Services Archives - Mawdsleys Pumps

Keep Your Cricket Pitch In It’s Best Shape With A Portable Irrigation System

30/05/2023

by Mawdsleys Portable Irrigation Products Services

Cricket season has begun, teams across the nation will be playing regularly from early March to late September and as any player, groundskeeper or spectator of the sport will know that the quality of the pitch is one of the most important parts of the game.

There are also a number of risks that can arise from poor irrigation on sports fields, including injuries and games being called off.

Find out more about why a good quality pitch is so important for the sport – and the options available to ensure yours is exceptional.

2 engineers in hi vis jackets in front of two Mawdsleys Vans

Don’t let your pitch get a red card for poor irrigation

10/05/2020

by Mawdsleys Long Reach Irrigation Portable Irrigation Services

With football season almost over and summer just around the corner, now is the perfect time to rethink the upkeep of your playing field. Low quality dry or hard pitches are a constant source of embarrassment for clubs and also one of the most common causes of injury in rugby and football; an irrigation system can provide you with a professional standard of pitch at a fraction of the cost.

Give your Turf a Sporting Chance with the Right Irrigation

03/04/2020

by Mawdsleys Long Reach Irrigation Portable Irrigation Services

We expect a lot from our sports fields. We increasingly want them to stand up to longer playing seasons, a multitude of uses and all the punishment that the British weather can throw at them. Waterlogged one minute, dry and parched the next, then completely frozen solid – it’s a wonder that the poor turf doesn’t just decide to give up all together.

Rise to the challenge

If you’re a Groundsperson, you probably feel like you’re fighting your own battle against Mother Nature. No doubt you’re working with constricted budgets and the pressure of having to provide a cost effective service – all while trying to ensure your sports ground looks beautiful and provides a safe surface to play on.

No matter what your sports field is used for, compaction is likely to be your biggest challenge. Not only is it the primary factor in sporting injuries, it can also mean death to turf. In a compacted soil, the roots have little chance to absorb the air and water they need to feed the grass and ensure its survival.

Start with good irrigation

The right irrigation system can make your life so much easier. Whilst many sports grounds already use sprinkler systems, better results could be achieved by using a portable long reach irrigation system. These systems can be moved around the pitch, delivering water exactly where and when it’s needed. This ability to control the amount of water delivered in any one place means you can avoid overwatering an area which is prone to waterlogging or concentrate on areas which are especially dry or compacted.

Mark Perrin, Head Groundsman at Crystal Palace Football Club has a system supplied by Somerset Pumps and told us, “We use our long reach irrigators all the time. It is particularly good before training sessions or matches when we need to lightly water the whole pitch in a very short time – the LRIs only take one hour to water the whole pitch, whereas ordinary travelling sprinklers take 3 hours.”

The benefits of a portable long reach irrigation system

These systems can be a real boost for clubs who can’t afford to invest in an underground watering system. Our portable long reach irrigator is the only system of its kind which can run off a standard mains supply. It’s also able to water large areas of turf quickly and efficiently, even if you’re in an area with poor water pressure. What’s more, it’s easy to move so can be used across all your pitches and to target specific problem areas.

Someone else who wouldn’t be without their Somerset Pumps portable long reach irrigation system is FA Groundsman of the Year, Kevin Turney. He says, “It’s an invaluable part of the grounds team and has never let us down. It has to be seen as an investment not a cost as without it our pitch would be nowhere as good as it is today.”

How our systems work

Here at Mawdsleys Pumps, we have different sized systems available, depending on the size of your sports ground. Both units can be left to run unattended day and night without problems and are free standing and completely portable. In fact they work just like a permanent underground system but for a fraction of the cost.

If you do not have access to a water source with adequate pressure, we can assist with the design and installation of a tank and pump to suit your requirements.

All our football field sprinkler systems are supplied at a highly competitive price and offer significant savings over other pitch irrigation systems. To find out more and get up-to-date prices please get in touch or fill out the form below to request a callback

Perfect pitches for cricket, rugby and football

Different sports demand different playing surfaces but irrigation plays an important role in all of them. On cricket pitches it will help the soil particles stick together and aid the rolling process, while on rugby and football pitches, efficient irrigation will ensure the production of a healthy and resilient turf that delivers maximum playability and reduces the risk of match cancellations due to water logging or dry, hard surfaces.

