Gravity drainage isn’t always possible. When toilets, showers or other drainage points sit below the backwater or sewer level, a KESSEL lifting station can collect the wastewater and pump it to a point where it can discharge safely. KESSEL lifting and pump stations are suitable for domestic, commercial and larger drainage
applications, with solutions available for:
- Grey water and black water
- Basements and below-ground drainage
- Indoor, floor-slab and underground installations
- Conventional and hybrid systems
- Mono and Duo pump configurations
Choosing the correct system depends on wastewater type, expected flow, pumping height
and installation conditions.
IPS Flow Systems supplies KESSEL drainage systems in the UK and provides technical
support with product selection and specification.
What Is a KESSEL Lifting Station?
A KESSEL lifting station collects wastewater in a tank and uses one or more pumps to raise it to a higher discharge point when gravity alone cannot carry it to the sewer.
The basic process is:
Drainage fixture → collection tank → level detection → pump → pressure pipe → sewer
As wastewater enters the tank, a level-control system determines when the pump should start. The wastewater is then pumped through a pressure pipe and above the relevant backwater level before discharging into the drainage system.
Why Are Wastewater Lifting Stations Needed?
A wastewater lifting station is needed when a drainage point cannot discharge safely to the
sewer by gravity. A common example is a basement bathroom where the toilet, shower or basin sits below
the sewer or backwater level.
Other typical situations include:
- Toilets positioned below sewer or backwater level
- Basement bathrooms and utility rooms
- Underground plant rooms
- Cellar and lower-ground-floor conversions
- Commercial areas below ground level
- Drainage points without adequate natural fall towards the sewer
In these situations, the lifting station provides the mechanical lift needed to discharge the wastewater safely.
What Is the Difference Between a Lifting Station and a Pumping Station?
The terms lifting station and pumping station are sometimes used broadly or interchangeably within the drainage industry. With KESSEL systems, the installation situation provides a useful distinction.
| Lifting Station | Pumping Station | |
| Typical location | Inside the building, floor slab or exposed installation | Usually external or underground |
| Main purpose | Lift wastewater from below the discharge/backwater level | Collect and pump wastewater from an underground chamber |
| Wastewater | Grey or black water depending on model | Grey or black water depending on model |
| KESSEL examples | Aqualift range | Aquapump range |
| Typical projects | Basements, buildings and plant rooms | External drainage, underground installations and larger sites |
Wastewater type, hydraulic duty and installation conditions should ultimately determine which system is appropriate.
How Do KESSEL Lifting Stations Work?
Although exact operation varies by model, the basic sequence is similar.
1. Wastewater Enters the Collection Tank
Wastewater from the connected drainage fixtures flows into the collection tank. The tank provides a defined useful volume between switching levels, allowing wastewater to collect before the pump operates and helping to control pump cycling.
2. The Water Level Is Monitored
Depending on the system, level detection can include:
- Float switches
- Level sensors
- Pneumatic level measurement
- Hydrostatic sensors
- Separate alarm sensors
When wastewater reaches the defined start level, the control system calls for the pump to operate. A high-level alarm can provide warning if the water rises beyond the normal operating level.
3. The Pump Starts Automatically
The control system activates the pump, which moves the collected wastewater into the pressure pipe. In Duo systems, two pumps can also provide duty sharing, additional peak capacity or redundancy depending on the application and control arrangement.
4. Wastewater Is Pumped Above the Backwater Level
The pressure pipe carries the wastewater towards the receiving drainage system. Where required, it rises above the relevant backwater level to form a backwater loop, helping protect lower-level drainage from wastewater returning from the sewer.
5. The Pump Stops Once the Tank Has Been Emptied
Once the wastewater falls to the defined stop level, the pump switches off automatically and the station is ready for the next cycle.
Which KESSEL Lifting or Pump Station Do You Need?
KESSEL offers different systems according to wastewater type, hydraulic requirements and
installation environment.
KESSEL Aqualift M
Best suited to: wastewater with or without sewage, and complete basement drainage.
The Aqualift M handles grey water from showers, basins, washing machines and similar drainage fixtures, and also conveys wastewater that contains black water. It suits complete basement drainage that involves multiple fixtures. Its compact format is particularly useful where space is restricted. Depending on configuration, exposed and floor-slab installations are possible, with Mono and Duo arrangements available.
KESSEL Aqualift L
Best suited to: domestic and light commercial wastewater, with or without sewage. The KESSEL Aqualift L provides a lifting solution for residential properties and smaller commercial applications, including drainage from toilets, showers and sinks below the backwater level.
