Dec 09

Puget Sound Equipment

A guide to selecting submersible pumps

by Puget Sound Equipment

Three types of submersible pumps

Submersible pumps fall into three categories:

  1. Manual
  2. Automatic
  3. Vertical Rigid Automatic

Each functions slightly differently. Manual pumps can be switched on and off at the power point by the user. Automatic pumps, which are the traditional style, turn on automatically when the water rises to an appropriate level. This is achieved via a floating switch, attached to a swinging arm Vertical rigid automatic pumps also switch on in response to rising water levels, but can function in shallower water than that demanded by a traditional automatic pump. Moreover, being comprised of a cylindrical tube containing magnets, rigid automatic pumps do not require external moving parts. They never become "stuck" and are known for their reliability.

Materials and manufacturing

When selecting a submersible pump, one of the crucial issues to consider is quality of materials and workmanship. Durable, resilient pumps are usually made of high quality stainless steel, cast iron or hard plastic. On that note, buying from a trustworthy company is a must. Puget Sound Equipment Sales has a reputation for consistency and expertise, and has been in the business for years. We are highly experienced in stocking and distributing pumps and understand your specific situation better than those whose knowledge is limited.

Some tips for making the right choice

  1. Check the "rated" specs.
  2. Determine the lowest and highest points that the related water will reach, and draw an imaginary vertical line between them.
  3. Compare the length of this line with the pump's specs. If this comparison reveals that the pump selected will be able to access the amount of water flow necessary to its successful functioning, then you're heading in the right directions.
  4. Decide which category of pump (of the three previously discussed) will suit you best.

Puget Sound Equipment Sales includes spec sheets with all of our listed pumps for your ease of selecting a pump.

Reposted from A guide by 4pumps