Is Pumping Concrete Better Than Pouring?

Moving concrete into the space it is needed comes in two forms: concrete pouring and concrete pumping. While at a glance they seem the same - they are both a way of transporting concrete in its liquid state from the truck to the area it's made for - in the concrete industry they are worlds apart.

As you would expect, each method has it's pros and cons, with each method more suitable for certain situations. So what are the differences and when should you choose concrete pumping over pouring?

Continue reading this article to discover the answers to both these questions.

Concrete Pouring

Concrete pouring is a traditional method for getting the liquid material where it needs to be. It is typically done using wheelbarrows, buckets, or chutes. Once poured from these, those working on the project will then need to manually distribute and spread the concrete mixture across the project area.

If you order concrete from a provider using a mix-on-site volumetric truck or a drum mixer truck, they will have a chute at the back of the trucks, which they line up into your project area and then let the liquid concrete flow from the drum or mixer into the area. The operatives will work to spread the material as it is being poured, ensuring that it is even.

Benefits Of Concrete Pouring

Concrete pouring can sometimes be a more straightforward process of manually transporting the concrete to the specified area in wheelbarrows or chutes. The simplicity of this method makes it suitable for smaller projects, like DIY renovations or projects.

Additionally, poured concrete can be cost-effective for projects that are easy to access, as specialised equipment is likely to be more expensive.

A final benefit of pouring concrete is that there can be more control as workers will have direct control of placement and levelling of the concrete. Pouring the concrete, while hands-on can ensure a desired finish.

Disadvantages Of Concrete Pouring

While there are a few benefits of concrete pouring, there are many disadvantages that need to be considered.

Pouring concrete is incredibly labour-intensive because it requires manual methods for transporting and placing the concrete mix. This is a physically demanding and time-consuming job.

You will need to consider where you are pouring concrete because if it is a hard-to-reach area, then going back and forth with a wheelbarrow isn't going to work.

Additionally, if you are pouring concrete into a large area, getting it level could be a challenge, so achieving a uniform and precise placement can be difficult.

A final concern when pouring concrete is the segregation of materials, as the aggregates can separate from the concrete mix, leaving you with a low-quality mix that is likely to be unusable.

When to pour concrete 

Concrete pouring can be the perfect choice for small projects that are easy to access. Projects such as garden shed bases and small home renovations can use concrete pouring efficiently, and will be the most cost-effective solution too.

Concrete Pumping

Concrete pumping is a more mechanised and efficient method for placing concrete, especially in scenarios where traditional pouring methods might be impractical. Concrete pumps are used to transport the concrete mix from the mixer to the construction site. The pump uses a system of pipes and hoses to transport the concrete, allowing it to be precisely placed in the desired location.

Advantages Of Concrete Pumping

Concrete pumping is generally more efficient for larger projects or those with challenging access points. It speeds up the concrete placement process, allowing for a higher volume of concrete to be placed in a shorter time, meaning it is an efficient method of placing concrete.

This method also offers more precision in placing concrete exactly where it is needed, reducing the need for manual labour and ensuring accuracy in intricate structures or challenging locations.

For projects that are difficult to reach, concrete pumping is incredibly advantageous as it can enable concrete to reach areas despite there being obstacles, such as housing. They also excel where the concrete needs to be conveyed over long distances or elevated surfaces.

For large projects requiring a significant volume of concrete, the efficiency gained through concrete pumping can offset the costs associated with the equipment.

Time is saved through pumping concrete, therefore, you can get on with the rest of your project faster, accelerating project timelines.

Disadvantages of Concrete Pumping

Similar to concrete pouring, there are a few disadvantages to concrete pumping that should be thought of when deciding which method to use.

The equipment can be expensive and it requires specialist trucks and operators. Plus, set-up time is needed to ensure it is all in position and correctly in place.

Finally, there is a potential for blockages within the pumps, especially when pumping concrete with larger aggregates. However, this is rare, and if the equipment is well-maintained the risk is lower.

When to use Concrete Pumping

Concrete pumping is a great solution for projects that are hard to reach, as it enables the concrete to be transported over or through obstacles.

It is also a great solution for bigger projects as it is less labour-intensive and allows for a more consistent finish across large areas.

Small housing developments, tunnels and elevated projects often use concrete pumping.

Why use 2 Brothers Concrete and Concrete Pumping?

2 Brothers have a combined experience of over 25 years. Having started with concrete pump hire, the team at 2 Brothers know everything there is to know about this service, no matter what your project is, the brothers and their team will be able to use their experience and expertise to create a solution that efficiently gets concrete where you need it.

Our team are reliable and will turn up whatever the weather to get the job done - although we should caveat this by saying some weather just isn't suitable for concrete to be poured; negative numbers are one occasion when the job will be made harder. If there is a case where we don't think a job will be able to be done, we will call you in advance to discuss an alternative day and time. You can be sure that we will never leave you hanging, wondering if your concrete will be poured or not.

While we started as a concrete pump hire service, we have expanded to provide an all-in-one concrete and concrete pumping service, meaning that you only have to deal with one contractor rather than two. This will make your concrete experience easier, smoother and hassle-free. Our mix-on-site truck will turn up at your site to produce any concrete mix needed and transfer it into our pumping equipment to be pumped into place. We are a one-stop shop for your concrete needs.

We are also able to pump liquid screed for any flooring.

If you are working on a large-scale project or somewhere with difficult access across the south coast, give our team a call at 01489 552737 to book our concrete pumping service today.

We are also always on hand to answer any questions, so don't hesitate to get in touch with us about a query you might have.