Primarily used in flooded basements, cellars, or individual sewage systems, these pumps ensure reliable and efficient evacuation, even in complex conditions.
What is a sewage pump?
A sewage pump is a device designed to transport water from a lower level to a higher level. This applies to both clear water and wastewater (or charged water). These pumps are particularly useful in homes or buildings where natural water drainage is impossible, such as basements, cellars, or houses located below sewage networks. They are also widely used in agricultural and civil infrastructure projects, such as farms and public buildings, where robust waste water management is required.
Sewage pumps come in various types, suitable for clear water, wastewater, or contaminated water. For example, a submersible pump is directly immersed in the water to be evacuated. At the same time, other models use a float to trigger pumping as soon as the water level reaches a critical level. Depending on your needs and the lifting height, you can choose a specific pump. Submersible sewage pumps are typically made from stainless steel or cast iron.
The sewage pump is installed in a sewage station, in a tank, a pit, a decompression well, a sump, or a designated cistern.
Sewage Pump vs Waste Water Pump. What's the Difference?
Although the terms are often used interchangeably, there are key differences:
Waste Water Pump
- Handles grey water, rainwater, and lightly contaminated water
- Used in domestic drainage, basements, and pump pits
- Suitable for particles depending on the model (5–50 mm)
Sewage Pump
- A type of waste water pump designed for black water and heavily charged water
- Capable of handling large particles, solids, and organic waste
- Used in sewage stations, septic systems, and flooded areas
- Typically built with robust stainless steel or cast iron components
In summary, all sewage pumps are waste water pumps, but not every waste water pump can handle sewage.
How does a sewage pump work?
A sewage pump operates by sucking wastewater or charged water from a tank, sump, or pit and discharging it to a higher-level drainage or sewer point. Most models include:
- Automatic float switches
- Submersible operation
- Thermal protection
- High flow rates for rapid evacuation
When water enters the tank and reaches a certain level, the float activates the pump. Once the water is discharged, the float drops, and the pump automatically switches off.
Why choose a sewage pump?
Choosing a sewage pump suited to your needs helps avoid many inconveniences. Here are some reasons why installing a sewage pump is often essential:
- Evacuation of basement water: In the event of flooding, especially in basements, sewage pumps enable rapid water evacuation to minimise damage.
- Management of wastewater: Homes located below the sewer network require a sewage pump to evacuate wastewater effectively.
- Flexibility of installations: Whether you need to manage clear, charged, or wastewater, there is a wide variety of pumps suitable for different types of water and installations. You can choose a pump with an appropriate flow rate and sufficient lifting height to evacuate water to the outlet point.
How to choose your sewage pump?
To choose your sewage pump from the available range, several criteria must be considered to meet your specific needs effectively:
- Type of water to be treated: The first question to ask is about the nature of the water to be evacuated. Gray water comes from regular household activities. Black water is loaded with impurities. Charged water may result from flooding. Clear water includes drainage from pools or wells, as well as rainwater.
- Granulometry of the water: This measurement corresponds to the maximum diameter of particles present in the wastewater. For household water, the pump's granulometry should be between 5 mm and 20 mm. For water with food waste or black water, plan for a granulometry of 20 to 50 mm. For heavily charged water, it should be over 50 mm.
- Flow rate and lifting height: The pump's flow rate, expressed in litres or cubic metres per hour, is an indicator of its capacity to handle water quickly. The lifting height refers to the pump's ability to raise water to a certain height. The higher this height, the more powerful the pump needs to be.
- Pump wheel type: A single-channel wheel is sufficient for clear and lightly charged water. A vortex wheel absorbs impurities in charged water. A chopping wheel is necessary for treating heavily loaded materials.
- Price and delivery: The price of a sewage pump varies depending on the features and options chosen. It’s essential to compare products and consider associated services, including delivery and warranties.
- Ease of installation: Some models come in a kit with all the necessary elements for quick and easy installation.
At Saniflo, we offer a wide range of sewage pumps suitable for all needs with unmatched value for money. Here's a selection of models:
- Sanipump ZPG 71: A submersible cast iron pump for grey and rainwater. It can be installed within the tank of a pump station, a pit, or a sump. This pump offers a maximum head of 31 metres and a free passage of 40 mm.
- Sanipump GR/VX: Compact and lightweight portable pumps (only 13 kg) for domestic wastewater. They handle water up to 70 °C (maximum 5 minutes) and operate autonomously thanks to a float activation system.
- Sanipump VX 65/80: Submersible cast iron pumps designed for lifting wastewater and rainwater, capable of raising water up to a height of 35 metres.
- Sanipump SLD 700: A pump for sewage stations dedicated to high-flow rainwater (48 m³/h) and wastewater, equipped with a dual-channel wheel.
- Sanipump ZFS 71: A submersible cast iron pump for wastewater with a maximum head of 39 metres, compatible with Sanifos sewage stations.
We also offer accessories to complement your installation and recommend consulting a professional to guide you in your project.
The sewage pump is essential for evacuating wastewater or charged water, especially when the sewer level is higher than the area to be drained. By choosing a quality sewage pump, you ensure not only rapid water evacuation but also the protection of the building against damage.
Get In Touch
If you have any questions or need any assistance in choosing the correct sewage or waste water pump for your project, please get in touch with us on: 020 8842 0033.
