Pump Know-How: What is a Puddle Pump?
A puddle pump (or puddle sucker) is a submersible pump used to drain low-level water from flat surfaces. Unlike water pumps, puddle pumps do not need to be fully underwater in order to work, making them ideal for pumping nuisance water as well as flood defence.
Let’s take a closer look at what a puddle pump is and how they are different from traditional submersible water pumps, a common source of confusion! We’ll also examine the different applications they can be used for and touch on some of the most important things to consider when selecting one.
What is a Puddle Pump?
Often called a puddle sucker or residue pump, a puddle pump is a type of submersible pump used to pump and reduce excess water from indoor and outdoor flat surfaces such as floors, cellars, basements, flat roofs, etc.
Unlike a traditional submersible water pump, puddle pumps are capable of pumping water down to very low levels without burning out or overheating. No chamber or sump is needed in order to use them, making them ideal for quick deployment in a wide variety of flood water and emergency response situations.
Puddle pumps provide a fast, economical and flexible solution for controlling nuisance groundwater and flooding caused by rainfall, leaks and spillage. The fact that puddle pumps such as the T-T PuddlePal can pump liquids down to as little as 1mm while still offering the capacity to pump good volumes of water means they are perfect for flood protection and emergency response situations where quick deployment is critical.
In addition, puddle pumps are very portable and can be easily moved if required, being able to be placed straight into the water and being able to function properly even when not completely submerged. Equally, they can be fully underwater, making them extremely versatile.
How Do Puddle Pumps Work?
Puddle pumps or suckers work by using centrifugal force to transport the water away from the location. A seal and volute in the base of the pump allows for low-level pumping, meaning they can pump as low as 1mm. An integrated non-return valve prevents water backflow.
Puddle suckers may be manual or automatically controlled using accessories such as the PumpPal and LevelPal. If automation is required to turn the pump on and off, take a look at the PalPack Dewatering Set. This consists of a PuddlePal, PumpPal and LevelPal for level control.
Selecting the Best Puddle Pump for Your Application
There are many different models of puddle pumps available on the market, with differing power outputs, discharges, etc.
Some of the most important questions to ask yourself are:
- What is the application(s)?
- What depth of water will you be pumping?
- What is the water volume being handled?
- How quickly do you need to pump the water?
- Do you require manual or automatic pumping?
T-T Pumps offers a comprehensive range of puddle pumps and accessories, ranging from the PuddlePal Junior, a portable pump with an intake from 15mm and suction down to 1mm, through to the PuddlePal SS/316 designed for harsh conditions. The popular midrange PuddlePal 2” Puddle Pump is offered in several different versions for many applications.
For automatic pumping, T-T offers the PumpPal and LevelPal - also available as part of the PalPack Set.
Did you know it’s also possible to convert your PuddlePal into a Liberator drainage pump - or vice versa? If you’re looking to maximise your pump applications, take a look at our Conversion Kits.
Need help selecting the best puddle pump? Call our friendly team on +44 (0)1630 64700.
A puddle pump (or puddle sucker) is a submersible pump used to drain low-level water from flat surfaces. Unlike water pumps, puddle pumps do not need to be fully underwater in order to work, making them ideal for pumping nuisance water as well as flood defence.
Let’s take a closer look at what a puddle pump is and how they are different from traditional submersible water pumps, a common source of confusion! We’ll also examine the different applications they can be used for and touch on some of the most important things to consider when selecting one.
WHAT IS A PUDDLE PUMP?
Often called a puddle sucker or residue pump, a puddle pump is a type of submersible pump used to pump and reduce excess water from indoor and outdoor flat surfaces such as floors, cellars, basements, flat roofs, etc.
Unlike a traditional submersible water pump, puddle pumps are capable of pumping water down to very low levels without burning out or overheating. No chamber or sump is needed in order to use them, making them ideal for quick deployment in a wide variety of flood water and emergency response situations.
Puddle pumps provide a fast, economical and flexible solution for controlling nuisance groundwater and flooding caused by rainfall, leaks and spillage. The fact that puddle pumps such as the T-T PuddlePal can pump liquids down to as little as 1mm while still offering the capacity to pump good volumes of water means they are perfect for flood protection and emergency response situations where quick deployment is critical.
In addition, puddle pumps are very portable and can be easily moved if required, being able to be placed straight into the water and being able to function properly even when not completely submerged. Equally, they can be fully underwater, making them extremely versatile.
How do PuddlePumps work?
Puddle pumps or suckers work by using centrifugal force to transport the water away from the location. A seal and volute in the base of the pump allows for low-level pumping, meaning they can pump as low as 1mm. An integrated non-return valve prevents water backflow.
Puddle suckers may be manual or automatically controlled using accessories such as the PumpPal and LevelPal. If automation is required to turn the pump on and off, take a look at the PalPack Dewatering Set. This consists of a PuddlePal, PumpPal and LevelPal for level control.
SELECTING THE BEST PUDDLE PUMP FOR YOUR APPLICATION
There are many different models of puddle pumps available on the market, with differing power outputs, discharges, etc.
Some of the most important questions to ask yourself are:
- What is the application(s)?
- What depth of water will you be pumping?
- What is the water volume being handled?
- How quickly do you need to pump the water?
- Do you require manual or automatic pumping?
T-T Pumps offers a comprehensive range of puddle pumps and accessories, ranging from the PuddlePal Junior, a portable pump with an intake from 15mm and suction down to 1mm, through to the PuddlePal SS/316 designed for harsh conditions. The popular midrange PuddlePal 2” Puddle Pump is offered in several different versions for many applications.
For automatic pumping, T-T offers the PumpPal and LevelPal - also available as part of the PalPack Set.
Did you know it’s also possible to convert your PuddlePal into a Liberator drainage pump - or vice versa? If you’re looking to maximise your pump applications, take a look at our Conversion Kits.
Need help selecting the best puddle pump? Call our friendly team on +44 (0)1630 64700, email pumpsales@ttpumps.com or complete our online enquiry form.