Available in Mono and Duo configurations, it combines wastewater collection, pumping and level control in a compact system. Higher-demand applications may require another Aqualift configuration with greater capacity or pump duty. Selection should be based on the wastewater, required duty and installation arrangement.
KESSEL Aquapump Small
The Aquapump Small is an underground pumping station particularly suited to applications where positioning the system outside the building is preferable. Current configurations are available for wastewater with or without sewage depending on specification, with Mono and Duo options available.
KESSEL Aquapump XL
The Aquapump XL is intended for larger and more demanding underground applications across residential, commercial and industrial projects. Configurations include Mono and Duo arrangements and options for wastewater with or without sewage, depending on specification.
KESSEL Ecolift Hybrid Lifting Stations
Where a suitable natural fall to the sewer already exists, a hybrid system can provide an alternative to pumping all wastewater. KESSEL Ecolift hybrid lifting stations allow wastewater to drain by gravity during normal
conditions. If backwater occurs, the system protects the gravity route and uses the pump to maintain drainage.
Because the pumps operate primarily when backwater occurs, a hybrid system can reduce energy consumption and mechanical wear compared with continuously pumping all wastewater.
KESSEL offers Ecolift solutions at different application scales, including Ecolift M, L and XL.
Conventional Lifting Station vs Hybrid Lifting Station
| Requirement | Conventional Lifting Station | Hybrid Lifting Station |
| No natural fall to sewer | Yes | Generally no |
| Existing gravity fall | Can still be used | Particularly suitable |
| Pumps during normal drainage | Yes | Normally no |
| Pumping during backwater | Yes | Yes |
| Energy consumption | Higher because wastewater is mechanically pumped | Potentially lower |
| Example KESSEL range | Aqualift | Ecolift |
Whether a hybrid system is suitable depends on the complete drainage arrangement,
including the available natural fall and backwater conditions.
Black Water vs Grey Water: Why Wastewater Type Matters
Wastewater type is one of the first considerations when specifying a lifting or pumping
station because it affects pump design, solids handling and the applicable product standard.
Wastewater Containing Sewage – Black Water
Black water includes wastewater containing faecal matter, such as discharge from:
- Toilets
- Urinals
- Combined drainage serving toilets
- Other sanitary drainage containing faecal matter
BS EN 12050-1:2015 covers wastewater lifting plants for wastewater containing faecal
matter.
A black-water system must be designed to handle the wastewater and solids expected
within the application.
Wastewater Without Sewage – Grey Water
Grey water is wastewater without faecal matter. Examples include:
- Showers
- Washbasins and sinks
- Washing machines
- Some floor drainage
BS EN 12050-2:2015 covers lifting plants for faecal-free wastewater.
A grey-water lifting station should not be assumed suitable for toilet discharge.
What About Aggressive or Specialist Wastewater?
Some projects involve wastewater outside normal domestic grey- or black-water
applications, including:
- Condensate
- Chemically aggressive wastewater
- Industrial or process wastewater
- Saline wastewater
- High-temperature discharge
Material and pump compatibility need to be checked specifically for these applications. A standard wastewater pump should not be assumed suitable without confirming the composition, concentration, temperature and other operating conditions.
Where Are KESSEL Lifting and Pump Stations Used?
Domestic and Residential Drainage
Typical applications include basement bathrooms, toilets, utility rooms, cellar drainage and below-ground conversions. The appropriate system depends on the connected fixtures, wastewater and expected
demand.
Commercial Buildings
KESSEL lifting and pump stations can be specified for offices, hotels, retail premises, schools, healthcare environments and public buildings. Commercial projects may require additional consideration of peak flow, operating continuity, alarms and the consequences of pump failure.
Multi-Residential Buildings
Apartment buildings and other multi-residential developments can create higher and less predictable wastewater loads than individual dwellings. Flow, pump duty and the required level of resilience therefore need particular attention.
Industrial and Process Applications
Industrial applications require the hydraulic duty and wastewater composition to be established before equipment is selected. Wastewater containing chemicals, elevated temperatures, unusual solids or other process contaminants may require specialist pumps and materials.
Basement Drainage
Basements are a common lifting-station application because drainage fixtures can sit below the sewer or backwater level. An appropriately specified basement lifting station can serve showers, basins, washing
machines and toilets, depending on the model selected.
Systems can be installed free-standing or integrated into the floor slab where suitable.
