Submersible Pumps FAQs
Why choose a macerator pump over a vortex pump?
If you have an application where the risk of blockages that could enter the drain run is higher than usual, for example if the property is rented, tenants could unwillingly block the pump, this is also a problem if it is an apartment block as you wouldn’t be able to source who was responsible for blocking It, but everyone would need to pay their share to fix it.
Also, macerator pumps, because of how they cut through the waste, they can pump a much higher head (vertical distance), so when compared to vortex pumps, if you have anything over 10m, you will need to be selecting macerator pumps. Always check the pump flow curves for your application or you can call to speak to one of our technical team if you want to be sure the pumps will do the task at hand.
What type of water pump is right for me?
Choosing the right water pump for your needs is essential for effective water maintenance. We stock a wide range of water pumps, so first you need to determine the type of water pump you need.
Wastewater or sewage pumps move wastewater from one part of a system to another. We offer a range of wastewater pumps in different capacities and configurations and come with a variety of features.
If you live in an area with low water pressure, our booster pump sets can increase the water pressure in your home or office.
Chemical pumps are designed to move fluids containing hazardous chemicals without risking exposure or damage to the pump or surrounding equipment.
Pressurised pumps are used to transfer fluids that require pressurisation.
Made from a composite material of glass reinforced polyester, GRP pump enclosures are highly durable and offer excellent protection from the elements.
Submersible pumps are a type of water pump that can be submerged underwater to pump out water. This type of pump is typically used in flooded areas or to pump out water from ponds, wells, or other water sources.
Swimming pool and garden pumps circulate water in a swimming pool or pond. The pumps work by creating suction to draw water from the pool or pond, and then using an impeller to push the water through a filter.
Our flood kits have what you need in the event of a flood.
What is the best water pump for flooding?
Submersible pumps are very good at dealing with groundwater flooding and rainfall. Designed to operate underwater, they work by using electric motors to draw water from flooded areas and divert it away from buildings and other areas that need to remain dry. Submersible pumps are commonly used to drain water from flooded basements and other areas that are prone to flooding.
We stock a wide range of submersible pumps, that are easy to install and maintain. They can be connected to pipes and other water control systems, allowing for quick and easy water removal in the event of flooding. They are designed to operate in a wide range of temperatures and conditions and are typically constructed from corrosion-resistant materials that can withstand long periods of exposure to water. Our submersible pumps are often equipped with protective measures, such as float switches and check valves, to prevent any damage to the motor or pump should the water start to rise too quickly.
Also known as sump pumps, submersible pumps are a type of centrifugal pump that can be operated when fully submerged underwater. Sealed so the electrics are protected, our range of submersible pumps can be used for a variety of applications including puddle drainage, swimming pool pumps, pond and water feature pumps, and drainage pumps.
What are the main types of water pump available?
Here at Tanks Direct we have a huge selection of water pumps available.
Wastewater or sewage pumps are used to move wastewater, or water that contains solids and contaminants, from one place to another. They are commonly used in various industrial, commercial, and residential applications to move wastewater from a source to a sewage treatment plant or to another location entirely.
Booster pump sets are used to increase water pressure. Booster pumps work by taking in water at a low pressure and increasing it to a higher pressure with a centrifugal impeller. Booster pump sets are ideal for areas where the water pressure is too low to provide adequate water flow.
GRP pump enclosures are made from a composite material of glass reinforced polyester (GRP). Requiring little maintenance, GRP pump enclosures are highly durable and offer excellent protection from the elements and corrosion.
Submersible pumps are designed to operate while completely submerged in a fluid.
Swimming pool and garden pumps are used to circulate water in swimming pools, hot tubs, water features, and gardens. They keep the water free of debris and maintain the desired water temperature. The pump typically pulls water from the pool or garden and pushes it through a filtration system before returning it to the pool or garden.
Are there any disadvantages to using variable speed pumps?
1. Vibrations
Although running pumps below their maximum speed will tend to reduce overall system noise, altering the speed of a pump may result in structural resonances that would not occur at the pump's maximum speed. This may cause vibration which can be harmful to equipment and cause an increase in noise at certain frequencies. There are a number of products that help to alleviate these potential issues.
