Adam Ferneyhough, Country Director UK for DAB Pumps, highlights why fast-fit features and easy maintenance are key to choosing the right system for the job.
When traditional gravity drainage isn’t possible, automatic lifting stations offer a reliable solution for moving wastewater to where it needs to go. They are popular in extensions or loft conversions where routing conventional pipework is impractical and are particularly useful for retrofits, property upgrades and extensions, offering developers and installers the flexibility to deliver functional, compliant spaces in tight or unconventional layouts. Whether it’s a basement bathroom, a toilet in a garden office or a utility area on the wrong side of the soil stack, these compact units make it possible to add sanitaryware in previously off-limit locations – without the upheaval of major pipework rerouting.
While automatic lifting stations solve a practical problem, not all designs are created equal. When choosing a unit for a new installation or retrofit, installers should of course look for compact dimensions that suit tight or awkward spaces, along with quiet, reliable performance and features like anti-odour protection for added user comfort. But the best systems should be intuitive to install, quick to set up and easy to maintain.
The installation process starts at the point an automatic lifting station is selected, but with some ranges, the sheer number of options can make this harder than it needs to be. Too much choice can lead to confusion, delays or even the wrong product being purchased. A well-structured range that covers all the key applications without overwhelming the installer is far more practical. The Genix range is a good example: just three models meet a wide variety of needs. The Genix and Genix WL are suitable for toilets, showers, washbasins or bidets, while the Genix VT has been designed specifically for grey water use, such as with sinks, washing machines or dishwashers. All three offer quiet, dependable performance for situations where gravity drainage isn’t available – without overcomplicating the selection process.
Ease of installation is always high on the priority list for busy installers where time is money. When you’re working in an occupied property or under pressure to meet project deadlines, a lifting station that takes hours to fit or needs half a dozen extras from the merchant, is less than ideal. A good lifting station should come with a complete installation kit and straightforward guidance in the box, so everything is on hand from the start. It should also offer intuitive assembly and connect easily to common pipe sizes without workarounds or adjustments. Each model in the Genix range for example, comes with hose clamps, pipe adaptors, rotating delivery pipes and ground fixing screws – in fact everything an installer could need. The kit also includes integrated non-return valves and quick couplings to make installation even less hassle, and the illustrated quick-start guide makes it clear what goes where, even in tight or awkward spaces.
While straightforward installation is crucial, so too is straightforward maintenance. Even the best systems can be misused – wipes, nappies and foreign objects still find their way into the system. When this happens, the last thing any installer wants is to dismantle pipework to clear a blockage. In too many designs, accessing internal components means removing the entire unit which requires cutting into the pipework. Not only is this messy and time-consuming, it also introduces the risk of leaks and a lot of commotion.
Units that have a motor that can be removed in-situ without disturbing the pipes or uninstalling the main box make a huge difference. This way, if a blockage occurs, the motor block can be unhooked and safely removed from the unit, flushed through and reinstalled – without disturbing any pipework. Easy access to internal components like the capacitor, electronic board, pressure switch and the grinding blades will allow the unit to stay in place during servicing, simplifying maintenance and keeping downtime to a minimum.
In retrofit and new-build projects alike, automatic lifting stations play a crucial role in overcoming drainage challenges and the most effective systems are those that are easy to understand, quick to set up straight out of the box and easy to maintain without disassembly. From streamlined ranges, clearer instructions and complete installation kits to careful designs that allow servicing in-situ, the focus has rightly shifted to fast-fit features and cleaner maintenance. As demand grows for smarter ways to bring plumbing into hard-to-reach areas, it’s these kinds of user-focused details that set the best lifting stations apart, helping installers stay efficient on site and giving customers confidence in a low-maintenance solution that’s built to last.
For more information on DAB Pumps visit: www.dabpumps.com.
