CLEARMASTERS
repair engineers
call-outs
after every visit
and tankers
in drainage
Our pump station services
Everything your pump station needs
Servicing
Planned visits to test the pumps, floats, valves, alarms and control panel, and put right wear before it causes a breakdown.
Repairs
24/7 call-outs for alarms and failures. We diagnose the fault and repair or replace pumps, floats and controls.
Maintenance contracts
For developments, businesses and managed sites. We track your service dates and book visits before problems start.
How it works
How a twin pump station works
Most pump stations have two pumps that take turns, switched by floats as the water rises. Hover over or tap the numbers to see what each part does.
- 1InletWastewater from the property flows into the chamber.
- 2Duty and standby pumpsTwo pumps take turns, so they share the work and one is always ready if the other fails.
- 3Stop floatWhen the level drops below it, the running pump switches off.
- 4Start floatWhen the water lifts it, the next pump in turn switches on.
- 5Standby floatIf the level keeps rising, it brings in the second pump to help.
- 6High-level alarm floatThe last line of defence. It sets off the alarm beacon if the level gets this high.
- 7Control panelSwitches the pumps, swaps them over after every run and shows which one is working.
- 8Rising mainThe pipe the pumps push the waste through, on its way to the sewer.
Why maintain it
Why pump station maintenance matters
A pump station only gets noticed when it stops working, and when it does, the effects are quick: alarms, waste backing up into the property, smells and sometimes pollution.
We cover everything from pump station emptying to control panel repairs, and our confined space entry teams can work safely inside the chamber.
We do this work across Surrey, West Sussex, East Sussex, Kent, Hampshire and London, with tankers and engineers in each area most days.
Most failures start small. A float switch gets fouled, a non-return valve sticks, rags build up around an impeller or a pump starts to wear. A regular service and emptying programme catches these before they turn into an emergency.
Building Regulations guidance says a domestic pump station should be able to hold 24 hours of inflow. That buys time if something fails, but it’s not a substitute for looking after it.
Signs your pump station needs attention
- The alarm or beacon is going off
- Pumps running constantly, or not at all
- Grinding, banging or humming noises
- Slow drains or smells near the chamber
- Uneven hours on the pump meters
How often
A typical maintenance schedule
Every pump station is different, but this is a good starting point. We’ll tailor it to yours.
| Type of pump station | Servicing and emptying |
|---|---|
| Domestic, single property | Service at least once a year, and empty every 6 to 12 months. |
| Shared or small development | Service every 3 to 6 months, and empty to suit the load. |
| Commercial or high use | Service every 3 to 6 months, or as required by any permit, and empty regularly. |
| Surface water | Service yearly, and check and empty before winter. |
Who we work for
Who relies on us
Homeowners
Domestic foul and surface water pump stations.
Developers
New-build sites and multi-plot drainage.
Managing agents and housing associations
Shared pump stations on managed estates.
Businesses
Offices, shops, hotels, restaurants and industrial sites.
Why Clearmasters
Why choose Clearmasters?
We service, repair and empty pump stations, so one team knows your system inside out and there’s no passing the problem between companies.
Ask us a questionAlways on hand
Planned servicing at a time that suits you, and 24/7 call-outs when something goes wrong.
Straight answers
We explain what we found in plain English, and give you honest advice on what needs doing now and what can wait.
Trained engineers
Our engineers hold current confined space entry certificates and work on treatment plants, pump stations and drainage every day.
Servicing, repairs and emptying
All from one company, often on the same visit.
What our customers say
Checkatrade
From 134 reviews · Read them
From 63 reviews · Read them
Scores as of September 2026
Questions answered
Pump station maintenance FAQs
How often should a pump station be serviced?
At least once a year for a single home. Shared, commercial and busy pump stations usually need a service every three to six months.
How often should a pump station be emptied?
Most domestic pump stations need emptying every 6 to 12 months. Busy or shared stations need it more often.
Do you offer maintenance contracts?
Yes. We’ll agree a schedule that suits your site, track the dates and book the visits for you.
What should I do if the alarm goes off?
Keep water use to a minimum, don’t try to run the pumps manually or change the control panel settings, and call us on 03333 233577. We’re available 24/7.
Do you work on all makes of pump?
We work on the common makes of submersible pump and control panel used in domestic and commercial pump stations.
Got a different question? Call 03333 233566 or send us a message.
Related services
Fully accredited & compliant
We're independently vetted and certified so you can trust who you're letting onto your site.
SafeContractor
Health & safety pre-qualification accreditation, verifying our processes meet recognised safety standards.
RISQS
Railway Industry Supplier Qualification Scheme — approved to work safely within the rail industry supply chain.
Achilles UVDB
Utilities Vetting Database membership, confirming we meet the utilities sector's supply chain standards.
Trading Standards Approved
Vetted and approved under the local authority's trusted trader scheme for honesty and fair dealing.
NADC Member
Members of the National Association of Drainage Contractors, the UK trade body for the drainage industry.
Registered Waste Carrier
Registered with the Environment Agency, so your waste is handled and disposed of fully within the law.