How to Install a Foul Water Pumping Station

Below-ground foul & grey water lifting (illustration only)

If your basement or other below-ground space includes a WC, kitchen or utility, you’ll typically need a foul water pumping station to lift wastewater to a compliant discharge point when gravity fall isn’t possible. A packaged station brings together a chamber, pump, internal pipework, non-return valve and outlet so the system runs automatically and safely.

1) What a foul station does (and how it differs from a sump)

• Foul station: Lifts foul & grey water from appliances/WCs to a higher drain connection.
• Groundwater “sump & pump”: Part of a Type C cavity drainage system for groundwater only—not for toilets or kitchen waste.

2) Typical components (map these to your basket)

• Packaged foul chamber (HDPE) with vortex or macerator pump fitted/ready to fit.
• Internal pipework/manifold with non-return valve, discharge spigot and vent connection.
• External connections: 110 mm inlets, discharge line, vent pipe, cable duct.
• Controls/alarms: High-level alarm, optional battery backup (where required by spec).

3) Tools & materials

• Excavation tools, formwork and concrete for the RC (reinforced concrete) box
• Core drill/saw for 110 mm inlets; pipe solvent cement (if required)
• PVC/ABS pipe & fittings (inlets/discharge/vent), termination fittings
• Level, tape, marker, vacuum, buckets
• PPE: gloves, eye/ear protection; confined-space precautions where applicable

4) Design notes (before you start)

• Access & serviceability: Position the chamber so the lid and internal fittings are accessible for maintenance.
• Hydraulics: Choose pump duty (flow/head) for your run length, static lift and pipe diameter. Include non-return valve and isolation where specified.
• Ventilation & odour control: Provide a vent connection to atmosphere as per the product guidance.
• Electrics: A qualified electrician must wire the station, alarm and any backup supply on a dedicated circuit.

5) Build the RC (reinforced concrete) box

1. Excavate and form a level base. Construct a reinforced concrete box sized for your chamber plus working clearance (typical footprint ~1200 × 1200 mm, depth to suit the model and finish level).
2. Pre-place 110 mm inlet sleeves and the discharge sleeve through the wall. Ensure the discharge stub projects into the box ~100 mm for easy connection.
3. Cast and cure the RC box. Keep the top slab level with the final chamber access level for easy servicing.

6) Fit the chamber & first-fix connections

1. Trim external sockets on the chamber (if required by your model) so inlet pipes can sleeve straight onto the chamber spigots.
2. Set the chamber in the RC box. Push-fit or solvent-weld 110 mm inlets to the chamber spigots; connect discharge, vent and cable duct using the supplied male irons/adaptors.
3. Fill the chamber with clean water to stabilise shape, then backfill the annulus with concrete to the top slab. Keep the lid area clean and level.

7) Install the pump

1. When concrete has cured, remove water/debris. Hand-fit the discharge arm to the pump outlet and secure the supplied coupling (e.g., DC65 or as specified).
2. Lower the pump into the chamber (half-filled with clean water helps) and connect to the internal manifold. Tighten clamps/union fittings.
3. Route the float/cables neatly and ensure the float swings freely with no snagging.

8) Electrical connection & alarms

• Qualified electrician only: Pull cables through the duct and wire to a dedicated supply, following the product wiring diagram and local regulations.
• Install a high-level alarm and test its operation. Fit battery backup where the risk profile or regulations require resilience.

9) Commissioning

1. With the chamber partly filled, lift the float or follow the manual test procedure to confirm start/stop levels and non-return valve operation.
2. Inspect all joints for leaks. Verify venting and that the discharge flows freely to the designated drain.
3. Record pump model/serials, breaker sizes and service intervals. Provide the O&M to the client.

10) Maintenance (overview)

• Regular visual checks; keep the chamber clear of wipes and fats.
• Service per manufacturer guidance; desludge as needed. Test alarm and pump operation periodically.

Which station should I choose?

• Vortex foul station: General foul/grey water with solids handling via vortex impeller.
• Macerator foul station: Where finer maceration of waste is preferred before discharge.
• Twin-pump options: For critical applications requiring redundancy and duty/assist.

Product availability

All components referenced—foul water packaged stations (vortex or macerator), twin-pump options, high-level alarms, and pipework kits—are available from Clever Shield. Use the website search bar to find the exact model and size for your project.