Amanda Mills at SFA Saniflo discusses how lifting stations can prove an effective method for discharging waste from buildings in change of use projects.
One of the most crucial elements of reconfiguring an existing building for a new purpose is the drainage infrastructure. Many change-of-use projects involve older, often redundant, buildings that were originally built for a completely different purpose. Today, the requirement for building new homes means that many large-scale conversion or refurbishment projects focus on apartments, which means the inclusion of wet areas, such as kitchens, bathrooms and utility rooms, for every unit within the project.
Why consider a lifting station?
Lifting stations are often a vital component in successful commercial to residential schemes. They offer the ability to discharge grey and black wastewater whilst minimising the need for disruptive and expensive structural alterations, such as cutting floors or lowering ceilings to install new drainage runs.
A correctly specified lifting station enables designers to choose the optimum space and place for wet areas which may increase the number of viable units within the building’s footprint. They also help to minimise the need for excavation, avoids the relocation of drainage connections and the installation of new service pipes, helping to reduce overall construction costs and shortening project timelines.
They facilitate the conversion of basements that would otherwise be impossible to convert, by overcoming gravity limitations. Wastewater can be pumped up to higher level drainage systems making it possible to install sanitary facilities below sewer levels.
With a huge range of models on the market designed for projects large and small, a lifting station can be installed inside – in plant rooms, underground garages, basements etc – or outside (and underground) if required. As long as correctly specified, they meet Building Regulations for safe and compliant wastewater regulations when gravity drainage isn’t achievable.
Modern lifting stations feature smart and ‘classic’ control boxes, automatic operation, non-return valves and alarm systems and there are also models with twin pumps to provide fail safe operation. Single or three phase versions are now increasingly available, whilst some manufacturers offer an innovative radar system that uses high-speed electromagnetic waves to measure the water level inside the lifting station, rather than a float.
It is important to check volumes, heads and flows for every project and manufacturers will have in-house technical support that can advise on the correct solution. More often than not, a site visit will be required to establish the optimum product and installation location and it is also advisable to choose a manufacturer with exceptional warranty, local parts supply and established after care.
Amanda Mills is marketing manager at SFA Saniflo