How to Choose a Submersible Pump
Submersible pumps serve as sump pumps, pond pumps and well pumps. But differences between pumps exist, so you must know what to look for. You must consider differences in construction, and you must also identify powerful pumps from the less-powerful ones. From the smallest to the largest submersible pump, if you follow a few simple guidelines, you will choose the submersible pump to fit your individual needs. Does this Spark an idea?
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Instructions
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Instructions
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1
Decide the purpose of your submersible pump. For instance, if you use it for pumping well water, you'll need a narrow diameter of 3 to 5 inches. If you use it to pump ground water or to clear a flooded basement (sump pump), you'll need one rated with a high "gallon per minute" (GPM) because you'll want to clear floodwater quickly.
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Decide how many gallons per minute (GPM) you need. For instance, manufacturers rate submersible pumps according to the number of gallons per minute they can move. Higher GPM indicates a pump able to move larger volumes of water. The GPM ranges from 4 to 25. A small pond might require 5. A large waterfall or a sump pump might require 20.
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3
Compare the housing material. For instance, submersible pumps go under water, so you'll want one made of a non-corrosive alloy. Bronze-alloy or stainless-steel housings resist corrosion and can last for many years. Avoid sheet metal, which rusts.
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Determine the length of the power cord you will need. Using an extension cord with a submersible pump creates a fire hazard, so you need to select a pump with the right length of cord. Lengths range from 2 to 25 feet.
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Compare features. For instance, one popular feature, an automatic switch, detects water levels and starts immediately.
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Compare prices. Costs for submersible pumps range from $30 to $100. A savings of 10 or 15 percent can add up.
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Measure the "Maximum Head," which indicates the vertical distance a pump can push water. A submersible pump used to clear flood water in a basement might need a maximum head of 5 or 10. A pond, depending on its depth, might need a maximum head of 20. A submersible pump used in a well might need a maximum head of 75 or 100 or more.
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Compare warranties, which vary widely from 90 days to three years. Select a pump from a company that stands behind its product.
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