What is a Submersible Pump

Water supply, drainage, and sewage systems are vital engineering networks for a range of residential and industrial facilities.

However, most countryside homes and industrial sites seek cost-effective solutions.

The best option is a submersible pump, which can operate effectively even under the harshest conditions.

What is a Submersible Pump?

A submersible pump acts directly in a liquid environment. It is compact and fully submersible, provides strong pressure, and ensures high pump efficiency of up to 80%. 

The design of the mechanism allows it to handle solid particles. Therefore, a submersible pump is used not only for water supply and irrigation but also for pumping contaminated wastewater or drainage.

How Does a Submersible Pump Work?

The operating mechanism of a submersible pump is simple. 

Submerge the unit, and start the electric motor. It drives the impeller blades, which generate centrifugal force. 

The liquid inside moves from the impeller to the periphery, creating sufficient water pressure. Then, it is pushed out through the discharge pipe in the desired direction. 

It is a straightforward design from an engineering point of view. 

Therefore, how submersible pumps work will be clear not only to engineers but also to average homeowners and farmers.

Key Components of a Submersible Pump

A submersible pump has a rather simple structure:

• a casing that ensures the complete sealing of the device
• pump motor to create the necessary water pressure
• impeller to generate rotational force
• inlet and outlet pipes to intake and discharge liquid
• seals to prevent leakage
• bearings for smooth rotation of moving parts
• power lead for electricity supply

Step-by-Step Operation

The operation of all submersible water pumps is based on a sequence of working stages. To start the unit and achieve optimal pump efficiency, follow these steps:

• Step 1: Position the submersible pump in the liquid environment. The intake port must have unobstructed access for water suction.
• Step 2: The outlet port should be attached to a pipeline or to the place where the pumped liquid will be discharged.
• Step 3. Motor startup (as described in your equipment manual).
• Step 4. The impeller starts moving, creating initial water pressure. The fluid begins to flow through the inlet into the pump.
• Step 5. The centrifugal force of the impeller creates the required pressure inside, causing the fluid to exit at high pressure through the discharge outlet.

Types of Submersible Pumps

Submersible pumps are used in various residential and industrial applications due to their efficiency and reliability. But be sure to choose the right type of device for each specific task.

Common Types of Submersible Pumps

Here are the main types of submersible pumps:

• The submersible well pump is used to pump water from deep wells. Commonly applied in private homes and for small-scale agricultural irrigation.
• The deep well pump is good for pumping water from depths of more than 30 meters. It is especially in demand for industrial applications and large agricultural operations.
• The sump pump is a must-have unit for homeowners in areas with high groundwater levels. It is used for pumping water out of basements or shallow flooded areas in residential or commercial buildings.
• The utility submerged pump is a tool for general and short-term tasks, like pumping water from pools, tanks, or other containers.
• The dirty water pumps are made to handle water containing debris or small solid particles. This powerful tool is often used on construction sites or to drain large ponds and ditches.
• The centrifugal pumps and trash pumps are used for moving large volumes of water containing big solid particles, often in industrial and construction sites.
• The septic tank pumps meet the needs of pumping waste in septic systems for private homes and small agricultural operations.

Each of these types of submersible pumps is tailored to specific tasks across various fields. Choosing the right submersible pump depends on the operating conditions and the requirements of the liquid being pumped.

Submersible Pump Application 

All types of submersible pumps should be used depending on specific conditions and needs. For clean water supply to homes or for agricultural irrigation, a borehole pump is ideal. 

The powerful deep well pump is an efficient option for large residential or industrial facilities.

For quickly draining flooded areas, a sump pump is the go-to choice, while a water transfer pump is perfect for temporary water removal during emergency situations. 

For continuous operation in flood-prone areas, it’s best to use groundwater pumps, dirty water pumps, centrifugal pumps, or trash pumps. 

Septic tank pumps are specially built for reliable performance in septic systems and wastewater tanks.

Key Benefits of Submersible Pumps

Taking into account all the features and capabilities of submersible pumps, we can point out the following advantages of submersible pumps.

Advantages Over Other Pumps

Submersible pumps are operating directly in the liquid. This setup helps save on energy costs for cooling the motor, extends uptime, and offers versatile usage. Submersible pumps run with significantly reduced noise, making them ideal for residential and commercial areas. 

The durable, sealed casing also ensures long-lasting performance.

Energy Efficiency and Cost Savings

The main advantages of submersible pumps are energy efficiency and cost savings. They deliver maximum results with minimal energy consumption (household models use up to 12 kWh per day, while industrial ones use up to 40 kWh per day, depending on average operating time). 

Water pumps are equipped with frequency converters, which help regulate their performance and reduce energy consumption by 20-30% compared to other similar models.

Key Considerations When Choosing a Submersible Pump

When choosing a submersible pump for different applications, make sure to consider the depth of immersion, as well as the estimated volume and type of liquid, to pick a model with the right power and performance.

