Sump & Pump

Servicing

MacLennan's in-house servicing department look after pumping systems across the UK.

Waterproofing systems are critical to protecting your property from water ingress.

Without regular servicing, even the best-designed systems can fail, leading to costly repairs and voided guarantees.

A service agreement is paramount to keeping your pumping system healthy.

What is a service agreement?

A service agreement ensures your waterproofing system remains in peak working condition, this in turn maintains your project's guarantee... and your peace of mind.

A service agreement is not optional, it is a requirement under BS 8102:2022, the British Standard for waterproofing design and installation.

The standard mandates that servicing provisions must be included in the design to ensure long-term system performance and compliance.

Why Service Agreements are a HUGE benefit to the client

With most waterproofing systems, the installation is carried out by subcontractors. Once the work is complete, the client often has no ongoing relationship with those contractors and no clear point of contact if issues arise later.

This creates a major risk: when something goes wrong, the client may not know who to call, and guarantees typically cover materials only, leaving the client to face potentially huge remediation costs.

A service agreement changes that completely. It ensures:

Direct Contact with the Waterproofing Experts: You remain connected to the company that designed and installed your system, not a third-party subcontractor
Regular Inspections: The system is checked every year, or more frequently if required, to identify and prevent problems before they escalate
Proactive Maintenance: By inspecting the work regularly, potential issues can be addressed early, avoiding costly failures and property damage

Without a service agreement, the first sign of trouble is often water appearing where it shouldn’t. At that point, repairs can be complex and expensive, and guarantees may not apply.

Think of it like servicing your car or any other mechanical or electrical system you’ve invested in.

Servicing pre-empts and prevents problems, ensuring the longevity of the waterproofing system that protects your property.

It’s not just a compliance requirement, it’s a smart investment in peace of mind.

Servicing explained...
What are the steps?

Failure to service channels will void guarantees from waterproofing manufacturers and contractors. This is why our servicing goes beyond standard pump checks.

We provide a comprehensive process designed to maintain the integrity of your waterproofing system.

These steps include:

Camera Inspection of Drainage Channels: We use specialist cameras to check channels for blockages caused by mortar, silt, debris, or lime. This step is often overlooked by general pump maintenance contractors, but it is essential for system functionality
Pump and Electrical System Checks: All pumps, alarms, and electrical components are tested to ensure they are operational
Inspection Port Access: Our systems include custom-designed inspection ports, allowing easy access for maintenance and camera surveys, something most systems do not provide

Commissioning

The Pumping / Channel system is signed off on site.

First Service

The first re-visit to site to check on the system before project completion.

Service Agreement

A service contract is established with the owner of the property after project completion for regular servicing.

What sets our offering apart?

Fully Monitored Servicing

High Tech, Seamless Systems

Client Focused Value

Total Peace of mind

MacLennan's servicing system is the most advanced in the field, offering an easy upgrade to web based monitoring, with live data on your installation available on demand.

Realtime Monitoring

Our office have a live dashboard of all installations, with our advanced alarms triggering in real-time. On their mobiles, our technicians can see your alarm go off before it's even sounded.

You won't need to chase us.. we'll already know there's an issue.

Reduced Callouts

We can save you callout expense by diagnosing remotely with the live data, and advise on upgrades to your system based on information you can see for yourself.

Open Communication

Your client can recieve the same notifications and data as we do, providing real, open communication.

As a homeowner, you can monitor your installation from anywhere in the world!

Are you interesting in Advanced Monitoring for your project?

Why do we need the different stages of servicing?

Commissioning, an essential first step.

After installation, we commission the pumps and channels to confirm:

Channels are clear and water flows correctly to the sump
Inspection ports are accessible and accurately marked on site plans
Electrical components are functioning
A full photographic record and commissioning certificate are provided

The First Service

The first service is critical because finishing works can block drainage channels, conceal inspection ports, or disturb electrics. During this visit, we:

Re-inspect inspection ports for accessibility
Perform a camera survey of channels
Check sump and pumps for debris
Test alarms and electrical systems

Service costs are finalized after the first service

Costs depend on factors assessed during the first service, such as:

Time required for inspection
Accessibility of the property and sump
Protection of finishes
Lime removal requirements

If there is a long gap between basement construction and fit-out, risks increase. Channels must remain protected, electrics maintained, and inspection ports accessible. Failure to notify us of fit-out works or arrange the first service immediately after completion will void guarantees.

Guarantees.. also depend on the first service

Guarantees cannot be issued until the first service confirms the system is clean, clear, and operational.

This initial service also determines future servicing frequency, typically every 12 months, or every 6 months for commercial or high-value properties.

Key Takeaways about Servicing

Servicing is mandatory under BS8102:2022.

MacLennan systems are designed for easy maintenance and long-term reliability.

Guarantees are only valid with regular servicing.

The first service sets the foundation for ongoing protection.

FAQ: Servicing

We've got one of our waterproofing experts to answer some common questions that come up about Servicing.

Why do basements need pumps?

How reliable are pumps in basements?

Why do I need to service pumps?

What is the MacLennan monitoring service?

Have more questions? We're happy to help. Get in touch with our technical team.

Why should I work with MacLennan?

WE’RE INDEPENDANT

We Design, supply and install. There's no split responsibility with MacLennan.

WE’RE PASSIONATE

MacLennan live and breathe waterproofing, have a look at one of our free CPD seminars and find out!

WE’RE GUARANTEED

MacLennan has the most comprehensive guarantees and insurances in the industry.

Why does a Waterproofing system need servicing?

Drainage

In short, modern basement waterproofing relies on drainage which needs to be services to keep clean and clear.

Pumps

Most modern basement systems have pumps for waterproofing, condensation and foul water lifting. All pumps need annual servicing.

Monitoring

Monitored pump systems require servicing to keep any sensors or batteries running at full capacity to maintain data accuracy, providing peace of mind.