Why You Need a Submersible Pump in Your Toolkit

For plumbers, builders and labourers, or owners of farms and rural homes, one of the most useful pieces of kit to have in the toolbox is a submersible water pump. You may use it every day or once a year, but when you need it, it’s a relief to know it’s ready to go.

What is a submersible pump?

In a nutshell, submersible water pumps are designed to operate while fully submerged in a salt or freshwater tank or pit. Now, while water and electricity absolutely don’t mix, it’s good to know that a submersible pump’s motor is hermetically sealed against leaks.

How submersible pumps work

Submersible pumps push fluids such as water or sewerage to the surface, instead of pulling them, making them significantly more efficient and less power-hungry than self-priming or jet pumps.

The pump must be completely submerged for it to work. In automatically operated submersible pumps, the construction includes a float switch that indicates when the water level becomes too low, upon which pumping will stop. In manually operated pumps, the operator is responsible for running the pumps at appropriate levels.

Typical uses for submersible pumps

Having the right tool for the job at hand when the need arises can never be underestimated. A submersible water pump is an extremely convenient tool to pump excess water from flooded work sites and basements, to clear slurries on construction sites, and to pump out sewerage and septic tanks.

On rural properties, submersible pumps are used to drill water from bores and springs for irrigation purposes and to pump water from dams and rainwater tanks.

The benefits of having a submersible pump in your toolkit

When you need to clear a site of clean or dirty water, it’s helpful to have ready access to an effective, efficient and safe tool. Submersible pumps are ideal for emptying ponds, sumps, pits, water tanks and pools. Owning one means it’s always ready to be put to work at a moment’s notice at any time of the day or night, any day of the year, and not having to source one from a hire organisation.

With its compact footprint, a submersible pump doesn’t take up much room on the back of a truck or ute and can be transported with ease. No skills are required for operation, as long as the operator remembers to ensure the pump is fully submerged.

Who needs a submersible water pump?

If your work – or home or property – could be subject to heavy rains or flooding, or if working with bodies of water is part of your daily activities, a submersible water pump can either come in handy, or be absolutely vital.

• Plumbers
• Builders and labourers
• Construction site managers
• Swimming pool builders/renovators
• Landscapers
• Farmers and rural property owners
• Septic pumping specialists
• Rural fire services
• Homeowners
• Building operations managers

Advantages of submersible water pumps

Submersible water pumps are not affected by pump cavitation as they’re not subject to variations in elevation. They’re not as vulnerable to mechanical failure since the motor is completely sealed inside and protected from water. They are also far less subject to wear and tear and vibrate much less than other pump types.

• More efficient – Because submersible pumps are operated exactly where they’re needed (in the fluid), they don’t need to do as much work to get the job done.
• Fitted with long power cords – Longer power cords are a logical and convenient feature of submersible water pumps.
• Quiet operation – Underwater operation makes for less noise.
• Lightweight and portable – For applications where the submersible pump may be used in multiple locations on a property, or across multiple properties, their portability is a favourable feature.
• Safe – Submersible pumps are protected from electrical shorts thanks to the hermetically sealed watertight housing. Another safety factor is the fact that since they are submerged out of sight, they are not prone to tampering or at risk of being in the way of vehicles.
• No need to be primed – Submersible water pumps don’t need to be primed prior to use, making them reliable and quick to activate.
• Plug-and-play installation – No complicated installation is required. Simply connect the pump to an electricity source and it’s ready to work.

What is a submersible vortex pump?

A submersible vortex water pump is a high-flow, heavy duty pump for use with dirty water applications. Being clog-resistant, it is particularly ideal for emptying ponds, sumps, pits and pools with solids. Its impeller is recessed and energy is generated in the fluid surrounding it, in what amounts to a two-stage pumping system. A vortex action is created which moves a clear liquid or suspension through the outlet with centrifugal force.

The importance of maintaining your submersible pump

In a case of out of sight, out of mind, submersible pumps do their job without being intrusive, but this can be a double-edged sword. It’s important to maintain a routine whereby the pump is inspected on a regular basis and checked for water leaks and corrosion. All electrical cables, seals and valves should be examined regularly and a technician consulted if the pump’s integrity appears to be less than optimal.

Submersible pumps should always be operated fully submerged to avoid overheating.