Pumps Sector - Emergency Archives

Sky-high pipework standards maintained at Heathrow Airport

Posted Date 04/10/2023

For more than 160 years, Sykes Pumps has been the go-to name in pumping solutions. Our reputation for unparalleled quality and service remains unmatched, underpinned by our pledge to reach customers within four hours, regardless of location.

Recently, our team executed a comprehensive flushing operation at a major London airport, cleansing the intricate pipework system that supplies hot water throughout the entire airport.

The key goals for this critical flushing operation were:

· Sustaining a flow rate of 72 litres per second to thoroughly flush the system.
· Maintaining consistent pressure to ensure efficiency.
· Thoroughly cleaning the pipework to guarantee optimal performance.

Pump hire tackles crippling floods to preserve busy train timetable

Posted Date 15/02/2021

The infrastructural impact of heavy weather on railway services can never be underestimated, with strong winds and flood water particularly disruptive. High volumes of rainfall can wash away ballast – the bed of stones that supports wooden sleepers – and potentially render the line unsafe until it has been re-laid.

Additionally, signalling points and other vital hardware rely on intricate wiring and power supplies to function effectively, and these become extremely vulnerable to failure when water levels become excessive. Flooding can even lead live conductor rails to short circuit, with obvious implications for both the service provider and would-be passengers.

Burst water main at Piccadilly Circus prompts emergency response from Sykes Pumps

Posted Date 21/05/2020

When a well-known water contractor required an urgent pumping solution following a problem in London’s West End, a local engineer was sent to site immediately. A key water main had burst at Piccadilly Circus during the middle of the night and there were tangible concerns that the significant outflow of water could interfere with the area’s electricity supply. Additionally, the location of the incident meant that an instant reaction would be essential in order to prevent disruption at the Underground station.

Sykes Pumps responds to burst water main in Kent

Posted Date 07/02/2020

When a burst water main in Kent threatened to impede road users at a busy roundabout junction, a major water contractor responded quickly to address the issue.

The problem intensified with every passing minute and led to significant volumes of water creating puddles and subsequent disruption caused by the need for traffic to be diverted away from the area in question.

With immediate action required, the contractor chose to use one of our Rapid Response pumps which was on standby at their local yard. Our client retains the pump on a long-term hire, with its ability to be legally towed by any medium-sized vehicle enabling customer sites to be reached within minutes of a callout.

Sykes Pumps provide bespoke pump hire equipment for well-known water sports company

Posted Date 25/07/2018

When a well-known water sports company sought a pump hire arrangement to replace their existing pump while repairs were being carried out, our experts were on hand to provide them with bespoke pump rental solution.

The customer in question is a renowned water sports company who host water-related events and activities on their private lagoon. The client’s lagoon is required to be constantly refilled with water from the sea nearby due to natural seepage, preventing water levels from remaining the same without outside intervention.

Sykes Pumps help major international airport avert potential flood risk

Posted Date 24/05/2017

When the UK’s second busiest airport experienced a potential flood risk, Sykes Pumps were contacted to provide an emergency pumping solution.

Gatwick Airport is currently at risk from two main sources, flooding from the two rivers (River Mole and Gatwick Stream) adjacent to the Airport and flooding from intense rainfall falling on the Airport and exceeding the capacity of the surface water drainage system.

To overcome that risk, civil engineering specialists were drafted in to conduct improvement works to the River Mole in the Gatwick Pond E area, ensuring the river can hold the variable flow rates typical of the location.

Sykes Pumps cut emergency reaction times with new innovation

Posted Date 08/11/2016

Sykes Pumps are delighted to introduce a new concept in emergency pumping by unveiling our revolutionary Rapid Response unit. The main feature of our latest innovation is its lightweight frame which allows it to be legally towed by vans and other medium sized vehicles.

Complying with all industry regulations, the Rapid Response pump negates the need for delivery lorries, tahcographs and – perhaps most importantly – any additional manpower. The unit can be attached, delivered and set up by a single operative, simplifying the whole process between transportation and installation.

Road construction scheme aided by Sykes Pumps

Posted Date 05/02/2016

Renowned for tailoring solutions to suit customers in the construction sector, Sykes Pumps regularly work alongside the industry’s biggest contractors and provide arrangements designed to accelerate various types of projects. Requirements can range from bypassing existing systems right through to flood prevention programmes which, if not assessed accurately, can cause major delays costing both time and money.

So when a road extension scheme in the Waterlooville area of Hampshire was being repeatedly disrupted by intermittent downpours, a pump hire was absolutely imperative to avoid further postponements. Prior to our intervention, the site was flooding every time it rained.

Sykes Pumps safeguard popular stretch of coastline

Posted Date 30/10/2015

As one of the UK’s most popular seaside resorts, Exmouth Beach in Devon attracts a large number of visitors during the summer months. So when a damaged storm drain caused a sinkhole along the beach, it was of critical importance that the issue was tackled quickly to ensure the continued safety of residents and holidaymakers.

Sykes Pumps are the sole suppliers of pump hire equipment for South West Water and they required an emergency solution to help alleviate a potentially dangerous issue. Fluctuating tides contrived to cause additional problems from an operational perspective, but a regional technician was able to propose an appropriate response a short time after visiting site.

Southern Water pumping station kept operational

Posted Date 10/04/2015

Pumping stations play a vital role in transporting fluids from one place to another and as such are used across a range of infrastructural scenarios – including land drainage and sewage transfer. So when a Southern Water facility in the Kent area suffered blocked pumps and discharge lines, an emergency solution was necessary to restore the plant’s functionality.

A collapsed road nearby had caused sewage and water mains to burst, flooding the gardens of a number of properties in the area. In addition, the high water table and sandy conditions led to silt finding its way into the pumping chamber which prevented it from operating properly.