Our Services
IOP & Pump Station Estimates
1️⃣ What is a Pump Station?
A pump station is required when sewage cannot flow by gravity to the main sewer system. Instead, it is collected in a holding tank and then pumped to a higher location.
There are two types of pump stations:
1️⃣ Permanent Pump Station – Large, deep, and built for long-term use.
2️⃣ Temporary Pump Station (IOP – Interim Operating Pump Station) – Used for short-term solutions or during construction phases.
2️⃣ Permanent Pump Stations – Deep, Complex, & Costly
✅ Depth & Excavation – Usually 8-10m deep or more, requiring:
- Large excavation & shoring boxes to support deep walls.
- Heavy-duty machinery for digging and lifting precast tanks.
✅ Precast Holding Tank
- Main component of the pump station where all sewage is collected.
- Supplied by pump supplier companies who also provide:
- Pumps
- Slab
- Lids
- Signage
- Float switches (for pump operation control).
✅ Above-Ground Infrastructure – Built in a fenced compound with:
- Gated fence & bollards for security.
- Paved driveway for maintenance access.
- Light poles & electrical panels for operations.
- Backup generator in case of power failure.
✅ Electrical Works & Commissioning
- Pumps run on power, requiring electrical conduits, control panels, and switchgear.
- Commissioning (testing & setup) is done by electrical contractors
3️⃣ Temporary Pump Stations (IOP - Interim Operating Pump Stations)
✔ Uses a Poly Tank (e.g., 25,000L capacity).
✔ Excavation & Installation Critical – A large hole is required for the tank, which must be installed carefully.
✔ Backfill Material is Key –
- Select material must be used around the tank.
- Improper backfill can cause settlement or damage.
✔ Buoyancy Consideration – - Because the poly tank is lightweight, it can float if the groundwater level is high.
- To prevent this, a buoyancy cast in-situ slab is poured on top of the poly tank.
4️⃣ Key Cost Factors in Pump Station Estimation
✔ Excavation & Deep Shoring Costs – Essential for deep pump stations.
✔ Precast Tank Supply & Installation – Typically provided by pump suppliers, but installation requires large cranes & coordination.
✔ Pumps, Controls, & Signage – Supplied as a package but must be factored into the estimate.
✔ Electrical Works & Testing – Must include:
- Conduits
- Control panels
- Switchgear
- Generator backup
- Final commissioning
✔ Above-Ground Compound Setup – - Fence, gate, bollards
- Driveway, signage, and security measures
✔ Buoyancy & Backfill Considerations (for IOPs) – Extra costs for select fill and in-situ slab to prevent floating.
5️⃣ Why Choose WSE Sydney for Pump Station Estimates?
✅ We understand the complexity of pump stations.
✅ We factor in every cost element, from excavation to electrical commissioning.
✅ We ensure no hidden costs, including buoyancy slabs, generator backup, and fencing.
📞 Need an accurate pump station estimate?
📧 tenders@watersewerestimatingsydney.com.au
📞 +61 451 404 645
