In the realm of water and sewage management, submersible pumps have revolutionised the way we handle water-related challenges. These remarkable devices have become indispensable tools for various applications due to their exceptional performance, efficiency and versatility. At H2O Flowtech, your trusted water and sewage pump services company in Bury, we want to help you understand why submersible pumps are an integral part of modern water management. In this blog post, we will delve into the top benefits of using submersible pumps, shedding light on why these pumps are the go-to choice for a wide range of sewage management needs.
What is a Submersible Pump?
A submersible water pump, also known as a sump pump, is a type of centrifugal (impeller operated) pump that can be operated when fully submerged underwater. Hermetically sealed to ensure the inner electrics are protected, a submersible pump is either air or oil fuelled and can accommodate a range of impellers to tackle liquids and solids of different size and viscosity.
How Do Submersible Pumps Work?
As we mentioned above, a submersible water pump is hermetically sealed to ensure the inner electrics are protected from making contact with the water. Useful in a variety of situations where you may want continuous pumping to remove unwanted bodies of water a submersible pump works by using a float switch to detect when water reaches a certain level. When the float switch detects the presence of water, the motor inside the pump is activated. This sucks the water up and into the pump, before being ejected out of the pump by the impellers. Let’s break this process down into simple steps:
● Step 1: Float switch detects the presence of water
● Step 2: Float switch operates the pump motor
● Step 3: Impellers draw water into the pump
● Step 4: Impellers force the water out of the pump and away from the home
The Key Benefits of Subversive Water Pumps
1. Convenient and Portable
One of the standout advantages of submersible pumps is their convenience and portability. These pumps are designed to be lightweight and compact, making them incredibly easy to handle and transport. Whether you need to move them from one location to another or deploy them in tight spaces, submersible pumps offer unparalleled flexibility. This convenience factor translates to quick installation, hassle-free maintenance and seamless pump servicing. Their portability also means that they can be swiftly relocated to address urgent pumping requirements, ensuring efficient water management without unnecessary delays.
2. Efficiency at Its Best
Efficiency is a critical factor in any water management system, and submersible pumps excel in this department. These pumps are specifically designed to operate while submerged in the fluid they are pumping, which enhances their efficiency by minimising energy loss. Unlike traditional pumps that may need to pull water from a distance, submersible pumps are already submerged in the fluid, reducing the friction and energy expenditure required for pumping. This design leads to lower energy consumption, reduced operational costs, and a more environmentally friendly pumping solution.
3. Versatility Beyond Compare
While submersible pumps are commonly associated with basement sump pumps, their versatility extends far beyond that. These pumps can tackle a diverse range of pumping tasks, from draining waterlogged areas to sewage pump maintenance, and even handling dirty water. Their ability to efficiently manage fluids with varying levels of contamination makes them an ideal choice for applications such as construction site dewatering, agricultural drainage, wastewater treatment and more. This versatility makes submersible pumps an invaluable asset for addressing a wide spectrum of water management challenges.
4. Electric Excellence
Submersible pumps are designed to operate using electricity, which brings about several advantages. Electric-powered pumps offer a cleaner and quieter operation compared to their diesel or gasoline counterparts. This feature is particularly beneficial when dealing with indoor pumping tasks or noise-sensitive environments. Furthermore, electric submersible pumps are generally easier to maintain, with fewer components requiring regular servicing. This translates to reduced maintenance costs and downtime, ensuring a reliable and efficient water management system.
5. Space-Saving Ingenuity
Space is often a limited resource in various settings, and submersible pumps offer an ingenious solution to this challenge. These pumps are designed to be submerged in the fluid they are pumping, eliminating the need for external priming or additional pumping structures. This design not only saves valuable space but also simplifies the installation process. In applications where space constraints are a concern, submersible pumps provide a compact and efficient solution without compromising on performance.
6. Safety First
Safety is paramount in any pumping operation, and submersible pumps excel in this aspect as well. Because these pumps are submerged in the fluid they are handling, there is minimal risk of leaks or spills that could result in hazardous situations. Additionally, the design of submersible pumps reduces the likelihood of cavitation, which can cause damage to pumps and decrease their efficiency. With fewer moving parts exposed to external elements, submersible pumps are more resilient to wear and tear, ensuring a safer and longer-lasting pumping solution.
Selecting the Right Submersible Pump
Replacing a submersible pump may seem like a time-consuming and complicated task, but if you follow the tips below then you should be sorted in no time.
Take a Look at the Old Pump
If you’re replacing a broken submersible pump, then have a look at the old installation. Firstly, the old pump should have a label that details the exact specification of the pump. This should make it easier to decipher which type of pump you need when browsing online. Another component to note down is the size diameter of the discharge pipe. Always make sure to double check that the pump you’re buying online is the same size and shape.
Choosing the Right Float Switch
One common mistake people make when shopping for a submersible pump is buying the wrong type of float switch. There are two main types available:
● Vertical Switch Pump: This switch activates the pump by moving straight upwards. Most frequently found in smaller pumps, this float is better suited to smaller, 10-inch diameter submersible pumps.
● Tethered Switch Pump: This switch type activates the pump by moving in a diagonal direction upwards. It is only available for pumps with a 14-inch (or above) intake, and is often used in heavy-duty submersible pumps.
Battery Backup System
Submersible pumps are often used in an attempt to protect homes from flooding. If you do intend to leave a submersible pump running during a flood, just remember that electricity may be cut from your home at any time. If this is the case, make sure you purchase a pump with a backup battery system. Battery backup systems simply offer you peace of mind. Can you imagine how it would feel to return home after a flooding event to find that your pump ran out of power?
Consider the Pumping Distance
Submersible pumps tend to come in all different shapes and sizes, but one of the key differentiators is the power capability of each pump. Consider how far you are looking to pump liquid: the further you want to pump the liquid, the more powerful you will want the pump to be to ensure flow rate.
Consider the Viscosity of the Liquid
In the same vein as the point above, consider the viscosity of the liquid you intend to pump. The thicker the liquid, the more difficult it will be to pump and maintain an even flow rate. Thin liquids like clean water will get on relatively well with a low power pump. However, if you intend to pump dirty water then you will need a pump with a lot more power.
Reliable Sewage and Water Pump Service
As the leading water and sewage pump services company in Manchester, H2O Flowtech recognizes the importance of submersible pumps in addressing the diverse pumping needs of our clients, which is why if you're seeking reliable submersible water pumps, sewage pump maintenance or dirty water pump solutions, look no further than us. Our team of experts is dedicated to providing you with cutting-edge pumping solutions that are tailored to your specific requirements. Contact us today to learn more about how submersible pumps can transform your water management systems and ensure the efficient and effective handling of fluids in various applications.