Commercial Kitchens and Grease Separators
Where a grease separator is below the backwater level, or cannot discharge onwards with adequate gravity fall, a correctly specified lifting or pumping solution may be required downstream.
The grease separator and lifting system should therefore be considered together when planning the drainage arrangement.
How to Choose the Right KESSEL Lifting Station
Correct specification depends on several factors rather than pump size alone.
1. Type of Wastewater
Establish whether the system needs to handle:
- Black water
- Grey water
- Rainwater
- Grease-containing wastewater
- Condensate
- Specialist industrial or process wastewater
This determines which types of pumps and lifting systems can be considered.
2. Required Flow Rate
The station needs to accommodate the expected wastewater inflow, including realistic peak
demand.
The aim is to match the pump, storage volume and pressure pipe to the required operating
conditions rather than simply selecting the largest available pump.
3. Pumping Height / Delivery Head
Pump selection needs to consider more than vertical lift.
Relevant factors include:
- Vertical height
- Pressure pipe length
- Pipe diameter
- Bends, valves and fittings
- Friction losses
- Required operating point
- Detailed hydraulic sizing should be based on the actual installation rather than a simplified
DIY formula.
4. Required Tank Capacity
Tank capacity and useful volume need to suit the incoming wastewater and pump
operation.
Correct sizing helps provide adequate storage while avoiding unnecessary pump cycling.
5. Installation Location
Consider whether the system will be:
- Indoors
- Within a floor slab
- Free-standing
- Outside
- Within an underground chamber
The location affects available space, inlet depth, access and the type of KESSEL system that
can be used.
6. Mono or Duo Pump System
A Mono system uses one pump and can be appropriate where the application, flow and
consequences of interruption allow.
A Duo system uses two pumps and can provide:
- Duty sharing
- Additional peak capacity
- Redundancy
- Greater resilience for critical applications
Duo systems are not automatically required for every commercial building. The appropriate
configuration depends on the individual project.
7. Pump Duty: S1 vs S3
S1 describes continuous operating duty within the pump’s specified limits. It can be
appropriate for applications involving sustained wastewater flow.
S3 describes intermittent duty with defined operating and idle periods. This is suitable for
many normal wastewater applications where inflow occurs periodically.
An S3 percentage describes the permitted relationship between running and idle time
within the defined operating cycle. Pump duty should therefore be matched to the expected
operating pattern.
8. Free Passage and Impeller Type
The pump also needs to cope with the solids and wastewater characteristics expected in the
system.
Important considerations include:
- Expected solids
- Required free passage
- Clogging resistance
- Impeller design
- Hydraulic performance
The correct impeller arrangement should be selected for the application rather than from
product codes alone.
9. Controls, Sensors and Alarms
Depending on the selected system, controls can provide:
- Water-level detection
- Automatic pump operation
- High-level alarms
- Pump monitoring
- Diagnostics
- Remote monitoring where available
The required level of monitoring should reflect the importance of the drainage system and
consequences of a fault.
Installation Considerations for KESSEL Lifting Stations
The installation needs to support correct operation while allowing the system to remain
accessible throughout its service life.
Floor-Slab Installation
Floor-integrated systems can provide a compact solution, particularly in basement projects.
Consider:
- Installation depth
- Inlet levels
- Floor build-up
- Waterproofing
- Cover accessibility
- Future maintenance access
The finished floor should not prevent pumps or other serviceable components from being
accessed.
Free-Standing / Exposed Installation
A free-standing station can simplify retrofit projects where opening the floor slab is
undesirable.
Adequate space is still required for connections, ventilation and servicing.
Underground Installation
For underground pumping stations, consider:
- Installation and inlet depth
- Chamber location
- Groundwater and buoyancy
- Ground conditions
- Surface loading
- Maintenance access
- Electrical connections
- Pressure-pipe routing
- Individual vs Central Backwater Protection
Backwater protection can be applied to individual drainage points or to multiple connected
drainage points through a suitable central arrangement.
The appropriate approach depends on the drainage layout, backwater level and system
suitability. It should not be assumed that every fixture in a building should automatically
discharge through one centrally protected pipe.
Pressure Pipe and Backwater Loop
The pressure pipe carries pumped wastewater to the receiving drainage system.
Where required, it is routed above the relevant backwater level to form the backwater loop
described earlier. Pipe sizing, routing and hydraulic resistance should all be included when
determining pump duty.
Ventilation
Appropriate ventilation needs to be incorporated according to the selected system, KESSEL
installation instructions and applicable drainage standards.
