WALLINGTON, NJ—Sewage ejector systems that are chronically clogged and HVAC systems that give out in extreme weather are issues that rank high on a list of growing concerns among commercial and industrial facility managers in aging industrial areas of New York and New Jersey.

Pump Express Services, the service division of New Jersey-based pump retailer, Pump Products, is shifting its focus from pump repairs and maintenance to addressing these and other growing job site challenges with innovative pumping equipment characterized by heavy-duty design, high performance and versatility.

"Some systems we're called in to service are so old, they've started to collapse," says Ed Drejman, who heads the division. "Even pump systems in newer buildings installed in the 1970s and '80s, are showing signs of wear. Upgrades can prevent continuing breakdowns that increase the damage to an aging infrastructure, and in some cases, threaten public health. We are focused on addressing these issues with a staff trained in the installation and operation of a new generation of pumps suited to current demands."

The improper disposal of synthetic wipes, gloves, swabs and other sanitary products has led to a rise in the clogging of commercial and industrial sewage disposal systems. Drejman and his team respond to chronically clogged systems with a variety of commercial-grade grinder pumps, including Liberty Omnivore Grinder Pumps and BJM Shredder Pumps, which provide maximum efficiency and shredding power in a compact, easy-to-install unit.

"Commercial property managers are constantly looking for solutions to chronic clogging in their restrooms," says Drejman. "My suggestion is usually to replace the existing sewage ejector pump with a BJM Shredder Pump. Maintaining the old pump will generally cost more than replacing it with a BJM Shredder Pump specifically designed to shear down tough synthetic debris. Two of our trained technicians can usually upgrade a mid-sized system within a day or two, often with no downtime to the system."

The same economic shifts that led business owners to neglect aging buildings and focus on bottom line growth a couple of years ago are now leading company heads to seek out maintenance solutions that are long-lasting and versatile. Trained service staff are installing increasing numbers of pumps that combine quality construction with design efficiency, such as the Armstrong's Astro 2 series 3-speed wet rotor circulator pump which provides unmatched performance over a wide range of head and flow requirements and can accommodate a fluctuating number of zones.

"Armstrong's Astro 2 series wet rotor circulator pumps move liquids through closed hydronic and solar heating systems efficiently and with minimal maintenance, allowing users to match a wide range of application requirements," says Drejman. "And once installed, these units will grow with a home or business because they can be adjusted to accommodate an increased number of zones. That's an added value more and more of our clients appreciate."

Aging infrastructure and rising energy costs are leading growing numbers of metro-area building managers to address annual spikes in cooling system demands by adding variable frequency drives to their HVAC pump systems. Standard motors start abruptly with a high starting torque and current surges up to 10 times the normal running current resulting in wear and tear on the system and intense energy demands. Variable speed drives gradually ramp the motor up to operating speed and thereby conserve energy, lessen mechanical stress, reduce repair costs and extend equipment life.

“Everybody from corporations to homeowners are looking to save money,” says Drejman. "Our guys are installing more VFDs and other energy efficient equipment which is paying for itself in savings within a few years."

New Jersey's SmartStart Buildings program, established in 2009 to provide financial incentives for using energy efficient heating and cooling equipment, provides an added incentive for maintenance managers across New Jersey to install VFDs and other energy saving equipment in their buildings.

"It's better to be safe than sorry with an aging system," says Drejman. "We're making it our business to to provide the trained techs and high performance equipment that are able to meet the changing needs of Tristate area building owners and facilities managers. The cost of fixing New York and New Jersey's ailing systems pales in comparison to the cost of doing nothing."

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Pump Express Services Upgrades Inefficient Pumps in NJ Commercial Buildings

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