Whether for domestic, commercial, industrial or mining applications, pumping stations have a clear purpose and need to work at optimal performance at all times.
If your pumping station is no longer working efficiently, the big decision may be whether to repair or to replace?
To help you decide if replacing or repairing the pumping station is best, look at whether the sewage system is outdated. If it’s an older model, you need to find out if you can source the replacement parts, or if they’re no longer manufactured.
Budget can be a big deciding factor. You want to find out if the costs of repairs are going to be more than 50% of a replacement. Whether you repair or replace a pumping system, the amount of downtime can also differ, which can have costly results.
There are numerous factors to consider about each option before making your decision. There can be pros and cons for repairing versus replacing a pumping system and it can depend on the specific project and requirements as to which is better.
Repairing a pumping station
When productivity is key, repairing the pumping station may be best to avoid delays and keep downtime to a minimum.
Downtime can be costly, especially if you’re on a tight schedule and budget, and generally you need a pumping station to be up and running quickly. If this is the case, repairing is a quick and easy fix, and may be more cost effective in comparison to getting a replacement installed.
Pumping systems often require ongoing maintenance to ensure they continue to work efficiently, but you may want to factor in the potential costs in the long-term if repairs need to be done every so often.
Replacing a pumping station
Replacing an old sewage system when it’s nearing the end of its service life for a more advanced and efficient system isn’t a bad idea.
A new and advanced pumping system will have better upkeep and require less maintenance which means saving you from repair costs in the long run. Depending on its use, there may also be situations in which it’s best for health and safety reasons to replace than repair a constantly malfunctioning sewage system.
When deciding whether to repair or replace, consider that replacement may be more time consuming than repair as parts need to be shipped, customised and installed which isn’t always ideal when time is of the essence.
Another key factor to consider is what type of pumping station it is. This may impact on whether it is best to repair or replace.
Type of pumping station
Sewer pump stations are commonly made of precast concrete or fibreglass and depending on your requirements and budget, one may be better suited for your project than the other. Volume requirements and the main use for the pump station can determine what material is best.
Precast Concrete pumping stations are generally built to hold larger volume requirements and are a cost effective choice for a bigger scale system. Installation might be complex as a crane can often be required due to its heavier capacity. However, this heavier and high strength material also means it won’t easily leak, is suitable for charged ground and is easier to repair than to replace.
Fibreglass is a lightweight, non-corrosive and resilient material that is versatile for all kinds of use (including domestic, industrial, commercial, and mining). Quick and easy to install, it is also resistant to chemicals and comes in a range of sizes, which is ideal for unusual tank shapes. Fibreglass is highly efficient and cost effective for small to midsize pump stations, making it ideal for residential and industrial projects rather than bigger scale projects. Due to an easy installation process, repair or replacement can both be efficient options.
Regardless of whether you need a repair or replacement, QMAX Pumping Systems provide both services and spare parts for sewer pump stations, as well as ongoing support and maintenance by an experienced team. We can also provide advice on what is the best solution for your needs to ensure your pumping station performs to its maximum efficiency.