A real-world installation case study.
If you are shopping for a water pump, there is a good chance you arrived here via Google, YouTube, social media, or even AI. Traditionally, pumps were bought through technical catalogues or trade counters, where "trade-quality" pumps were difficult to access or understand. You were handed a data sheet and a pump curve and expected to figure it out.
We wanted to change that.
At floodandwaterpumps.co.uk, we were the first online pump retailer to provide hands-on product videos and real-world installation examples, making professional-grade pumps easier to understand and choose.
And unlike some online suppliers who may drop-ship boxes without ever touching a pump, we are part of the FPS Group and Flood Protection Solutions Ltd, which means we actually engineer, install and operate systems in the real world. We do not just sell pumps, we use them.
What this case study demonstrates
- How sump pumps can be incorporated into flood-resilient drainage schemes
- Why the APP HD-15 automatic water pump is a superb choice for high-volume sites
- Why engineering knowledge matters when selecting pump equipment
For the full background on these systems, see our guide to what a sump pump is and how to install one.
Why a sump pump was needed
The property in question had a defended area behind a flood wall, constructed after flooding in 2007. When constructing a flood wall, it is essential to understand the drainage network beneath it. A CCTV drainage survey identified damage to the surface water system, so a new drainage layout was designed, discharging to a soakaway and, crucially, including a non-return valve to prevent river water entering during flood events.
However, when that non-return valve shuts during flooding, rainwater has nowhere to go. Any rain falling onto roofs or patios would instead collect inside the defended area, potentially leading to self-flooding.
Non-return valve:
To mitigate this, the consulting engineer designed a high-level overflow into a chamber fitted with a sump pump. When the drainage system closes during flood events, excess water automatically diverts into the chamber, where it is pumped from the dry side of the flood wall to the wet side. We cover the same principle in our riverside property case study.
For this, they selected the APP HD-15 Submersible Site Pump, chosen for its high flow rate and dependable automatic operation. As the inflow rate was expected to be high during a flood situation, the pump used needed to be capable of a high flow rate. With less water expected, you should either use a less powerful pump or a larger chamber, to avoid the pump turning off and on in quick succession, as this can lead to early failure.
In this situation, the chamber had been constructed prior to having a pump installed, or being utilised in the network as a high-level overflow, and so the size was not altered.
Why the APP HD-15 sump pump was selected
For applications requiring serious water-moving capability, the APP HD-15 is a standout solution:
- Automatic submersible sump pump (no manual switching required)
- 830 litres per minute flow rate via 80mm outlet
- Handles silt and sand, ideal for flood sites and construction
- Ductile iron impeller and casing for long-term durability
- 1.15kW, 230V motor (continuously rated, no control box needed)
- 10m heavy-duty cable included
This pump is built for reliability, longevity and serious performance, making it ideal for flood resilience schemes.
In this installation, the sump chamber and pump sit neatly underground: discreet, out of sight, and permanently ready.
Sump pump installation with a real-world result
For most domestic settings, a pump this powerful will not always be required. However, this project serves as a benchmark example of what sump pump installation can look like in a flood-risk area.
The outcome
- Water management continuing even when the surface water drainage is hydro locked
- Automatic action during flood events
- Discreet and reliable sump pump system
- High-capacity, reliable solution
Watch the APP HD-15 installation
Below is a video showing the sump pump chamber and how the high-level overflow works in practice.
Need advice choosing a sump pump?
Whether you are installing a simple cellar sump pump, designing a flood-resilient drainage system, or exploring options like the APP HD-15, we have a wide range of site drainage and submersible pumps available, plus packaged pump stations. If you would like a hand, use the Pump Finder or our Engineering Review Service.
