Submersible Pump: Definition & Professional Guide
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A submersible pump is a sealed, waterproof pumping unit designed to operate while fully submerged in the fluid it is moving. Submersible pumps push water upward through a discharge pipe rather than relying on suction, which allows them to function at depths where surface-mounted pumps cannot generate adequate lift, making them essential for well water systems, sump pits, and dewatering applications.
Sealed Motor, Impeller Drive & Multi-Stage Well Pump Mechanism
Submersible pumps contain a hermetically sealed motor directly coupled to the pump impeller within a single watertight housing. The surrounding water or fluid serves as both the source medium and the coolant for the motor, which means submersible pumps must never run dry. Operating without fluid causes the motor to overheat and fail, often within minutes.
The pump works by converting rotational energy from the electric motor into kinetic energy through the impeller, which accelerates the fluid outward and upward through the discharge pipe. Multi-stage submersible pumps stack multiple impellers in series to generate the pressure needed for deep-well applications where water must be pushed hundreds of feet vertically.
Submersible pumps are widely used in private well systems, stormwater management, and sump pit dewatering. In regions with a shallow water table, often only 5 to 15 feet below grade, even moderate rainfall can raise groundwater levels enough to require active pumping.
Deep-Well, Sump, Effluent & Sewage Grinder Pump Types
Deep-well submersible pumps are designed for well casings, typically 4 inches in diameter or larger, and can push water from depths exceeding 400 feet. These multi-stage units produce 10 to 25 gallons per minute for residential use.
Sump submersible pumps are compact single-stage units installed in basement or crawlspace sump pits to remove accumulated groundwater. These typically operate on 120-volt circuits and handle 30 to 60 gallons per minute.
Effluent submersible pumps move clarified wastewater from septic tanks to drain fields. They handle relatively clean effluent but are not rated for raw sewage with solids.
Sewage grinder pumps are heavy-duty submersible units with cutting blades that macerate solids before pumping. These are required when plumbing fixtures sit below the sewer main elevation.
Sump Pit, Septic Effluent & Flood Prevention Installation Services
Installing a submersible pump involves sizing the unit to match flow rate and head pressure requirements, connecting the discharge piping, wiring the motor to a control panel with overload protection, and installing a check valve to prevent backflow. Bonded Plumbworks provides sump pump and flood prevention services that include submersible pump installation, replacement, and annual testing.
For properties with septic systems, Bonded Plumbworks’ septic system services team installs and maintains effluent pumps that transfer treated wastewater from the septic tank to the drain field. A failed submersible pump in a septic system can cause sewage backup into the home, making regular inspection essential.
UL 778, NEC Article 430 & State Well Construction Standards
Submersible pumps must comply with UL 778 (Motor-Operated Water Pumps) and the National Electrical Code (NEC) Article 430 for motor branch-circuit protection. The State building codes require check valves on all submersible pump discharge lines to prevent backflow. Well pump installations must also comply with state well construction standards, including sanitary well seals and proper casing, as required by the applicable state environmental or water management agency.
Goulds Xylem, Grundfos SQ, Zoeller Shark & Wayne Float-Switch Models
Goulds Water Technology (Xylem) manufactures the GS series of stainless steel deep-well submersible pumps. Grundfos produces the SQ/SQE series with built-in variable speed drives for constant-pressure operation. Zoeller offers the Shark series of grinder pumps rated for sewage ejection. Wayne produces residential sump submersible pumps with automatic float switch activation.