Submersible pump – what is it and how does it work?

Submersible pumps play a vital role in many areas of daily life and industry, from draining flooded basements to supplying water to homes and farms. Their versatility and efficiency make them an indispensable tool in many emergency situations.

What is a submersible pump?

A submersible pump, also known as a submersible water pump, is a device designed to pump liquids while being fully submerged. Thanks to their design, these pumps can operate in harsh conditions and are primarily used in:

• wells,
• biological treatment plants,
• sewage pumping stations,
• sewer systems,
• industry,
• agriculture,
• and households.

They are extremely effective at pumping water from great depths and in emergency situations where high performance and reliability are required. At home, you can use it to draw water from a well or to water a garden that doesn’t have access to running water. You can also pump water out of a flooded basement. Want to empty your pool after the summer season without flooding your yard? With a pump and hoses, you can pump the water out to any location.

How does a submersible pump work?

The basic principle of a submersible pump is the pressure difference, which pushes water from a lower-pressure area to a higher-pressure area. The pump uses an electric motor that drives an impeller or piston, generating fluid flow from the suction side to the discharge side. Thanks to their hermetic design, these pumps can operate underwater without the risk of short circuits or motor damage. Automatic systems, such as a float switch, prevent dry running, protecting the pump from damage.

Types of submersible pumps

Submersible pumps can be divided into several main categories, depending on their application and design. The basic classification is:

• Clean water pumps: designed for pumping water without contaminants, e.g., from deep wells. Used in locations without access to municipal water supplies or if you have your own independent water source.
• Pumps for dirty water: equipped with special impellers and filters, enabling the pumping of contaminated water, e.g., from flooded basements or septic tanks. Such a pump should have a more powerful motor and a grinder, which allows for pumping liquids containing solid contaminants by grinding and shredding them so they do not clog the pump and hoses.

What should you consider before buying a submersible pump?

Before buying a submersible pump, consider the situations in which you will use it. If you will only use it to pump clean water, you do not need to invest in specialized equipment (e.g., a pump with a grinder). What should you look for when choosing the right pump?

• Flow rate and head: these determine how quickly the pump can move water and to what height. A multi-story house may require a more powerful water pump than a single-story house.
• Type of liquid being pumped: it is important to choose a pump suitable for the type of liquid you will be working with. Pumps with different specifications are used for drinking water and septic tanks.
• Motor power and energy consumption: higher power means greater capacity, but also higher energy consumption, which translates to additional costs.
• Additional features: such as automatic on/off, dry-run protection, or adjustable flow rate.

You already know that choosing the right submersible pump is key to ensuring efficient and trouble-free operation. That’s why you should select a unit that best meets your needs and expectations. A low-power pump is sufficient for pumping water from a swimming pool; however, if you want to use it to drain a flooded basement or draw water from a well, you will need a much more powerful unit.

Also pay attention to the flow rate and lift height, the type of liquid being pumped, motor power and energy consumption, as well as additional features such as automatic on/off, dry-run protection, or adjustable flow rate. If you choose a unit that perfectly suits your needs, a submersible pump will make many of your daily tasks much easier.