Electrical Supply and Controls
Pumps, sensors, alarms and control units require an appropriate electrical supply.
Controls should be positioned where they are accessible and suitable for the surrounding
environment, with electrical work undertaken by appropriately qualified personnel.
Access for Future Maintenance
Pumps, sensors, valves, covers and controls need to remain accessible once construction is
complete.
Maintenance access should therefore be considered during design rather than after the
lifting station has been installed.
What Maintenance Does a KESSEL Lifting Station Need?
A lifting station should be inspected and serviced as part of the building’s drainage
infrastructure.
Depending on the system, maintenance can include checking:
- Collection tank
- Pump and impeller
- Level sensors
- Non-return and backflow components
- Valves and pressure-pipe connections
- Alarms and control unit
- Seals
- Ventilation
- Overall operation
The correct servicing intervals should come from the installation and operating instructions
for the specific KESSEL system rather than applying one generic frequency to every model.
Common KESSEL Lifting Station Problems and Troubleshooting
If your KESSEL lifting station develops a fault, the symptoms can help identify what needs
checking. The table below outlines common problems, possible causes and initial checks.
Use it as a starting point, with inspection and repairs carried out by a qualified technician.
| Problem | Possible Cause | Recommended Check |
| Pump does not start | Power, control or sensor issue | Check alarm and control status; arrange qualified inspection |
| High-level alarm | Pump failure, blockage or excessive inflow | Stop unnecessary wastewater discharge and investigate |
| Pump operates too frequently | Incorrect levels, excessive inflow or sizing issue | Check operation and specification |
| Reduced pumping performance | Blockage, impeller issue or pressure-side restriction | Inspect pump and discharge system |
| Unusual noise or vibration | Pump or installation issue | Arrange servicing |
| Odours | Ventilation, seals or stagnant wastewater | Check venting and system condition |
| Backwater problem | Backflow arrangement, valve or system fault | Inspect the protection system |
Wastewater systems should not be dismantled by unqualified building occupants.
Persistent alarms or operating problems should be investigated by suitably qualified
personnel.
Benefits of KESSEL Lifting and Pump Stations
Depending on the selected system, benefits can include:
- Drainage where gravity isn’t possible
- Protection of below-backwater drainage points
- Solutions for grey and black water
- Indoor and underground installation options
- Compact floor-integrated systems
- Mono and Duo configurations
- Automatic operation
- Alarms and diagnostics on appropriate systems
- Hybrid solutions where a gravity fall exists
- Options for domestic through to larger applications
Standards and Regulations for Wastewater Lifting Stations
Wastewater lifting stations form part of the building drainage system and need to be
considered against the applicable standards, regulations and manufacturer requirements.
BS EN 12050-1:2015
Wastewater lifting plants for buildings and sites – Lifting plants for wastewater
containing faecal matter.
This standard applies to lifting plants for wastewater containing faecal matter.
BS EN 12050-2:2015
Wastewater lifting plants for buildings and sites – Lifting plants for faecal-free
wastewater.
This standard covers lifting plants for wastewater without faecal matter.
BS EN 12056-4:2000
Gravity drainage systems inside buildings – Wastewater lifting plants – Layout and
calculation.
This covers the layout and calculation of wastewater lifting plants and associated discharge
arrangements.
Building Regulations – Approved Document H
For projects in England, drainage design should also consider Approved Document H:
Drainage and Waste Disposal, including its requirements and guidance relating to foul
water drainage.
Requirements vary according to the application, building type and UK jurisdiction.
Systems should be designed and installed in accordance with the applicable
regulations, current standards and KESSEL technical instructions.
Get Help Specifying the Right KESSEL Lifting or Pumping Solution
Correct specification depends on more than the type of drainage fixture being connected.
To help IPS identify an appropriate KESSEL solution, provide information including:
- Wastewater type
- Expected incoming flow
- Installation location
- Inlet depth
- Required delivery head
- Pressure-pipe arrangement
- Building/application
- Required redundancy
IPS Flow Systems supplies KESSEL drainage systems in the UK and provides technical
support with lifting, pumping, backwater-protection and grease-separation specification.
The long-standing IPS–KESSEL relationship also gives customers access to product- selection and technical support when matching a system to the wastewater, hydraulic duty and installation.
Need Help Selecting a KESSEL Lifting Station? Speak to IPS
If you’re specifying a KESSEL lifting or pump station, speak to IPS Flow Systems about the wastewater, flow requirements, installation and pumping duty. IPS can help identify the appropriate KESSEL product and configuration for the project.