Talk to the specialists

We’d love to help you produce the perfect playing surface. To find out more about any of our irrigation systems or talk to us about designing a bespoke solution for your sports ground, just call our friendly and knowledgeable team on 0117 954 8030.

Dirty Water Pumping Systems – Maintenance and Common Issues

14/08/2018

by Mawdsleys Dirty Water Pumping Systems Services

Dirty water pumping systems are used in a variety of situations when gravity can’t carry the water, these include pumping waste in a private property into a main sewer, drainage at a commercial yard, waste plants, dirty water transportation on farms and yard run off. The type of pump you will have will be based on your need and dependent on the flow, pressure and distance you wish to pump waste water.

Autumn can be a difficult time if you have a dirty water pump on your premises. A common cause of failure in autumn is blockages due to the excess amount of falling leaves and a general increase in the amount of rainfall. There is never a good time for your dirty water pump to fail and regular maintenance is essential to ensure this doesn’t happen.

Common Problems with Dirty Water Pumping Systems

Pump tripping the MCB (miniature circuit breaker) – this can be a sign that water has entered the winding of your pump, you can expect excess rainfall over Autumn in comparison to Summer, therefore this problem might be more likely to arise throughout this upcoming period. This problem can be easily resolved with a pump rewind – our dedicated rewind shop in Bristol means we can have your pump back up and running quickly.

Problems with your Phase Convertor – Over time the phase convertor in your pump can fail, this problem can be identified by pump underperformance or complete failure. To resolve this problem, we can overhaul your phase convertor at a fraction of the cost of pump replacement.

Blockage by rag – This is one of the most common causes of failure we find in submersible pumps. In some cases they can result in complete stoppage leading to costly downtime and potential pump damage.

Floats sticking – This is caused by grease build up around the floats, it can be reduced by using a grease trap – this is designed to naturally separate out and fats and grease from waste water.

Regular Pump Maintenance Plan

All of the above issues can be avoided with a maintenance plan, where all the elements of your dirty water pumping system are checked, maintained and replacement parts fitted before the pump actually fails. It is always better to prevent a pump failure than wait for it to happen. Not only will you avoid downtime but you reduce the risk of damage to the pumping system which would be more costly than replacing a worn part.

Early indication of possible pump/motor failure can be diagnosed during routine maintenance procedures, mechanical seals and O rings can also be checked and early notification can also prevent costly seal failures and downtime.

Agricultural Dirty Water Pumping Systems for Farmers

Following ‘Brexit’, there is a little uncertainty for UK farmers as to whether they will have the same subsidies that have been provided by Brussels, after we leave the EU.

At Mawdsleys Pump Services, we have worked with farmers for many years and we know the agricultural industry. In light of these potential financial losses you may experience, we can offer practical and cost effective solutions to your water disposal needs based on a site visit with a full survey and no obligation quote provided. Our dirty water pumping systems come with a 2 year guarantee and 24 hour breakdown call out service.

Our Dirty Water Disposal System

Our standard system uses a submersible macerator pump, incorporating a non-return valve and anti-siphon device – eliminating air-locking and pump cycling.
A control system is provided and is monitored by a green bulkhead light which provides a visual indication that the system is ready for use.
The pump delivers out to manually movable sprinklers, generally 2 or 4 dependant on your needs, with each discharge 36 LPM (500 GPH) at a radius of 15 metres (49 feet).
The pump is generally installed on a fabricated steel base, supporting the pump in a position approximately 30 cm above the bottom of the pit providing a means of safely lifting the pump.
Our pumps are constructed with standard components so that replacement items are readily available for immediate dispatch if required.

Talk To Our Expert Team Today

If you need advice or guidance on how we can assist you in managing and maintaining your dirty water pump, or are interested in a free, no obligation quote based on your needs. We cover a vast majority of the South West from Bristol and Bath to Dorset and Cornwall – Give us a call on 0117 954 8030.

Dust Suppression Methods For Quarries and Mining Sites

27/06/2017

by Mawdsleys Portable Irrigation Products Quarries and Mining Services

Controlling dust on quarries and mining sites is becoming an increasingly important consideration for operators. As well as having various health and safety legislations to adhere to for the safety of their workers and nearby residents. Excessive airborne dust can damage machinery on site, leading to expensive repairs and in turn loss of revenue through having to cease work.

