When the concrete truck cannot reach the pour zone by chute, a line pump feeds concrete through assembled hose sections laid on the ground. Ideal for basement floors, slab work, and any placement where horizontal distance matters more than vertical height. Portland Concrete operates line pumps with trained crews across the metro area. Every project begins with a free on-site evaluation.
A line pump operates by pushing concrete through rubber and steel hose sections that lay flat on the ground or are routed around obstacles. Unlike a boom pump, which lifts concrete vertically on a hydraulic arm, a line pump excels at horizontal reach. The hose can stretch hundreds of feet if needed, making it the natural choice for backyard patios, basement floors, and any slab pour where the truck parks at a distance from the placement zone.
The cost advantage is substantial. Equipment and setup are simpler than boom pump, so hourly rates are lower and total project cost drops significantly. For jobs within line pump's ground-level capability, it is almost always the smarter choice. Basement placement is particularly well-suited: the hose runs down through a window opening, exterior door, or walkout entrance to deliver concrete directly to the floor area without awkward chute angles or manual bucket work.
We visit the site to confirm truck parking, identify the placement zone, and map the most efficient hose path. We note any obstacles, tight corners, or elevation changes that affect how the line is assembled.
Truck positioning and line assembly
The pump truck parks at the designated spot. Hose sections are connected end-to-end to the calculated length, then secured to the pump outlet and the placement nozzle.
Priming and concrete flow
The hose is primed with grout to seal the interior, then concrete begins flowing at a rate matched to the crew's placement speed. The operator monitors pressure and flow throughout the pour.
Cleanup and hose recovery
After the pour finishes, a sponge ball is pushed through the hose with water or compressed air to clean it out. Hose sections are disconnected and the truck is ready for the next job.
Why line pump first
The Smart Default for Concrete Pumping
Most pour situations benefit from line pump as the starting point. It handles the volume and distance that typical slab and basement pours require, costs significantly less than boom pump, and the flexible hose routing solves access problems that a rigid boom cannot. When the truck can park within reasonable hose distance of the placement zone, line pump is almost always the right answer.
Pair line pump with boom pump service for jobs that exceed ground-level reach, and coordinate with ready-mix supply to ensure concrete arrives on schedule.
Hose length, basement access, cost comparison, and when line is the right choice.
Hose can be assembled to substantial lengths depending on the pump's pressure capacity and the concrete mix being placed. Most residential and commercial pours fit easily within standard line length; we confirm reach during the site assessment.
Yes, often the best option for basement placement. The hose can be run down a window opening, through an exterior door, or through a basement walkout to deliver concrete directly to the basement floor area without chute access.
Usually yes, significantly cheaper. The equipment cost is much lower and the setup is simpler. For projects within line pump's capability (ground-level reach), it is almost always the better value.
Clear the planned hose route, identify any sharp turns the hose cannot handle, and have the placement crew positioned. We confirm the prep details when booking.
Typically a setup fee plus hourly rate. Line pump rates are lower than boom pump rates reflecting the lower equipment cost. The quote covers expected pour duration; longer pours bill additional time.
Line pump for a backyard patio that the truck could not reach by chute. Hose run through the side gate, no boom needed, way less than a boom would have cost. Right tool, right price.
Z. N5
Slab Contractor, Portland
★★★★★
Basement floor pour with line pump fed through a window opening. Concrete delivered directly to the placement zone, no awkward chute angle. Operator made it look easy.
Y. N5
Foundation Contractor, Vancouver
★★★★★
Multiple slab pours on a custom build, line pump dispatched for each. Consistent quality, on-time arrival, and the operator was the same on every visit. Real relationship.
Q. N5
Home Builder, Hillsboro
★★★★★
They recommended line pump when we asked about boom pump, saved us real money on a project where line had the reach. Honest spec, smaller bill, same quality.
X. N5
Commercial GC, Gresham
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