If you haven’t worked with pump enclosures before, it can feel a little daunting to know how to design a pump enclosure and everything you need to make the best decision for your needs.
At Safe-T-Cover, we think you’ve made the best choice by choosing a modular aluminum enclosure that’s durable, secure and, most importantly, keeps your equipment above ground for easy access and service.
But it’s never as easy as just picking a material. There are other key considerations to weigh.
A few years ago, we developed a checklist for making the best and most-informed choice for a pump enclosure. Here, we focus on the must-haves.
Pump Enclosure Need-to-Haves
We've written about pump enclosures many times over the years. A pump house might provide a more permanent solution with brick and concrete, but the cost of a pump house runs high pretty quickly, considering materials, labor and necessary permits to begin construction.
Pump houses also don't scale. Need to change out pump equipment with new installation, or provide greater access for easy repair, inspection or service? Very difficult with a pump house.
On the other end, fiberglass is cheap in more ways than one: no climate control and potential for theft.
A below-grade vault has traditionally been used, but is a non-starter for so many negative reasons including worker safety and cost.
First, it’s essential to know your equipment: What is it exactly that you’re enclosing? Our team is not only experts in pump enclosure design and development, but we’re familiar with pumps, backflow preventers and other critical waterworks and utility equipment.
Knowing your equipment's brand and model, dimensions and the area around the equipment can help you make an informed decision on your unique enclosure needs.
If you need assistance in figuring out an aluminum pump enclosure solution, we can help you develop an ideal action plan, either from our standard stock or custom dimensions. Just let us know what you’re working with and we can take it from there!
Having accurate dimensions and adequate accessibility is a critical first step; considering where your pump equipment is located is the next. Does your pump equipment require proper ventilation or airflow, either with fans or louvers?
Do you need hinged or removable panels for maintenance access or testing? Will there be pipe penetrations that need to be cut (more on that in our nice to haves!)
Is the enclosure's location where pump noise might be a consideration? Does its exterior need to look sharp or blend into the landscape? The ability to readily customize is a built-in value add that a pump house or permanent structure just can't touch.
More importantly, with weather events swinging wildly throughout the country, do you need protection from harsh wintry conditions? Some 15-20 years ago, we might have considered heat optional in a large part of the country, but if Texas’ "Big Freeze" (or, on the opposite end, the Midwest’s heat domes and polar vortexes) is any indication, it’s no longer nice to have features that ensure proper pump function and operation regardless of extreme weather and temperature.
Proper insulation — Safe-T-Cover enclosures come with industry-leading insulated panels — ventilation and slab- or wall-mounted heaters are an investment in both your equipment and your peace of mind.
It’s one thing to have the right size pump enclosure; it’s another to have the right modular doors and panels for access in case of routine maintenance or emergency servicing for your equipment.
Nobody wants to order an enclosure, only to not be able to adequately access the pump equipment. In that case, you might as well still be in a vault or maintenance room!
But at Safe-T-Cover, thinking outside the vault with a modular, aluminum solution for covering, protecting and securing your pumps, motors and valves also takes into account the human element: people still need to be able to freely and easily access the equipment.
Our pump enclosures provide a removable roof and panels, hinged or detachable doors and the ability to build enclosures small enough to be disassembled or large enough with room to walk around in and rival a permanent structure.
Together, we can create an enclosure solution for your pump needs that provides both protection from the elements and vandals and still provides your maintenance workers ease of access for upkeep, service and repairs.
When it comes to need to have functionality for your pump enclosure and equipment, there’s no reason to look much further beyond a Safe-T-Cover aluminum enclosure. With a sturdy frame made of sustainable redwood, marine-grade aluminum and virtually unlimited customizability features for pump access, protection, ventilation and easy repairs, contact us for a consultation and see the difference for yourself.