Dust is created from various processes on quarry and mining sites whilst the materials are being sourced, crushed, screened, transported and stored – so it’s important to have a solution that can be implemented easily at any stage of material processing.

If you’re struggling with excessive dust on your quarry or mining site – read the post below.

The Effects of Poor Irrigation on Sports Fields

15/03/2017

by Mawdsleys Long Reach Irrigation Portable Irrigation Products Services

With summer just around the corner, there isn’t a better time to consider the health of your pitch in time for next season or to use for training. Dry, hard and withered pitches, playing fields and courses can cause serious problems for the players, groundskeepers and managers of the club – and be a constant source of embarrassment.

Take a look at the effects poor irrigation can have on your sports field, and why you should be taking the health of your pitch seriously before summer arrives.

Irrigation for Football Pitches

The football season is close to an end, and pitches have taken a good beating across this wet season. Pitches are now likely to be used for training in preparation for next season, so it’s important they stay healthy throughout the training season and are in their best condition for summer.

Poor irrigation can have the following impacts on pitches, the football team and the groundsman:

Grass takes longer to recover following a game – this can lead to dry and cracked pitches, or cause them to waterlog easily if it rains.
A poor playing service means the ball will bobble along the floor, making for a poor game.
If the pitch is poor quality, the referee can choose to call off the game causing teams to forfeit.
Tough pitches that aren’t irrigated properly have a low level of impact absorbency, meaning players are more likely to get injured if they fall over or are tackled.
If a pitch remains in bad condition and is not treated, re-seeding the pitch is an expensive and very time consuming process.

Irrigation for Rugby Pitches

Being a contact sport, it’s crucial for groundsman to ensure that the pitch is in its best condition to ensure the best playing surface. Poor irrigation of a rugby pitch has similar impacts to that of a football pitch; however, due to the nature of the sport, injuries to players being tackled onto a poorly irrigated pitch can be a lot more serious.

The Irrigation Solution: In an ideal world, a permanent underground pumping system would be the perfect irrigation solution; however, these systems are extremely expensive and often only used by professional clubs. A portable LRI system can do the job up to the same standard – for just a fraction of the cost. You can read our Taunton Town FC LRI success story to find out more.

Irrigation for Golf Courses and Bowling Greens

Bowls and golf are both summer time sports; therefore it is important that the green is in perfect condition in time for when the games begin. Irrigation can ensure an even spread of healthy grass and good quality surface for players that allows the balls to skim rather than stop.

The Irrigation Solution: Some golf courses do have pop up sprinklers installed, however, these are very expensive to install and maintain. A portable irrigation system allows groundsmen to choose the concentration of water to allow grass to grow evenly without water logging the green.

Choose the Right Irrigation with Mawdsleys Pumps

Whatever kind of sports pitch or playing field you are responsible for, we’d love to help you keep it in its best condition. To find out more about any of our irrigation systems, or to discuss creating a bespoke system to your requirements, give one of our expert team a call on 0117 954 8030.

Winter Sewage Pump Maintenance – Avoid Unexpected Breakdown This Winter

08/12/2016

by Mawdsleys Services Sewage Pumps

Businesses and homes we service don’t stop working throughout the holidays, and neither do we. We know how detrimental a sewage pump failure can be to you, whether it affects the use of your toilet at home or the functionality of your entire business.

Winter can be a difficult time to experience a sewage pump breakdown as many water service specialists close over winter, however, we continue working throughout the Christmas period. There is never a good time to experience a pump breakdown and regular pump maintenance is recommended to prevent this happening.

Common Problems In Sewage Pumps

Pump not turning on – this can be caused by a number of issues, including problems with the float, debris jamming the impeller, the pump not receiving enough electricity, a blockage in the pump tripping the electrics or that the pump has broken down completely.

Pump not turning off – if your pump isn’t turning off it is most likely a problem with your control float switch, it could be stuck in the wrong position or out of adjustment. If you notice an unusual increase in your electricity bills, it could be a sign that your pump is not turning off.

