Pump FAQs
General Pumps
It is recommended to create a small sump or provide a preformed chamber to collect excess water and to enable the positioning of a correctly sized submersible pump. This will discharge flood water at a selected flow rate to the required discharge point.
If pumps are installed by certified contractors and checked for safety before installation, there should be no safety concerns.
A multistage pump is used for high-pressure applications. This may be in a borehole pump, booster set or vertical multistage pump. T-T Pumps has a wide variety of pumps for high-pressure applications
A waste water pump is for pumping water that is not potable or drinkable
There are a number of pumps that can be used for domestic applications - consider the Goliath range or the Zenit Blue Professional
Centrifugal pumps create a vacuum that draws fluid in via a rotating impeller attached to a motor. These pumps are best suited to transferring clear/clean water, potable water and non-abrasive liquids as they are able to generate high flow rates, coming in a range of different sizes for domestic to industrial applications.
Multistage pumps are best for high-pressure applications because they consist of multiple impellers that are arranged in a series of stages within the pump. This adds extra pressure to pumping fluid through each impeller it passes.
Multistage pumps can be found in a number of designs to suit a range of applications:
Lubricant/high-viscous pump - VX Range Multistage Centrifugal pumps
Vertical - MK Series Electric pumps
Horizontal - OP Range Centrifugal Pumps
Electric - 4HS Range Submersible Range
The main difference between horizontal and vertical pumps is the orientation of their shaft - both types of pumps are suited to different applications.
Horizontal pumps are easier to install and maintain than vertical designs because internal parts are straightforward to access, they are best suited to liquid circulation/transfer and general-purpose pumping. Vertical pumps are better for space economy as they take up much less floor space than a horizontal pump, they are designed for higher-pressure applications such as lifting stations and water booster sets.
Your application and specific site demands will determine if a horizontal or vertical pump works best. Contact our in-house experts for advice via email at response@ttpumps.com, through our online enquiry form or by calling +44 (0)1630 647200.
Wastewater pumps are pumps designed to reliably and effectively handle different kinds of wastewater, from suspended solids to domestic and commercial sewage handling.
These pumps generally allow a certain amount of free passage for solids to pass through, preventing blockages in the pump - the bigger the free passage the bigger the solids particles can pass through. Wastewater pumps may also feature extras such as grinder and chopper systems that reduce solids in the pumped liquid to reduce the risk of blockages throughout the system.
T-T stocks a variety of wastewater pumps:
A domestic pump is any pump that is used to boost liquid to or carry liquid away from a home. T-T Pumps has a variety of pumps suitable for a range of different domestic applications*:
- Water boosting - Hidro Domestic Auto Smart Range
- Cellar, basement and other drainage - Sumpy Fully Submersible Drainage Pump
- Clearwater transfer - T-T Well
Find more domestic and other kinds of pumps here.
*For domestic sewage handling, view T-T Pumping Station's range of Low Volume, Domestic & Utility Pumping Stations.
It is recommended to create a small sump or provide a preformed chamber to collect excess water and to enable the positioning of a correctly sized submersible pump. This will discharge flood water at a selected flow rate to the required discharge point.
The term grey water refers to wastewater, without faecal contamintation, generated on domestic and commercial sites. Grey water can come from sinks, showers, washing machines, dishwashers and other appliances. It is not suitable for drinking without being treated first, however it can be used in non-potable applications such as water plants.
Grey water may not come into contact with sewage/effluent, but can be contaminated with chemicals, hair, food particles and other waste products.
Sewage Pumps
Vortex or macerator pumps are generally suitable for sewage applications, howver please contact T-T for advice on your particular application
Not necessarily, grinder systems are suitable when a small diameter rising main must be used or there is a high head to overcome. Also, consider a vortex style pump for sewage which is capable of handling solid waste by breaking it down. Contact T-T Sales Department for guidance
No pump is designed to handle tampons, and stopping them from entering the pump through educating the users of a system and or screening the sewage reaching the pump is best. This being said most sewage pumps are "free passage" types. This means that they allow solids through the pump into the pipework, so if the free passage if large enough it should pass a tampon.
Yes, sewage pumps can be sized and selected to ensure the liquid is transerred at the appropriate distance and head for the application.
Yes, a submersible sewage pump can be used in a sump application. The typical difference between a sewage pump and sump pump is the solids handling. Typically a sewage pump is required to handle larger solid particles whereas a sump pump or drainage pump is used for pumping clear waters. Although all submersible pumps can be used in a sump, they just need to be sized correctly, with the correct starting equipment to fit in the size of the sump.
A sewage pump transports sewerage liquids and solids from one location to another. They are typically used when sewerage can not be moved via gravity.
Sewage pumps usually have a vortex, channel or chopper impeller as these are best suited to handling sewage solids contents, vastly reducing the chance of a pipe blockage and the resulting system failure.
Sewage pumps are centrifugal pumps, meaning they contain a motor that spins an impeller.
The rotating impeller creates a suction that lifts the liquid into the pump and throughout the discharge pipework. Sewage pumps need to have a suitably sized impeller with sufficient free passage to allow the solid particles to pass through the pump body.
