Ideal for basement drainage, our range of sump pumps are designed, engineered and manufactured to give the user a durable and long-life product that is fully repairable and, as always, an excellent investment. All submersible pumps supplied by us are rated to IP68 and use a mechanical seal for superior motor protection.
Sump pumps – AKA small submersible pumps – are designed to protect low-lying areas in homes and businesses from flooding caused by heavy rain and ice thaw. They get their name from the sumps they are installed in, pits where flood and nuisance water collects to be pumped to the nearest sewer or drainage system.
Sump pumps can be run manually or automatically – automatic small submersible pumps have level control units like a float switch that will turn the pump on and off as water levels in the sump rise and fall.
Our sump pumps are generally maintenance-free under normal operating conditions, however they should be flushed with clean water immediately after use with any liquids other than water or liquids containing heavy solids, as a dirty suction strainer can inhibit the pump’s flow rate.
We recommend that you complete an inspection of your sump pump at least once a year, more if you are pumping muddy or sandy water. Before undertaking any pump inspections, ensure the electrical supply is switched off or isolated and that the pump has been flushed with clean water, exercise caution as sharp edges will be accessible within the pump and rinse all components in clean water after dismantling.
Sump pump checklist:
Check that the cable entry is watertight and that the cables are not bent sharply or pinched.
Check the impeller, pump housing and neck ring for signs of wear, replace parts as necessary.
Turn the pump shaft by hand to check the condition of ball bearings – replace the ball bearings if operation is noisy or heavy.
Check the pump’s power consumption is as expected, if it is higher than it should be this could indicate a blockage or mechanical issue that the pump is trying to compensate for – this can lead to overheating and overload damage.
Check the level and condition of the pump’s oil – if it is greyish white it contains water and the shaft seal needs replacing. Replace the oil after 3000 hours of operation, use vegetable oil.
Sump Pump FAQs
Do sump pumps need to be ATEX rated?
For most applications, sump pumps do not need to be ATEX rated.
ATEX ratings indicate how well electrical equipment, such as a small submersible pump, can protect against explosions in hazardous environments where gas, vapour and dust are present.
Because sump pumps are designed primarily for use in domestic and small commercial settings it is highly unlikely that they will be placed in an explosive atmosphere where an ATEX rating is needed.
How do sump pumps work?
Water collects in a sump placed at the lowest point in the ground.
A level control unit rises with water levels within the sump and starts the pump.
The sump pump moves the water under pressure to the nearest sewage or drainage system.
The level control unit falls with water levels within the sump and stops the pump.
No – sump pumps can’t be used as sewage pumps due to the risk of blockage as they are not designed to handle large or fibrous solids, however sewage pumps can be used as sump pumps. Small submersible pumps remove floodwater to keep low-lying areas such as basements and cellars dry, so they are generally designed to handle clear or grey water.
Some sump pumps, like the Goliath Super, have impellers with free passage to allow smaller solids found in floodwater to pass through, but this is not enough for the solids present in sewage.
Yes – sump pumps are designed specifically to handle clear or greywater found in domestic and small commercial settings. Greywater is water from sinks, baths, washing machines and other household appliances and generally has a very low solids content that is suitable for sump pumps.
How long do sump pumps last?
A sump pump will last for many years, but its total operational life will depend on how hard it is working and the level of maintenance it receives.
For small submersible pumps that handle muddy or sandy water, wear parts such as seals and bearings will degrade more quickly and require more regular servicing in order to maximise their lifespan.
Sump pumps in less difficult applications, such as clearing rainwater from a cellar, will require less regular servicing to maintain their efficiency and will last longer overall.