Toilets backing up – This can be caused by a number of issues including a blockage in the pump, a back- up in sump pump area or an issue with the septic tank. A sewage odour will usually be present before the toilets start backing up, if you do notice an unusual odour, avoid using your toilets and taps and call a professional.

Broken pipework – Broken pipework is a common problem in sewage and sump pumps and can lead to flooding of waste water. Broken pipework can be a very expensive repair job if it’s not caught in the early stages, this is why we recommend routine pump maintenance for all the pumps we install.

High-Level alarm sounding – The high-level alarm on your sewage pump is designed to sound when high water levels have been detected. A malfunction can also cause it to sound, you should call a professional immediately if you hear your alarm sounding to eliminate the risk of flooding.

Sewage Treatment Plants Undergoing Maintenance

The Benefits Of Routine Pump Maintenance

Most of the issues listed above are easily prevented with routine maintenance, where we check all the components of your sewage pump to repair any minor damage before it becomes more serious. There are several benefits of our maintenance plans:

Routine maintenance reduces underperformance and the risk of unexpected breakdown
Having your pump services routinely extends its life expectancy
Recognising problems early saves you money on expensive repairs down the line

Why Choose Mawdsleys Pumps?

Our tailored servicing contracts allow us to create a service plan that meets your needs, regardless of your budget
Our in-house team of expert engineers can identify and fix any pump issues on-site, this allows us to provide a quick and efficient service whilst also keeping pricing competitive
We offer 24/7 emergency callout, even throughout Christmas and the New Year
Our project management service takes you from initial assessment to final installation of your pump. Whether it’s a replacement part or a complete re-installation, we will recommend the best solution for you and ensure you know how your new equipment works
Our engineers are qualified Confined Space Accredited

Talk To The Experts

If you’re experiencing underperformance or failure in your pump, or your usual contractor is unavailable throughout the holidays, get in touch with us for a free, no obligation quote based on your needs.

We cover a vast majority of the South West from Bristol and Bath to Dorset and Cornwall. Call us today on Bristol: 0117 954 8030 and we will recommend the best course of action to get your pump up and running again.

Why do I need to have an Ultra Violet Filtration Service?

07/01/2016

by Mawdsleys Advice Services

More households than ever are looking for ways to utilise water supplies that are naturally and freely available, whether this be from private wells, boreholes, lakes and reservoirs. There is no better taste than pure rainwater, however, the method used to collect the water means it is prone to many harmful bacteria that

is not obvious to the eye or taste. Ultra Violet Systems can destroy 99.99% of harmful microorganisms that will avoid the use of chemicals or change the odour and taste of your water.

I have never become ill from the water before so why should I have a service?

The quality of water changes daily and, depending on the source, can be affected by variables including surface contamination, flooding, heavy rainfall, drought and snow melt. Water that was safe yesterday is not guaranteed to be safe tomorrow and there is no easy way to manage the safety of a private water supply without a filtration system in place. Elderly and young children are at the highest risk, as they will not have such a strong immune system, but anyone can be affected.

In fact, many people have commented that after a UV filtration system was installed they have felt less lethargic, and this could be that they have unknowingly been fighting bugs for many years.

What is Ultra Violet Light (UV)?

UV or ultraviolet light is a type of energy found in the electromagnetic spectrum, shining at a specific wavelength. We are all subject to a small amount of ultraviolet light every time we step into the sunlight. However, it is not visible to the naked eye.

All light is at different wavelengths, for example, a rainbow demonstrates the spectrum of light from red through to blue as each colour shows their individual wavelength. Ultraviolet is present at the invisible, violet end of the light spectrum.

For over 25 years, UV technology has been used as a safe and trusted, cost-effective process to purify water and eliminate harmful micro-organisms by the water industry, bottled water manufacturers, and homeowners.

How often should I service my Ultra Violet Filtration System?

An ultraviolet lamp will remain effective for between six – twelve months depending upon the water quality. The light will continue to operate long after this period but will not generate the required intensity of UV light. We normally recommend a service every 12 months, to include a sediment filter element and lamp change, to ensure that water quality is maintained within safe limits.

Need a Hand?

For any other help or information give one of our branches a call today on 0117 954 8030, or fill out a contact form and one of our expert team will get back to you.