Submersible pumps - How they work and where to use them. For product information click on the links below for centrifugal pump, Diaphragm pump, Little Giant Pump or submersible pump

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Submersible pump design

Few items provide as quick a return on investment and as long a work life as submersible pumps. Their compact and streamlined design makes them ideal for wells and other jobs where space is limited.

Submersibles have the advantage of being able to work in the water source being pumped. As a result the submersible is not subject to the suction lift limitations of other typical pumps. No suction hose is required helping to save money and time while eliminating a potential source of problems. The pump is limited only by the discharge head itis capable of producing.

The pumps can also be classified by motoro size and voltage requirements. Smaller units, with ¹/₃ and ¹/₂ horsepower 115 volt motors are ideal for homeowner use or light duty jobs. Experienced dewatering contractors will often choose pumps with 230/240 volt 3 phase motors as they provide the higher performance and cost less to run over time.

The pump motors use a vertical drive shaft to turn an impeller and generate the velocity needed to create the discharge pressure. Water flows in through the bottom and is discharged out the top of the pump casing. Submersible trash pumps use a vortex design that allows the pump to handle some solids without passing them through the casing.

Combining electricity and water obviously brings a certain element of risk. Further, it is difficult and often impossible to know if there is a problem once the pump is submerged. As a result the pump should provide some built-in protections to ensure safety and guard against damage to the equipment.

A high quality pump will have its motor housed in a watertight compartment and equip it with thermal overload sensors that shut down the motor to prevent damage fromover heating. Pumps should also be used with GFCI protected circuits.

Maintenance is minimal and generally consists of periodically inspecting the electrical cord and the mechanical seal lubricant. There are non of the concerns common with engine driven pumps such as noise, fuel or emissions.

Control boxes and float switches are available for unattended operation of submersible pumps. The boxes provide protection against voltage fluctuations and incorrect phasing while float switches turn the pump on and off according to fluctuating water levels. A number of different accessories are available but care should be taken that they meet the electrical requirements of the pump.

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