Submersible Pump
A submersible pump, sometimes referred to as an electric submersible pump, or ESP, is basically a type of pump that is meant to be placed underwater during operation. There are pumps designed to be used fully submerged and there are a few pumps that can be submerged or used out of water. There are different types of submersible pumps including well pumps, sewage pumps, sump pumps and centrifugal pumps. They are able to operate while submerged by protecting their motors from the liquid using a water tight compartment that is filled with oil. A submersible pump can push the liquid to the surface as opposed to a jet pump which pulls liquids such as wastewater to the surface. Because of that fact, submersible pumps are more efficient than jet pumps and they are rated for continuous operation. Model# versions such as the Wayne 4in. submersible or the Flotec 3-wire submersible can be bought in both a 1/2 hp or a 3/4 hp power rating.
Submersible Pump Advantages
Submersible pumps have a number of advantages over above ground pumps including encountering less mechanical problems since they do not have to use suction and pull liquid upwards. For example, submersible pond pumps can last up to 25 years before they ever require any maintenance. Also, they are not subject to cavitation like above ground pumps are, which is a mechanical problem caused by the high elevation of the pump in comparison to the water surface. Submersible pumps, being deep beneath the surface of the water do not suffer damage from cavitation.
When the pump’s pressure switch is activated, the impellers in the pump begin to turn. The rotation of the impellers suck water form the water supply into the pump. The impellers then begin to push the water out of the pump and up the pipe to the water tank. When the pressure switch is deactivated, the impellers stop turning and water stops being pushed to the surface by the pump.
Submersible Pump Features
A typical submersible deep well pump is long and cylindrical in shape and fits inside of a well casing. In modern settings, the well casing is typically found outside the home and is usually connected to the plumbing with a pipe running under your home, lawn or garden. The pipe joins the well pipe using a connector called a pitless adapter. The adapter permits access through the top of the casing to the pump and well piping while routing water from the pump into the plumbing system. The bottom half of the pump is a sealed motor that is connected to a 115v power source that stays above ground and sends electrical currents down to the motor. The power source and the motor are connected by wires. The actual pump is made up of stacked impellers and they are all separated by a diffuser which pushes the water up the discharge pipe. Accessories such as control boxes and float switches are available for unattended operation. The control boxes provide protection from incorrect phasing and voltage fluctuations and the automatic non-mercury float switch turn the pump on and off based on the water level in the tank.
The streamlined and compact design of the pumps make them ideal for wells and other areas where there is limited space. They are pretty easy to install in a house in a residential area. Maintenance is very minimal and consists of inspecting the electrical cord and mechanical seal. You will not encounter the problems that commonly occur with an engine driven submersible pump including noise, emissions, or fuel.