Sewage pump blockages can lead to issues such as reduced flow rate, overflowing wet wells, equipment damage and system inefficiencies. There are several ways in which you can reduce the risk of a blockage occurring:
- Do not flush items such as sanitary products, nappies, wet wipes, etc... Read our Waste Disposal Advice brochure for more information and a comprehensive list of items to avoid flushing.
- Regular maintenance by a qualified engineer will extend the overall life and efficiency of your sewage pump, keeping it in optimal working condition and reducing the risk of a blockage.
For peace of mind and trouble-free pumping, call our friendly experts on +44 (0)1630 647200, email response@ttpumps.com or fill in an online enquiry form.
There are a variety of sewage pump designs available, all with different impellers that are suited to different applications:
- Channel impeller - have partially open impellers to allow for solids to pass through, reducing the chance of blockages.
- Vortex Impeller - This impeller design allows up to full bore free passage through the pump. See Zenit's DG Steel.
- Grinder - Pumps with these impellers have cutters and cutting plates for reducing solids prior to being pumped allowing movement of the waste through smaller pipework sizes. See Zenit's GR Blue Professional Range.
- Chopper - Chopper pumps are a more industrial and heavy-duty version of Grinders, generally with a multi-stage chopping system. These heavier, fibrous solid contents like slurry or systems that have a history of ragging or blockages. See Cri-Man's PTO and PTD Series of horizontal chopper pumps.
Drainage Pumps
A drainage pump transports water, sewage and other liquids from one place to another, typically using a layflat hose attached to the inlet and a suction delivery hose attached to the outlet. If installed for long-term use they can have permanent pipework attached. Drainage pumps can be used across domestic, agricultural, commercial and industrial industries, including:
- Flood defense in low-levels of buildings
- Dewatering in agricultural and mining settings
- Transferring wastewater to be treated
- General water extraction
They can either be installed with a float switch to turn on when liquid levels reach a preset level, or they can be set up to work manually whereby they only operate when physically switched on by the user. Drainage pumps come in many different sizes, designs and construction materials, making each one ideal for a different application.
Whether you need a submersible or surface mounted drainage pump is determined by the specific application, factors such as the location of the fluid to be pumped and access to the area restricting which pump can be installed.
For help choosing the best pump for your operation, call T-T's friendly experts on +44 (0)1630 647200, email response@ttpumps.com or fill in our online enquiry form.
Yes, a large number of drainage pumps can be installed permanently as a fixed Installation. This type of installation generally includes an Auto-coupling System, consisting of a pedestal, pump hook, upper bracket and guide rail. This enables the pumps to be moved or removed without having to enter or empty the chamber, making maintenance and cleaning much more efficient.
A drainage pump is used for pumping grey water, which could contain a small amount of debris and solids content. A sewage pump is a pump that has been specifically designed for pumping larger, soft solids from domestic or commercial waste systems, so they will typically have a larger solids handling capacity than a drainage pump.
Potable & Water Boosting Pumps
Also know as drinking water – potable water is water that is safe for human consumption and is used for drinking, cooking, cleaning and any other applications that require hygenic water.
Potable water is treated to be fit for human consumption, clear and clean water are the same - they may look clean but they have not been treated. Clearwater can include any surface/subsurface water that is not sewage, e.g. storm water that can gather in pipes and drains.
The Water Regulations Approvals Scheme (WRAS) is an independent UK certification body that ensures manufacturers of plumbing products and materials are compliant with UK water regulations.
Visit the WRAS website for more information, or read our WRAS FAQs.
A clean water booster set is a pump system for boosting water pressure where there is insufficient flow, this can be caused by a low mains pressure or the height of the property the fluid is being pumped to.
Low flow pressure can lead to insufficient water supply to outlets such as showers, taps and irrigation systems, causing daily inconveniences in domestic and commercial settings.
T-T Pumps has two water booster sets available:
This depends on the size of your application, the geography of the area and factors such as head losses and ancillary equipment. A site with high water demands, a hilly landscape and several water outlets will need a booster set with more pumps to complete the job reliably.
Sizing your booster set should be left to the experts, due to the many factors that can affect the requirements of your application in terms of pressure and flow rate.
For help with choosing the ideal booster set for your application, contact our experts by emailing pumpsales@ttpumps.com; by calling +44 (0)1630 647200; or by filling in our enquiry form.
Alternatively, check out our How-to guide, How-to: Select a Water Booster Set over in our Knowledge Hub for more information.
Booster sets are available in fixed and variable speeds designs:
- Fixed speed booster sets provide a constant pressure based on the maximum flow rate required by a system, this pressure is managed by pumps turning on and off when more or less pressure is required.
- Booster sets with variable speed control drives (VSDs) adjust system pressure in real-time, changing the motor frequency and pump speed in response to fluctuating site demands; providing a more stable flow rate.
T-T's booster sets can be controlled in two different ways:
- Via mechanical pressure switches for fixed speed applications.
- Using the Vasco variable speed control drive to maintain constant pressure during varying flow rate demand.
