Flash Flooding Reminds the UK of Sump Pump Requirement

Last year the government launched the FFA scheme, which made £100m available to help communities where ten or more properties have flooded twice or more over the last ten years. It is critical that plumbing installers upskill on sump pump installations and seek the right products and guidance to help homeowners with the issue, which is why Wilo, the efficiency-first pump manufacturer, has made it a priority to spread the importance to the installer community.

With the UK widely reported as having the wettest March on record for 40 years, and flash floods causing widespread disruption throughout the early part of June, the callout is a timely reminder to consider approaches to flood and water management. Sump pumps are used to alleviate flooding in the first instance, and are fitted by installers and property owners to mitigate rising groundwater from heavy rainfall that floods basements and cellars.

Many of these pumps, however, are used incorrectly, being placed in loose ground which can fill up quickly with debris – causing them to clog up. Meanwhile, low-cost solutions with motors that aren’t rated consistently can prove to be a false economy, as they will overheat and fail much faster than if rated regularly. Wilo recommends that following simple best practice and choosing a robust, reliable pump can achieve better outcomes – saving landlords and homeowners significant money in the long term.

Andy Thompson, National Sales Manager at Wilo UK, said: “Flooding is a torrid experience for many people up and down the UK, and it is promising to see the government is doing something about the issue. The early part of June saw startling news of cars trapped in floods mid-journey, people stranded under bridges and outdoor events cancelled within an hour of rainfall beginning. Given the change in our climate, we must anticipate and prepare for more extreme rainfall events moving forward.

“Installers can expect to see more sump pump enquires and projects coming through because of these changes, so it is critical that they know how to complete these jobs, ensure they perform when required, and are futureproofed. Sump pumps aren’t necessarily complicated to install, but there are a few things to bear in mind, such as the installation method, the pump’s build and motor, flow rates and accessories.”

Andy recommends that instead of placing pumps directly in the ground, a good sump pump installation should have a sump that is lined with cement, or better still, have channel drains around the perimeter of the cellar. These drains then lead to a little plastic sump tank in which the pump is then fitted. By doing this, it helps stop dirt and grime building up around pumps that can potentially cause them to fail.

In addition, installers should look for continuously rated pumps which can self-cool and are electronically controlled for safety, such as the Wilo-DrainLift Box or the Wilo-Drain TM/TMW/TMR 32. Both product ranges are designed to handle solids and fine particles, are ‘plug-and-play,’ and feature a fitted float switch. The latter means the pump only activates when the float reaches a certain level and then pumps water out down to 2mm.

The Wilo-Drain TM/TMW/TMR 32 also helps homeowners with a unique ‘twister’ function, where the pump causes a turbulence during water intake and prevents sediments from sinking and settling. This helps keep the pump clean, prevents foul odours, and minimises maintenance.

“There are many cheap garden pumps on the market, and the danger is that unwitting installers will choose these for a sump pump application,” warns Andy. “However, such products are really only designed for pumping rainwater from a water-butt, and are not geared for heavier-duty pumping of dirty water.

“By picking the right pump and installation method, installers can not only aid the fight in flooding, but also help property owners save time and expense in the long run.”

For more about Wilo’s range of sump pumps and flooding control solutions, CLICK HERE!