Pump manufacturer, Wilo, is urging installers to prepare for sump pump projects which it says could spike as the country looks to get on top of flash flooding throughout the summer months.
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. The company says it is critical that plumbing installers upskill on sump pump installations and seek the right products and guidance to help homeowners with the issue.
Sump pumps are used to alleviate flooding in the first instance and are fitted by installers to mitigate rising groundwater from heavy rainfall that floods basements and cellars.
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, the company says 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.
For more about Wilo’s range of sump pumps and flooding control solutions, please click here.
