FAQ – Concrete Pumping

Concrete Pumping FAQ

Why would I need concrete pumping?

Concrete pumping is best saved for jobs where access restrictions and time are a problem. These problems include:

• If your pour site is located in a building, at a large height or underground.
• If the mixer cannot get close enough to the location where concrete is required.
• If you are behind schedule on your project and you need to get the concrete poured quickly.
• When it is not physically possible to transport concrete using manpower
• When surrounding grounds is not even or suitable for wheel barrows

How does a concrete pump work?

Concrete pumps work by transporting wet mixed concrete from the mixer directly to the pour location. The wet concrete from a mix truck is discharged into a hopper where an agitator keeps it constantly moving and flowing into the piston pumps twin cylinders. One of the cylinders forces the concrete into the pipeline on the forward stroke. The other cylinder draws concrete from the hopper on the return stroke. The pistons in each cylinder move in opposite directions to keep the concrete flowing freely and pressure consistent.

What are the types of concrete pumps?

Ground line hydraulic pumps transport concrete from the hopper to the pour site through a series of connected hoses and pipes. They can reach over 150 metres along the ground and can transport concrete at around 1 metre cubed per minute. The tubes can make their way around small obstructions, elevations and travel through and around buildings.

The second type of concrete pump is a boom pump. Boom Pumps are relatively similar to Ground line hydraulic pumps but instead feature a hydraulic arm which can lift and place the concrete pipes into more difficult access areas. It can navigate the highest, lowest and most compact spots that a ground line couldn’t possibly reach. This makes them ideal for for jobs at height and for drop pouring from directly above.

What are the benefits of using a concrete pump?

• Saves time, energy and money
• Cleaner as it avoids spillages from wheelbarrows
• Guarantees a faster delivery and optimal time to work with your concrete
• Extended reach pipes can access heights and depths impossible to wheelbarrow concrete too
• Pumps can navigate almost any obstacle or access issue

How long does it take to concrete pump?

Our concrete pumps can pump 1 metre cubed of concrete per minute. Concrete pumping time depends on the amount of concrete that you require. Concrete pumping greatly reduces construction time as it is much quicker than manually wheelbarrowing concrete.

Accessing my property is difficult, would using a concrete pump benefit me?

Of course, a concrete pump allows you to access areas that require concrete placing by using extensive reach pipes. It saves time as the need for labour work.

Where can I go for concrete pumping?

If you are in the South Wales area then look no further! At South Wales Concrete Pumping Ltd, as the name suggests, we provide highly efficient, high quality concrete pumping services in South Wales! We own both boom pumps and ground line hydraulic pumps so whatever job you have that requires concrete pumping, we are perfectly able to help. In South Wales we are known for our comprehensive work and excellent customer service. If you want to know more about our concrete pumping service or would like a quote, feel free to call us on 01633 508693, or drop us an email at info@swconcretepumping.co.uk.

What information do I need to find out before hiring a concrete pump?

If you require one of our concrete mini pumps, we will need to know how much piping line is required to reach the further point of the pour location. The standard kit for a mini pump is 40m however, we can supply added line for an additional cost.

Is concrete pumping expensive?

Hiring one of our concrete pumps does come with an additional cost yes, but in the long run it can save you money. This is because the concrete pump will save you time and money on labour.

Do I have to buy more concrete when using a concrete pump?

No there is no need. When you hire one of our concrete pumps you can pour as much or as little concrete as needed.

How far can a concrete pump hose reach?

All of our pump lines are made from securely interconnected metal pipes and flexible hosing. If needed, we can add additional pipes to extend the reach of our pumps. Our boom pump can extend to 72 metres, with possible extensions if required. Additionally, our ground line pump can reach over 150 metres, again with possible extensions if required.

Does concrete pumping make a mess?

Concrete pumping is probably one of the cleanest methods of concrete delivery. Differentially to wheelbarrows that can tip up, the pipes ensure that there are no spillages between the truck and the pour site. We always recommend preparing a tarpaulin under the pipes and vehicle to help with cleanup.

Can screed be pumped?

Screed can be pumped directly to the required location. If you wish to find out more about our screeding services, click here.

Can you pump concrete in any weather?

Concrete can be pumped all year round. During winter months, we may need to warm up the boom and insulate the pipelines, this will not stop us from delivering your concrete. Appropriate precautions are taken when delivering concrete in cold conditions to ensure safety.

What do I do about waste?

With waste, it is our customer’s responsibility to provide a suitable area or washout receptacle for our pumps on site. Unfortunately, waste disposal is not part of the service that we provide. The pipe will also require cement for grouting before the pumping can begin.

Alex Lee

Alex is a content producer for South Wales Concrete Pumping and has been writing for the company for years. Alex has a keen eye for bringing industry news to consumers in an easy to understand manner.