Not much consolation for the poor sod who's just bought the house though.
I can't believe someone hasn't come up with one of these that works, or
at least one that can be fixed easily. They're certainly not going to go
away, having made all kinds of flat conversions possible, especially in
the posher urban districts.

Various are available:

http://www.pumpcompany.co.uk/shop/home.php?cat=1

I recall posting a link for a supplier of marine units that looked
good, but can't find it quickly now.