July 17, 2018
Share this postWhich Type Of Pump Do I Need? – Submersible Pumps
In this month’s ‘Which type of pump do I need?’ guide we are looking at the different types of Submersible pump to continue on our quest to help you decide which type of pump is best for your application. Last month we covered Process Pumps.
A submersible pump is a self-contained unit with a built-in sealed motor, which pumps effectively when completely submersed in fluid. Submersible pumps are used in a variety of applications including sewage and drainage.
Grinder Pumps
A Grinder Pump is a centrifugal pump equipped with a grinder system at the pump inlet, which cuts larger particles and fibres into a homogeneous wastewater mass. As a result, the risk of clogging is reduced to a minimum. However, this pump is not suited to pumping media with a high content of sand and they consist of more wearing parts, therefore requiring additional ongoing maintenance and spares.
Applications: For sewage, when there’s a high head application and pump systems with smaller pipe diameters, where the flow is typically lower, for example, remote areas or single houses.
Borehole Pumps
Selecting appropriate submersible borehole pumps is a specialist area. A submersible water pump for boreholes needs to work effectively when it’s submerged in water. This means its built-in motor must be completely sealed. Boreholes are increasingly used by organisations that consume a high volume of water as they access water from the plentiful supplies under the earth’s surface. However, there are many variables including the depth of the water and its properties. If you choose a submersible Borehole Water Pump that’s not strong enough for the job, it will lack efficiency. The right Borehole Water Pump will play a key role in energy saving and in water-efficiency.
Applications: produce growers, car-wash companies, swimming pool operators, mining, farming, deep wells, rainwater reticulation and petroleum capture.
Vortex Submersible Pump
The Vortex Impeller creates a revolving mass of water, which forms a whirlpool. As a result, similarly to a Grinder Pump, a vortex impeller minimises the risk of clogging. However, Vortex Pumps are a better choice when the pumped liquid has a high content of sand.
Applications: sewage & stormwater, particularly when dealing with high sand content.
Submersible well pump
For deep wells that require a large amount of lift, Submersible Well Pumps are the best option. A submersible pump functions differently from a jet pump in that it pushes water upwards instead of pulling the water from the well. Submersible pumps are much more efficient than jet pumps, and they are perfect for situations where there is a wide separation in elevation between the water level and the pump.
Applications: instances where water needs to be drawn from a deep well.
If you are looking for a submersible pump, talk to us and we will make sure you select and purchase the product that best fits your purpose. Our team has extensive knowledge and experience and you’ll find us friendly and approachable.
With our fully-equipped fleet of vans, we can not only deliver your pump quickly but also install, maintain, service and repair so that your system stays up and running, giving you peace of mind.
Get in touch with our pump consultants today, call us on 01604 648 800 or email [email protected].
No. This is one of the most critical rules for submersible pump operation. Because these pumps are designed to be cooled by the liquid they are submerged in, running them without water causes the motor to overheat rapidly. Dry running can lead to:
- Mechanical seal failure: This allows water to enter the motor housing.
- Melted internal components: The plastic impellers or diffusers can warp or melt.
- Motor burnout: Without cooling, the motor windings will fail.
Solution: Always use a float switch or a “dry run protector” to shut the pump off automatically if water levels drop too low.
On average, a submersible pump lasts between 8 to 15 years. However, its lifespan depends heavily on two factors:
- Model Type: “3-wire” pumps (which have an external control box) tend to last longer (10–15 years) because the electrical starting components are above ground and easier to service. “2-wire” pumps have all electronics built-in and typically last 8–13 years.
- Water Quality: If your water has high levels of sand, grit, or minerals, the internal parts will wear down much faster than in clean water.
Generally, yes, provided it remains fully submerged. Most industrial and high-quality submersible pumps are designed for continuous duty. However:
- Heat build-up: If the water source is small (like a small tank), the pump can eventually heat the water itself, reducing the cooling effect.
- Lifespan trade-off: Constant operation will naturally wear out bearings and seals faster than intermittent use. For the longest life, it is better for the pump to run in cycles.
Yes. A check valve is necessary to prevent water in the discharge pipe from flowing back down into the pump when it shuts off.
Why it matters: Without a check valve, the “backflow” can cause the pump to spin backward (potentially damaging the motor) or cause “short cycling,” where the pump turns on and off too frequently because the water keeps falling back into the well or sump basin.
Choosing Dura Pump means investing in reliability and safety for your facility. Talk to an expert about your needs
