What you need to know about stormwater and drainage pumps
Drainage pumps remove unwanted excess water and are ideal for flooded basements or garages, sump pits, driveways or stormwater detention systems. They can handle small debris like leaves or silt, but not raw sewage or large solids. A drainage pump can also be used for draining swimming pools.
Is a sump pump the same as a drainage pump?
Not quite — they’re similar, but used for different jobs.
A sump pump is mainly used in homes, usually in a basement or garage, to remove water that collects in a sump pit. Its job is to keep water away from your house foundation and prevent flooding.
A drainage pump (or stormwater pump) is made to move larger amounts of water quickly — like rainwater or runoff from driveways, parking lots, or construction sites. It’s built for handling big water flows during heavy rain.
This diagram shows how a typical drainage or stormwater pump system works to help prevent basement flooding and water damage by efficiently removing excess water.
How does a sump, drainage or storm water pump work?
- Water Collection: Water from rainfall, groundwater seepage, or plumbing leaks enters a collection pit or sump through perimeter drains or directly from the floor
- Activation: A float switch inside the collection area detects the rising water level. Once it reaches a certain height, the switch activates the pump. Some systems are operated manually.
- Pumping: The pump draws collected water in through its inlet and forces it out through a discharge pipe.
- Discharge: The water is then expelled away from the foundation, usually directed to a stormwater drain, dry well, or suitable drainage area.
How often should you service your pump?
Regular maintenance is crucial to ensure that when you really need it, your pump is up to the task. If you have a stormwater pump in your basement sitting in a sump pit and the pump only runs when there is an event and it fills with water, it could seize up due to lack of use.
Your sump pump should be serviced every six months to ensure the pump and controller are working properly and that there are no blockages or build up in the pump or pipework. We also give everything a good clean to keep the system operating efficiently.
Getting on a regular maintenance schedule with PASLR means you don’t need to try to remember when you last serviced your pump or what model pump you have. We’ll keep track of things for you and get in touch when it’s time to book your next maintenance call.
Symptoms of a failed storm water or drainage pump
- Fit an alarm to your pump (preferably both visual and audible) so you can be alerted as soon as a fault is detected with the system
- If you notice pooling around the chamber, investigate further, it is a tell-tale sign that your pump has failed
- Drainage pumps are designed to handle silt but nothing heavier, so keeping your gutters and grates clear will help avoid leaves and sticks get into the pit
- Avoid build up in your storm water pit. If your pump is sitting in sludge in the pit it could lead to the pump burning out
Don’t get yourself in the $#@!
On properties that have sewage pits, sometimes in a rain event the sewage pit will overflow and leak into the stormwater pit. This is bad news and can be detrimental to your drainage pump which is not designed to deal with chunks of sewage.
Regular maintenance of your sewage pump and system along with improving drainage so that rainwater flows away from the sewage pit, and ensuring you don’t flush anything other than toilet paper down your toilet, will reduce the chance of blockages and a subsequent overflow. Read more about why home sewage pump maintenance is important.
Find out more about Davey Pumps
Whether you need a pump for sewage and drainage, rainwater harvesting, a household pressure pump, firefighting or water transfer around your property, you can depend on Davey. Explore the range of Davey pumps.
Sewage and Drainage System Services
From setting you up with the right pump for the job to repairs, replacements, alarms and everything you need to manage your sewage and drainage pumps – our Pump Technicians can help. Find out more.
