Winter Readiness (Part 1): Preparing Your Stormwater Pump System

Earlier this year, The Met Office reported that we could be in for the wettest summer in the UK in over 100 years. And the forecast did not disappoint. By April 2024, England had embraced the highest level of rainfall over the previous 18 month period since the Met Office data began back in 1836 (as reported by Sky News). Have your stormwater pump systems handled the weather? And what's in store this Autumn/Winter? Will your pumps handle the rainfall?

As autumn approaches, it’s time to start thinking about your pump systems and how to prepare for the wet months ahead. Many of our clients find that seasonal changes often reveal unexpected problems—including blocked stormwater pumps that go unnoticed during the dry season or heating systems that struggle to restart after a long summer break. In this two-part blog series (read part 2: Preparing Your Heating Pumps here), we’ll guide you through essential steps to ensure your pump systems are ready to face the challenges of colder, wetter weather.

This first part will focus on preparing your stormwater pump systems for the heavier rainfall to come.

Preparing Stormwater and Wastewater Pump Systems for Heavier Rainfall

The importance of a robust and well-maintained stormwater pump system cannot be overstated. A high-quality pump system, or better yet, a dual-pump system can mitigate the risk of unexpected flooding and disruptions on site.

Is a Dual-Pump System Right for You?

Depending on the site, we may recommend investing in a dual-pump system—an ideal solution if your site is prone to flooding. This setup doubles the flow rate, allowing it to manage heavy rainfall or sudden water surges by spreading the load and avoiding a single point of failure.

A dual-pump system is designed to handle large volumes of water efficiently, with one pump managing normal inflows while the second serves as a backup during peak conditions. This built-in redundancy ensures your site can withstand extreme weather events, including storms and power outages.

Case Study: Alexandra Security

A good example of how a dual-pump system can be effective, is our project with Alexandra Security. Their site was plagued by persistent flooding, particularly during the rainy season. The situation had become so severe that it was disrupting daily operations, and with a high water table at the site, the flooding was getting progressively worse each year.

The Solution: After a thorough site survey, we installed a 3,000-litre tank with a dual-pump system at the lowest point of the property. This setup was designed to handle large volumes of stormwater, directing it into a nearby holding area. The dual-pump system was particularly effective, with the secondary pump only needing to activate during extreme rainfalls.

Our client at Alexandra Security said:

Before contacting Deckpro, we were dealing with consistent flooding in our yard from November through March, due to a high water table, and the problem was getting progressively worse. Deckpro conducted a thorough site survey and recommended installing a 3,000L tank with twin pumps at the lowest point on our property. This solution has been extremely effective. For the past two winters, our yard has remained completely water-free—to be honest it’s the best thing we’ve done at the premises for a long time.

The Outcome: The system is highly efficient. Under pressure, the first pump is extremely robust and quickly manages the initial water flow, directing it to our holding area. But, on a few occasions, water has come in so fast that the second pump is needed. The installation has consistently performed beyond expectations.

Read the full case study here: https://www.deckpro.uk.com/case-studies/alexandra-security

Why You Should Take Action Now

With autumn just around the corner, now is the perfect time to assess the condition of your stormwater pump systems. This proactive approach will save you from the headaches and potential costs of dealing with unexpected flooding later down the line.

Don’t wait until it’s too late! Book a maintenance check or site visit with Deckpro Pumps today to ensure your stormwater systems are ready for the upcoming season.

Winter Readiness (Part 2): Preparing Your Heating Pumps

Part 2 of our Winter Readiness series is now available to read. Check out the follow up blog to learn our maintenance recommendations before turning on your heating systems. Read the full blog here.