What Is A Pumped Drainage System & How Do They Work?

What Is A Pumped Drainage System & How Do They Work?

A pumped drainage system is a self-contained unit that can be installed in fluid-carrying pipes to move water. It is used in areas where water drainage is particularly challenging, such as low-lying or remote locations where water struggles to flow naturally into and along drainage systems.

The principle of a pumped drainage system is to enable wastewater, surface water, or sewage to be removed from low-lying areas. It works by relying on gravity for the movement of wastewater, allowing it to flow downhill until it reaches a low point.

From there, the pumped drainage system pumps the water back up and out of the area. Pumped drainage systems are often found in sewers, residential homes, industrial sites, offices, and hospitals.

What Are The Advantages Of Pumped Drainage Systems?

Pumped drainage systems have several advantages, including the ability to handle major leaks more effectively than a passive system such as a moisture barrier.

A sump pump is able to move a large volume of water in a short amount of time, making it an effective way to remove water from the foundation and keep basements or crawl spaces dry.

Additionally, pumps can provide a watertight barrier around gardens and reduce the number of floods experienced due to standing water.

Pumped drainage systems also have some disadvantages. For example, installation can leave an exposed hole in the foundation that is unsightly. Additionally, pumps require regular maintenance and repair to ensure optimal function.

Dry-pit pumps are not submerged in wastewater, making them easier to repair but also more susceptible to flooding. Submersible pumps are less expensive to construct but require full protection against station flooding.

What Are The Disadvantages Of Pumped Drainage Systems?

Pumped drainage systems have both advantages and disadvantages. Submersible wastewater pumps are sealed and watertight, making them highly efficient.

They are also smaller and less expensive to install for wastewater and sewage applications compared to many other types of pumps. However, they do need regular maintenance and repair due to the possibility of leakages from unnoticed wear and tear of seals.

Dry-pit pumps are not submerged in wastewater, allowing maintenance personnel to easily diagnose a pump during operation instead of shutting it down and taking it out.

However, dry pits can be susceptible to flooding, which can lead to mechanical seal failure or problems with sewage-cooled motors.

Dry-pit submersible pumps offer full protection against station flooding due to their close-coupled motor design, but they can still experience problems with sewage-cooled motors. Additionally, they are more expensive than other types of pumps due to their complex design.

What Are The Environmental Impacts Of Pumped Drainage Systems?

Pumped drainage systems can have both positive and negative environmental impacts. On the positive side, well-designed and implemented drainage systems can control soil salinity, reduce waterlogging, and improve water productivity.

However, improper waste management or maintenance of drainage systems can lead to wide-scale pollution that affects entire communities.

This pollution can include changes in hydrological peaks that affect downstream water intakes for irrigation, municipal water supply, and aquatic ecosystems.

Additionally, drainage water quality at the outlet of the system can negatively influence receiving waters.

Finally, pumping groundwater for irrigation can result in the upcoming of saltwater from great depths which can cause complex problems with irrigation and the safe use of groundwater resources.

Therefore, it is important to consider thoroughly the ramifications resulting from any changes to a drainage system in order to minimize potential negative environmental impacts.