Submersible Pump – Your Ultimate Submersible Pump Guide
When you have a large amount of water you need drained out of an area a submersible pump is a handy tool to have at your disposal. Whether you have a pool that needs to be drained or you live in an area where basement flooding is a concern there is a submersible pump that will fit your needs.
How does a submersible pump work?
A submersible pump is a relatively simple device, consisting of a hermetically sealed motor that is coupled to the body of the pump. An impeller is driven by the motor to raise the water pressure under the pump so that water will be pushed through the hose of the pump. For sump pumps, which are a variety of submersible pump that is used to prevent basement flooding, a floating switch is used. A sump pump will sit in a small pit and if enough water enters the pit a float inside the pump is raised by the water level and activates the pump.
For other submersible pump usages the pump is installed or placed under the water that needs to be pumped. This can handle jobs like pool drainage, keeping water circulating in a fish pond or with an appropriate model powering a fountain.
One of the major advantages of a submersible pump over other varieties is that they prevent cavitation in the water around the pump. Cavitation is the creation of small liquid free areas, or bubbles in the water. Cavitation can be a major cause of fatigue in mechanical devices working under water. This means a submersible pump will take less wear and tear, and have a longer life span than some other pump types.
All types of submersible pump can hook up to drain into various options. With the right plumbing water can be drained into a septic tank or directly into the sewers. If you don’t have that option they can just be drained onto the ground, but be sure to check that this will not flood you or your neighbor’s house or property.
What to look for in a submersible pump
The first thing to do when determining what submersible pump you need is to think about the job that you will need it to do. For a sump pump that will involve how frequently you get water in your basement, and how much gets in. You will also need to think about where the pump will drain into, and the plumbing that will be needed to install the pump if its not already in place.
For other usages see if there is a model of submersible pump designed for the job at hand. There are pumps designed for all sorts of jobs: bilge pumps for use in water craft, fish pond pumps that keep the water from stagnating and you can even get a submersible pump that is designed to remove standing water that gathers on pool covers.
When buying a submersible pump be sure to read all the operating instructions. Some types of submersible pump are not intended to run out of water and can be damaged if they are operated in that way. Be sure that if the submersible pump is going to be operating in an environment that may have debris floating in it to get one that has some form of protective screen over the intake, as debris can cause damage to the impeller system. If you have an application that actually requires solids to be pumped up along with water there are trash pumps that create a vortex inside the pump rather than using the impeller so that solids safely move through the submersible pump.
Submersible pump maintenance
The most of the maintenance that you will need to perform on your submersible pump is very simple. As a submersible pump operates under water a stripped cord can create a hazardous situation. The other thing to check is the seals on the casing, if the water tight seal is broken the motor can be damaged by coming in contact with water. Both of these steps just require a visual inspection of the parts to make sure there is no damage.
For an outdoor use submersible pump you may need to take some steps to winterize your pump if the temperatures drop below freezing. For the most effective protection of the pump from freezing conditions you can remove the submersible pump and place it in storage. After removing the submersible pump from water drain it of water and store in a warm, well ventilated room.
For a submersible pump that does not get regular use, like a home’s sump pump a homeowner should make an effort each year to check a few points to make sure that it will work properly. First you’ll want to clean out the intake area to remove and debris that may have gotten into it. As the sump pump works using a float switch you’ll want to test that by pouring enough water into the pump’s pit to activate the switch and make sure it will turn on. It is a good idea to test this before any large storms come into your area as a submersible pump failure when you need it can lead to disaster.
When performing any maintenance it is important to turn off and unplug the submersible pump from its power source. This will prevent any risk of electrocution and the chance of the motor starting while you are working around the impeller of your submersible pump. Also, check local ordinances about installing a submersible pump
as you may be required to have an electrician wire in some types of pump.
While not every homeowner will need a submersible pump, when you do need one it is an invaluable tool to have. Whether you live in an area where a sump pump is a necessity to keep your basement dry, or are a hobbyist that keeps a outdoor fish pond there is a submersible pump is available to fit your needs.