How To Choose The Right Grout Pump For Your Project



When applying grout, it’s imperative that the correct equipment is used in order to fill all gaps and penetrate into all vacant spaces to give the finished product the required strength, durability and waterproofing qualities.  The correct application of grout is also essential.

Some typical grouting applications are:

·         Waterproofing

·         Floor restoration

·         Metal door and window frames

·         Sealing joints

·         Connecting prefabricated concrete sections

·         Filling voids and eliminating holes in concrete blocks

·         Tiling

·         Levelling sidewalk slabs

·         Manhole and sewer linings

Grout typically comprises a mixture of cement, sand, water with other materials such as fine gravel and accelerating mixtures added on occasion, and it can be a tricky substance to work with unless you have the correct equipment.

There are different types of grout for different applications and each type has unique characteristics including flow rate, setting time and pumping distance.  Understanding each of these will aid the selection of the most appropriate pump and production procedure.  For example, pumping distance should always be kept to a minimum and hoses should run as straight as possible, but circumstances don’t always allow for this so it’s crucial to understand the properties of the material and the challenges of each application before making a product selection.

Grout pumps come in manual as well as electric, hydraulic, gas and air-powered models, and some have mixers and holding hoppers attached.  The scale and scope of the grouting job will dictate which model you choose, but in most instances, a manual grout pump is likely to be appropriate.

Let’s first take a look at hand-held grout pumps.

These devices are lightweight, compact and easy to operate and allow the operator total control over the job.  This can be extremely important in jobs where a higher level of accuracy and detail is required, such as levelling a concrete slab or filling a crack.  The rule of thumb is that it’s easier to add more grout but extremely difficult, if not impossible to remove it once it’s in situ - so operator control is imperative.

A manual grout pump doesn’t require a power source and is suitable for pumping most types of cementitous grout.  They’re ideal for applications which don’t require high pressure such as grouting door frames.

Larger heavy duty pumps with air-powered spraying or pumping are more suited for fulfilling larger grouting jobs.  Some factors to consider when looking at large grout pumps include hose size, the output pressure and output capacity, the capacity of the mixer and hopper (if required) and the vertical limit.  For example, a cavity rotor/stator type pump is the perfect solution for pumping viscous, abrasive or solid materials, cement, lightly sanded grout mixes, plaster coats and cement/sand mortar. 

If you’d like to learn more about a particular grout pump or want some expert advice on what model to choose for your grouting project, the team at Concrete Hire is happy to help.  They know how important it is to get equipment that’s up to the challenge and they’ll use their years of experience in the concrete industry to find you the most appropriate, cost-effective and efficient solution.

Check out their extensive array of specialised concrete equipment including grout pumps for hire in Perth at www.concretehire.com.au or phone them on 1300 048 521.