What can I do if my pump station has broken down?

If your pump station has stopped working, it’s not something to ignore.

A faulty pump, depending on levels of the ground, can back up to the house and and even around the house, overflow can lead to flooding, foul smells, and costly damage — but the good news is that most breakdowns are preventable or fixable with the right help.

Start with Safety. 

Do you know where to switch off the pump?

You probably got a high level alarm, is it still working?

Before doing anything, turn off the electrics to the pump station. This stops the system from running dry or burning out the motor. Never lift the lid or put tools near the tank without switching the power off first.

Often before the pump burns out, it actually heats the water in the Pumping Station, and when I raise the pump out, you can see how hot it is;(with the system switched off, of course)

At ASL Limited, our engineers are fully qualified electricians who don’t mind getting their hands dirty — that means we can check both the electrical control panel and the mechanical side safely.

Check for Alarms or Noises

If your system has an alarm panel or warning light, note whether it’s flashing or beeping, can be seen or heard from the house.
Strange noises, constant running, or a silent pump can all mean different faults. Our team can usually diagnose the issue quickly from these first signs.

Common Causes of Pump Failure:

• Grease and fat build-up clogging the impeller
• Fat sticking to the float switches is a common occurrence where fat is used in the kitchen
• Foreign objects such as wipes or sanitary products
• Float switch faults (common after long dry periods)
• Electrical failures or moisture inside the control box
• If you hear the pump cutting in but not discharging, it’s likely a blockage or trapped air in the system.

See our blog 'It Started with an Alarm – Lower Bourne, Farnham'

What We Do When We Arrive

Our trained engineers:

• Carry out full electrical testing and mechanical checks
• Jet and clear the system of any obstructions
• Inspect and clean the chamber
• Re-set alarms and test the full operation before leaving

We bring all the necessary parts and fittings on the van – no delays waiting for suppliers.
Prudent and wise thing to do is to thank the Pump Engineer, for keeping you safe by doing the maintenance properly. You don’t have to do this, but however, I believe it works.

Preventing Future Breakdowns

Regular maintenance keeps your pump station healthy and avoids emergency callouts.
ASL offers scheduled service visits across Surrey, Hampshire, Berkshire, and West Sussex to clean, test, and service pump stations of all sizes.

Need Help Right Now?

📞 Call ASL Limited on 0800 181 684 – our team is available.

We’ll have a qualified engineer with you quickly to assess and fix the issue.