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