When your project requires ready-mix concrete in hard-to-reach places – like behind a property, above ground level, or over long distances – a concrete pump is the most efficient solution. But if it’s your first time using a concrete pump or boom pump, you might be unsure what to expect.
This step-by-step guide explains how ready mix concrete delivery works, what to prepare, and how to ensure a smooth, hassle-free pour.
Why use a concrete pump?
Concrete pumps offer a faster, cleaner and more accurate way to place concrete exactly where it’s needed, especially in locations where a traditional truck chute or wheelbarrows won’t cut it.
There are two main types:
- Line pumps: Use flexible hoses for ground-level pours or areas with tight access.
- Boom pumps: Use a remote-controlled, extendable arm (boom) to deliver concrete to high or distant points, ideal for multi-storey buildings or large sites.
Step 1: Book in your concrete volume, type and delivery date
When placing your order, we’ll make sure you get the perfect concrete mix for your project, taking into consideration, running through the following with you:
- The volume and grade of concrete needed for your project type
- Site access information (entrance width, ground conditions, obstacles, route of pipeline)
- Allow for enough hose length or boom reach for your pour location
Step 2: Prepare the site for pumping
To ensure a safe and efficient delivery:
- Clear the access route for both the mixer and pump truck
- Mark out a stable area where the pump can be set up (boom pumps need a firm level base and room to extend stabilisers)
- If a boom is required (most often for commercial projects) ensure there’s enough working space for the boom to operate overhead – watching out for trees, cables, or scaffolding
- Set up all formwork, reinforcement and shuttering in advance
- Provide a wash out area on site for disposal of residual concrete in the pump hopper on completion of the pour and a water supply for equipment cleaning after the pour.
- Provide a bag of cement for grouting the pipeline.
Step 3: On the day – pump truck setup
Once on site, the pump operator will:
- Park and stabilise the pump
- Lay out hoses or unfold the boom arm to reach the pour area
- Back the mixer truck upto the hopper of the pump
- Perform safety checks before pumping begins
Step 4: Pumping the concrete
When everything is set:
- The pump operator will grout up the pipe line with a cement slurry to ensure that the concrete flows freely through the pipeline.
- The concrete mixer then feeds into the pump’s hopper
- The pump moves concrete continuously through hoses or the boom to the exact point of placement
- At the pour site, our team will guide the hose, while you spread, level and compact the concrete as it arrives
Pumping allows for a consistent flow of concrete, reducing cold joints and speeding up the job especially useful for large slabs, footings, or upper-floor pours.
Step 5: Cleaning & finishing
After pumping is complete:
- The pump crew will flush and clean the hoses – a sponge ball will be used to push the concrete out of the pipeline, using compressed air, cleaning the pipes as it goes.
- Ensure any remaining concrete in the hopper is used or disposed of safely. A suitable area for disposal of residual concrete on site is necessary – i.e. concrete wash out, a skip or spoil heap.
- Start the curing process immediately by covering the fresh concrete or using a curing spray
Be sure to inspect the work area and confirm the pour is complete before the pump and mixer leave.
Safety considerations
Using a concrete pump involves heavy machinery and moving parts.
- Always wear appropriate PPE
- Ensure the area around the boom or hose is kept clear and supervised
- Follow all health and safety guidelines, especially when pumping near live structures or utilities
Benefits of Pumped Concrete Delivery
- Reaches tight, high, or awkward locations
- Faster than manual or chute-based pouring
- Cleaner, with less mess and waste
- Delivers consistent, high-quality finishes
- Reduces labour and physical handling on site
If you need help booking a ready mix concrete delivery in Sussex, or want advice on your project, get in touch with our team today and we’ll guide you through every step.