Pay attention to the operating conditions and the potential for corrosion in the environment.

Pumping Capacity and Depth

Performance is typically measured in litres per hour or cubic metres per hour. Consider the depth of immersion and the height the water needs to be lifted to ensure the submerged pump has adequate pumping capacity. To choose a submerged pump with sufficient pumping capacity, consider the depth of immersion.

Motor Power and Durability

The power of a deep well pump should match the volume and pressure of the liquid. 

The required power usually ranges from 0.37 kW (suitable for household use) to 11 kW and above (for industrial purposes) when lifting liquid from depths of up to 50 metres. 

Durability is ensured by a stainless steel or cast iron casing and sealed fittings, giving the pump a lifespan of up to 10–15 years with proper use.

Maintenance Requirements and Lifespan 

Consider the maintenance requirements for the units. All models need regular servicing, including checking the seals for leaks, cleaning the filters, and replacing any worn-out parts. High-head pumps used in industrial settings, however, require an annual inspection.

Installation and Maintenance Tips for Submersible Pumps

Proper operation of a submersible pump relies on correct installation and setup. Manufacturers recommend following the steps.

How to Install a Submersible Pump

Step 1. Prepare the well or reservoir: The well should have a minimum diameter of 100 mm, with a depth of up to 50 metres for submersion.

Step 2. Check the equipment and make sure all necessary components are available: this includes the pump, delivery pipe, non-return valve, safety rope, and electrical cable.

Step 3. Attach the non-return valve and hose to the submerged pump to prevent backflow and avoid water hammer.

Step 4. Connect the delivery pipe to the pump body and check that the connection is watertight.

Step 5. Secure the anti-corrosion safety rope to the dedicated eyelet on the submersible pump.

Step 6. Slowly lower the pump into the well or reservoir. Secure it 1–2 metres above the bottom, ensuring it stays at least 1 metre below the dynamic water level.

Step 7. Connect the electrical cable to the power supply. Make sure to follow the correct polarity and safety requirements. For wells up to 50 metres deep, it’s recommended to use a cable with a cross-section of 3×2.5 mm².

Step 8. Perform a test run of the pump motor. Check the water pressure and flow rate, and ensure there are no blockages or leaks.

Common Maintenance Tasks

Basic maintenance of pumps involves monitoring the main parts, checking the condition of seals, ropes, and filters, and cleaning the casing to remove any deposits.

• It’s recommended to check the casing for leaks every 6–12 months (depending on how it’s used). Look over the seals and cable connections for any damage.
• To keep it working well, clean the casing and filters regularly (every 3–6 months).
• Every 2–3 years (for household pumps) and once a year (for industrial well pumps), check the condition of the impeller and non-return valve. If there are any cracks or signs of wear, replace them to prevent the whole unit from breaking down.
• Check the cable every year for any damage or kinks.
• About once a year, measure the pump motor’s performance and compare it with the specs. It’s measured in litres per minute. If the numbers drop by 20% or more, it needs diagnostics and repair.

Common Issues and Troubleshooting

Like any machine, a submersible well pump can fail due to various external reasons. Identifying the problem in time and fixing it will help restore the pump’s normal operation quickly.

Recognizing Common Issues

1. Reduced water flow: usually caused by a clogged filter or impeller.
2. Motor overheating: could be due to low water levels in the well or tank, or a blocked pipeline.
3. Motor won’t start: the power cable might be damaged, or the winding could be worn out.
4. Water leakage: happens when the seals are damaged or worn.

Troubleshooting Tips

For basic troubleshooting of a sump pump, you can try the following steps:

• Water flow decreases – check the filter and impeller for clogs.
• Motor overheats –  make sure the pump is fully submerged and the discharge hose is not blocked.
• The pump doesn’t start – inspect the power cable and connections.
• If you hear unusual noises or vibrations – check the pump for damage to the impeller or the casing.
• Pump’s performance drops – inspect the casing for leaks.

Note! Regular checks and timely maintenance of the unit will help you avoid costly repairs or the need to replace the equipment.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

How long do submersible pumps last?

High-quality submersible pumps, with proper use and maintenance, will last you between 10 to 15 years.

Can submersible pumps run dry?

No, running it “dry” will cause the motor to overheat and break down.

What is the average cost of a submersible pump?

The cost of submersible pumps, like those from the Vortex brand, ranges from $46 to $5990, depending on their type and features.

Conclusion

Effective and reliable water supply for urban and industrial facilities, as well as drainage and waste fluid transfer, are impossible without modern submersible pumps. This equipment has a simple structure and can handle the toughest tasks with various liquids at depths of up to 50 metres. Depending on the purpose, it is important to choose the right well pump. To avoid mistakes, consult with professionals. They can help you pick the right type and model to meet the needs of your engineering projects.