A submersible pump or sump pump is going to be your best friend on site when the rain comes in. This is also true if a sewage pipe bursts! When you find yourself unable to get on with your work because of fluids blocking your sight and entry, a sump pump can save you. So what is a sump pump?

A sump pump is a pump that works when submerged in water. It uses a pushing motion to pump away the water is is submerged in and move it to another location. Sump pumps, whether used in the home or on a construction site can also pump away debris and aggregate.

If you’re thinking you’ll never need a submersible pump, think again. Read on to learn a little bit about them, how they work, and why you may want to own one.

Why would I use a sump pump?

You would use a sump pump when water is causing flooding or is generally in the way of where you are working. Submersible pumps are exactly what they sound like: pumps that operate while being fully submerged in fluids. These fluids can be any mixture of things. Water, sewage, cement debris and even concrete. 

Are sump pumps better than normal pumps?

Sump pumps are more efficient and powerful than regular pumps. They are submerged in the water, which means rather than spending energy on sucking the water up and away (like a normal pump would), they just need to focus on pumping. This makes sump pumps less complex and more energy efficient. Moreover, they can handle larger bodies of water mixed with debris from the work site. 

How Do Submersible Pumps Work?

Submersible pumps must be fully submerged in water to work. They push out liquid and sometimes aggregate, depending on the pump, and then pump it elsewhere. The motor, attached to the pump body, and the electrical cables are completely sealed. This ensures water is pumped out easily.

Submersible pumps work to push fluids toward the surface, unlike other types of pumps that use a pulling motion.

These pumps require heavy-duty cables and are built strong and durable. Because of how they’re made, they’re able to withstand being submerged in sewage or debris-filled water. They can operate deep inside a well.

Why do I need a submersible pump?

You will need a good sump pump if you are working on a construction site, especially if you are in an area that receives heavy rainfall. No matter how much you sing for it, the rain will come again another day! If sewage is blocking your way, you’ll be glad you had a submersible pump available to help. Pumping that sewage out is a lot easier than grabbing some shovels and removing it that way

No matter your worksite, if there’s a chance you’ll ever have water, dirt, gravel, sand, or something similar accumulate in the lower levels, you should have a pump on hand.

Submersible pumps are useful for road construction. These projects often cover areas that dip down, creating a holding place for water. They’re excellent for construction projects with basements, where flooding can occur. If a storm or flood rolls in before your basement “pit” has a ceiling, you’ll be grateful you had a submersible pump. Just grab your pump, use it to remove any water and/or sediments that have gotten in your way, then keep on working.

Submersible pumps aren’t only versatile, they’re practical. If you think you’ll ever have a need for one, they’re a great purchase to make.

Even if you think you may never need one, it’s not a bad idea to have one on hand. You never know when fluids or sediments might interfere with your construction plans.

What are the different types of sump pumps? 

There are two types of sump pumps: submersible pumps and pedestal pumps. Submersible pumps operate while being totally submerged. Pedestal pumps, however, stay outside of the water. They use pipes to reach the water and pump it out. Both types of sump pumps sit down in a “sump,” or an area where water or other fluids accumulate, and pump it elsewhere. Submersible sump pumps are more efficient, more powerful. They can pump away debris and aggregate more easily than a pedestal pump.

How do I choose a sump pump?

When choosing a submersible pump, there are are several things you’ll need to take into consideration. Not all submersible pumps are created equal!

What can my sump pump do?

The amount of water and/or aggregate you’ll be moving, how quickly you need it moved, and how far away you want it to be moved are all things to consider when selecting the right sump pump. Do you need to pump small materials out, as well as water? Make sure you choose a pump that is capable of removing aggregate.

Height capabilities should be on your mind as well. This refers to how high your pump can raise water. You’ll want to make sure your pump of choice can get the unwanted water well out of the sump. For example, if you need the pump to get water out of a twenty-five-foot-deep hole, make sure the pump has a head pressure of at least twenty-five.

Are diesel or electric sump pumps better? 

Pumps can be either electric or diesel-powered. There is no simple answer to which one is better; it is more a question of which one is more appropriate for your worksite. Make sure you know what power options you’ll have available at your worksite. Besides choosing which power source is more suitable for you, ensure the length of the cords and cables of your pump are correct. This is essential. You don’t want to be relying on multiple extension cords. 

If you decide to purchase a pump, consider the options available and pick one that most closely meets your needs.

To learn more about the submersible pumps we have on offer, fill out our contact form today.