. Common macerator-type submersible pumps include 'Cutter' or 'Grinder' pumps, which have slightly different macerator mechanisms but achieve the same end.
Do your Tanks meet Australian Standards?
Our Polyethylene Tanks comply with both ASNZ1546.1 2008 and AS3500
If I send you my plans/drawings are you able to select the pump station for me?
Unfortunately we do not select your pump station for you, however we can walk you through our tool if you have questions or queries.
Why am I not getting the exact tank I want?
The tool has an inbuilt calculator that ensures your selection will operate to Industry Standard. It takes the invert level of inlet, emergency storage, minimum operating range, and the minimum pumping allowance into account.
What is a high-level alarm?
A high-level alarm is a standard feature of a Pump Station Package. It consists of a red light and audible alarm that activates when the liquid level in the pump station chamber reaches a particular height in the chamber.
Can I get home delivery?
Yes, we deliver your product direct to site regardless of the state you’re in.
Can I pick it up in my ute/van/trailer?
No, we do not offer a click and collect service but we will have it delivered direct to site for you.
What are your estimated shipping times?
Standard delivery: 1-2 weeks
How can I track the status of my order?
A tracking number will be provided at the time of shipment.
What are the shipping costs?
Delivery costs are calculated at checkout.
Do you provide an installation service?
No, we do not offer installation of our pump stations. You should contact a local plumber and electrician who would be familiar with installing these units. For plumbers, we have a detailed downloadable installation manual which you find in the resources tab.
Does the pumpstation come ready for installation?
The pump station will arrive in Kit form for you to assemble on site. The tank outlet, valves and fittings will be preassembled ready for installation.
How do I install my pump station to suit Class D applications?
Polyethylene chambers are not designed to be load bearing. To use a poly pump station in a Class D (vehicle trafficable) application the best practice is to encase the entire pump station (walls and base) in 150mm of 40mPa concrete and set your Class D cast iron cover and frame into a load bearing concrete cover slab (or concrete collar if not paving entire area) on top.
How deep do I excavate for my pump station?
The excavation depth of your pump station is calculated by the following. Paving allowance (including cover) + chamber depth + ballast block thickness depth.
How do I prevent my pump station chamber floating or collapsing if there is high water table at my site?
Pump Station Direct's range of Polyethylene Pump Stations are ribbed, which allow for concrete ballast.
All pump stations arrive with a physical and digital copy of the IOM - which outlines best practice for installing your pump station.
How do I set up my float switches in my pump chamber?
Need to understand which pump controller were using to write about it, and whether Duty/Assist is different to Duty/Standby setup on this controller (it is not for Matelec – but was for the original pump start controller). Understanding your setup is the first step.
Single Pump Setup
Our single-phase pumps have automatic floats attached directly to the pump. This keeps a single pump setup simple. The pump will sit on the bottom of the pump chamber and the float will allow the pump to operate while always keeping approx. 200mm of liquid in the bottom of chamber.
Dual Pump System
On dual pump systems, please note that the automatic floats connected directly to the pumps are NOT USED to control the pump. To stop these floats interfering with the controller – make sure the floats connected directly to the pumps are isolated in the UPWARDS position (i.e. pump run position). You can achieve this by snap tying the float to the pump handle or somewhere similar.
The independent floats you have received will be wired directly to your controller and are the floats that tell your pumps when to operate and trigger your high-level alarm. Make sure you know which float is wired to which terminal in the controller, so you can set your high-level alarm as the highest in the pump chamber and your stop/start floats.
If a high-level alarm has also been purchased, this float sits highest in the chamber. This is normally positioned in the downward position, just above the inlet. The float weight should be secure approx. 150mm above the float.
How do I connect my pipework to my pump station?
Polypropylene pump station chambers are a popular choice as they are durable, lightweight, corrosion resistant and a cost-effective solution. However, very few adhesives or sealants stick to polypropylene.
For gravity pipework connections (including vent connections) Pump Stations Direct recommend using a rubber grommet called a 'uniseal'. These are available to suit all common plumbing pipe sizes in Australia.
How do I connect my conduit to a pump station?
For conduit a ‘threaded adaptor’ is recommended to suit your conduit size. This is ideally 1x DN50 conduit for each pump, which will allow both the pump power cable and a level float cable to run through each DN50 conduit.
What kind of pipe should I use for my rising main pipework?
Polyethylene pipework, also known as HDPE or MDPE is required for sewer systems. uPVC is acceptable for stormwater; however, HDPE may be used here also.
How do I wire up my pump station controller?
Tech Data and an IOM are available, which will outline wiring information for your model controller. There is also a wiring diagram on the inside of the controller enclosure.
When do I need to vent my pump station?
A vent is required on all sewer and trade waste pump stations in Australia. These vents should be a minimum of DN80. Stormwater pump stations do not require a vent.
How does a high-level alarm work?
A high-level alarm is connected to a level sensor inside the pump chamber. This could be a level float, or another kind of sensor such as a hydrostatic or ultrasonic level sensor (more commonly used in commercial applications). When using floats, the high-level alarm float should be set as the highest float in the chamber.
How do I buy pump stations online?
To buy customised pump stations and have them delivered to your door, follow these steps:
Step 1: Click on the "Select your pump stations" or "build your pump station" buttons.
Step 2: Log in to use the selector tool.
Step 3: The selector tool will pop up, and you should select the option "Create a new project."
Step 4: Accept the terms and conditions and fill out basic information about your project: name, suburb, notes, and click "Next."
Step 5: Navigate through all the steps: Water type, the basics, flow & resistance, pump summary, volume, extras, and package summary.
Step 6: Click on the checkout page to view the shipping costs added.
Step 7: Fill out your contact details, delivery address, and payment information.
Step 8: You're all set. We will contact you when we dispatch your order.
For any questions, please get in touch with us at info@pumpstationsdirect.com.au.
Troubleshooting Guide PDF
Download Troubleshooting Guide Here
Can I use sewer pumps in a stromwater pump station?
All sewer pump stations will have sealed covers(not grates). Stromwater can have either sealed covers or grates - but if you are collection surface water you will need a grate. A sealed cover in stromwater has the benefit of protection the pump from debris falling into the chamber.
My stormwater pumpstation is overflowing. What should I do?
Stormwater pump stations are designed to meet requirements of a particular rain event. If the pump stations are overflowing, but the rain event has been unusually large – it’s possible that the pump station is functioning correctly, but that the rain event is larger than has been design for. In this case, the alarm will sound, but will dissipate as the rain event ends and the pump station empties the pump chamber.
If the pump station is overflowing but the rain event is not unusual in size, it may be a system fault.
My high-level alarm is going off. What should I do?
There are a number of reasons why a pump station may be in alarm status. Check out our blog for common causes and solutions
My pump station is tripping the power. What should I do?
The most common causes for a pump station tripping the power are either a pump jam (which creates an overdraw of current and the circuit breakers or overloads in your controller kick in to protect your system) or water ingress into the electricals, causing the pump to short ‘down to earth’.