2. Higher initial cost
Because of the added complexity of an inverter drive, variable speed pumps and systems which include variable speed pumps will cost more initially than a fixed speed equivalent. However, this additional cost is invariably outweighed by the long-term energy cost saving.
When should variable speed pumps be used?
Variable speed pumps should be used in any installation where the pump duty is not constant. If a pump duty is constant a fixed speed pump may be the most cost-effective option. However, even in fixed duty applications there may be an advantage to running a pump below its maximum speed. A motor running at 80% of its maximum speed uses 48% less energy.
Why variable speed pumps?
When you consider all the pumping that occurs globally, whether in large industrial plants or in domestic heating systems, this accounts for almost 20% of the world's energy consumption. Because of this there is a huge opportunity in the pumping industry to make a significant contribution to using our energy resources efficiently. In pumping applications where the duty required is not constant, it is highly likely that installing a variable speed pump will result in significant energy savings - likely to be between 30% and 50% in many applications.
Other benefits of variable speed pumps include:
1. Improved reliability
Because variable speed pumps run at speeds below their maximum, there is a reduction in wear, particularly in mechanical seals.
2. Improved control
Variable speed pump controller can monitor small variations in pressure and make adjustments accordingly. This also means there is less liklihood of sudden changes in flow or pressure.
Do waste pumps need servicing and if so, how often should this be done?
Waste pumps and your wastewater system in general need regular servicing to keep it in working order. A general desludging of your system and a check of the components such as the sewage pump will keep the sewage treatment system in good working order for longer.
Generally, a good rule of thumb for servicing your sewage pump would be every 1 to 2 years or every time you empty your septic tank. It is a good idea to get it checked regularly to avoid a costly replacement further down the line.
When to choose a 65mm or 80mm vortex pump over a 50mm vortex pump
If you are concerned about the risk of blockages but also need a flow rate which macerator pumps can’t provide, or even if it’s purely just a faster flow rate you need, a larger 65mm or 80mm pump will be able to achieve this, calculating a specific flow rate to your application is difficult and would be best speaking to a member of our technical team to help specify the right pumps for your station.
On my Water Pump it mentions about head height. What is this and how do I work out what I require?
Head is the height in which the pump is lifting the waste, measured from cover level of the pump station, to the cover level of the discharge manhole. With this measurement we can ensure we supply a pump powerful enough to lift the waste up that high. We will need to know this and also the distance that it is pumping to make sure the pump quoted is suitable.
Automatic Pump - what does this mean?
An automatic pump is a pump that will automatically turn itself on and off as the liquid level rises and falls. These pumps are usually longer lasting as they do not burn out but switch off automatically if there is no liquid to pump therefore, they do not run dry.
Horizontal vs Vertical pumps
This depends on your existing pump and the type of installation you have or are planning on. The vertical Hippo 50 has a vertical port discharges via a 2” female port and the horizontal Hippo 50 discharges via a horizontal 2” female port but is also DN50 flanged
What is a Grinder Pump?
A grinder pump takes the wastewater from the holding tank, grinding any waste into a fine slurry and then pumps it into a sewage treatment plant. They can pump over much longer distances but at a slower rate because they are high pressure and low volume pumps.
To see our grinder pumps click - https://www.tanks-direct.co.uk/semisom-125-gr-automatic-submersible-grinder-pump/p5628
What is a submersible pump?
A submersible pump means that the pump needs to be submerged or covered in liquid specifically the type specified on the pump such as water, wastewater, sewage etc.
Do I need a macerator?
Macerator pumps are used only for heads higher than 10m and with a low flow rate when you have a discharge rate restriction imposed by the water authority who own the sewer you discharging into.
Is there an option to have an enclosure for my pump set?
If a booster or compact set is being housed externally, you will need an enclosure to protect the inverter from the elements so anything electronic needs to be protected by an enclosure of some sort, never leave the booster set to face the elements
How much space do I require around my pump?
You require at least 500mm above the break tank so you can service it and inspect it when required. Also, a booster just needs to be installed in a maintainable space so that the inverters can be reviewed if needed via clear walkways and facing into the room, not tucked away down the side of a plant room.