Grundfos calls for pre-winter checks on commercial drainage systems
Grundfos is encouraging commercial building owners and facilities managers across the UK to check their wastewater and stormwater systems ahead of winter and address any maintenance needs before heavy rainfall puts them under pressure.
The Met Office projects warmer, wetter winters for the UK, with heavier rainfall during winter storms increasing the potential for flooding. For building owners, this means checking both the condition of existing equipment and whether drainage systems can cope during periods of heavy rainfall.
Grundfos recommends reviewing drainage arrangements, pump service records and any previous incidents of flooding, backflow or high water levels. Particular attention should be paid to basements and below-ground plant rooms that rely on pumped drainage.
Where systems have a history of problems during wet weather, servicing alone may not resolve the underlying cause. Assessing pump performance alongside storage capacity, pipework and restrictions at the discharge point can help identify where improvements are needed.
Glynn Williams, Senior Area Sales Director for UK & Ireland, Grundfos Commercial Building Services, said: “The role of public health engineers has probably never been more important. Getting clean water into buildings and wastewater safely out remains fundamental. But as the climate changes, we need to think more about how buildings manage water, where there is too much of it or too little.
“Ahead of winter, owners need to understand where water could enter the building, how it is removed and what happens if a pump stops working. That is particularly important where plant rooms or other essential facilities are below ground.
“Previous callouts and alarm records are a useful starting point. If the same problem keeps coming back during wet weather, it needs investigating before the next period of heavy rain.”
Grundfos advises that assessments should account for the different demands placed on stormwater and wastewater pumps, including expected flows, the debris or solids being handled and the pressure required to discharge the water.
Pre-winter checks should cover pump condition, level sensors and controls, along with debris or blockages in accessible drainage routes and collection pits. High-level and pump-failure alarms should also be tested to confirm they are working and that notifications reach those responsible for responding.
Where critical areas rely on pumped drainage, building owners should consider the consequences of equipment failure or a power cut, and whether standby pumps, backup power or emergency response arrangements are needed. Reviews should also cover protection against wastewater backflow.
Williams added: “An alarm is only useful if someone receives it and knows what to do. The winter plan needs to identify who responds, how they can access the equipment and what support is available outside normal working hours.”
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