Find out more about water boosting sets in our expert-written guide, How-to: Select a Water Booster Set, over in our Knowledge Hub.
Industrial Pumps
Industrial pumps work in much the same way as other pumps. The impeller is driven by a motor to transfer liquid from the intake, through the pump and out of the discharge of the pump. Transferring liquid from one place to another.
Industrial pumps are specifically designed for heavy-duty applications, featuring higher-grade construction with hard-wearing materials compared to domestic pumps. This guarantees durability in harsh conditions for, more continuous use and higher flow rates.
Industrial pumps can withstand solid-containing or corrosive fluids thanks to their strong construction materials - typically stainless steel or bronze - ranging from oils, fuels and slurries to chemicals and food products.
Industrial pumps can utilise 110v, 230v or 400v power, although some models may not be available in all variations.
Self-priming pumps are pumps that are capable of achieving and maintaining primed status in the suction leg of a pump system without the aid of an additional priming pump at each start-up. This means that they do not need a separate priming system and are maintainable from the surface.
T-T stocks self-priming pumps for a range of applications:
Self-priming pumps create a partial vacuum to discharge water while also evacuating any air. It does this by combining the air and water during the priming process, forcing the air to rise and the water to sink or go down. Gravity then pulls the air-free water back into the impeller, where it mixes with the remaining air in the suction line.
This process repeats until all air is evacuated and a vacuum forms in the suction line. Once this happens, atmospheric pressure forces the water into the suction line and towards the impeller to allow pumping to begin.
Contractors' Pumps
Contractor pumps include both above and below-ground dewatering pumps, with various designs for dewatering and drainage of different, typically harsh mediums - such as silt-laden applications that would damage a standard drainage pump.
These pumps are designed to be portable but also extra durable, able to withstand tough conditions such as construction sites while still operating effectively.
T-T offers contractor pumps that are powered both electrically and hydraulically:
- Hydraulically driven pumps will need the appropriate hydraulic supply and offer the benefit of not having a motor that can overheat and burn out.
- Electronically driven pumps are more convenient to power, as they can utilise site electricity to run them either via the mains power or a generator.
Choosing the ideal contractor pump for your application depends on many different factors, such as site conditions, application demands, media being pumped and more.
For help choosing the best contractor pump for your application, contact T-T by calling +44 (0)1630 647200; emailing pumpsales@ttpumps.com; or filling in our enquiry form online.
Alternatively, read our How-to Guide, How-to: Select a Contractor Pump, in our Knowledge Hub.
Setting up the T-T Puddlepal is simple!
- Attach and secure the hose to the discharge connection on the top of the Puddlepal.
- Lay the hose to where you would like the pumped water to be removed to (e.g. outside or into an appropriate drain).
- Connect the Puddlepal to a power source, this should be done by a competent electrically qualified person.
- For automatic operation combine with the PumpPal control unit and LevelPal. The LevelPal is a level detection unit that will communicate to the PumpPal when to turn the pump on and off.
- Otherwise, switch the power source on/off to control the Puddlepal manually.
By using a special seal in the base of the pump, puddle pumps can pump to a low level (1mm) using centrifugal force to pump water away.
T-T's Puddlepal can be operated either manually by switching the pump's power source on and off in order to control the operation, or it can be automated with accessories, such as the LevelPal level control unit and PumpPal control unit.
For fully automatic operation, the Puddlepal, LevelPal and PumpPal can be purchased as a set in the PalPack.
A type of pump designed to pump low levels of water. They are fitted with a special seal and volute in the bottom of the unit which enables this low-level pumping.
T-T's Puddlepal and Stainless Steel Puddlepal (for harsh conditions) are able to pump liquid down to a level of 1mm, without needing to be fully submerged in order to operate.
T-T Pump's Kino Titan range is comprised of large contractors' pumps, designed for tough dewatering applications and providing a high head and flow rate. Suitable sites the KT Range can be used on include construction sites, mines, tunnels and emergency situations thanks to their hardwearing construction materials and portable design.
The term head means the height at which a pump can push liquid to vertically - the higher the head means the higher liquid can be pushed by a pump n a system.
T-T's Kino Titan range of contractors' pumps provides high head pumping, up to 140m, which is ideal for effective dewatering in low areas such as mines, wells and tunnels.
Clear Water Pumps
Pumps for clean or potable water are generally constructed with materials suitable for clean water. Where required a WRAS Approval certificate may be needed
Sewage Pumps are not normally suitable for clean water applications due to construction materials. However it may be possible to use a standard specification for transferring the liquid.
Yes, a well pump can freeze, so check the operating and maintenance manual for information on the minimum and maximum operating temperature range.
Well pumps can overheat but cooling is normally provided by the water in the well the pump is submerged in, if you are unsure please speak to our sales department who can advise further.
Well pumps can get clogged, they are designed to handle small bits of grit etc. that may be present in the water in a well and not larger solids.
Yes it is possible to move your well pump if required but uninstalling and reinstalling the pump should only be done by a mechanically trained engineer. T-T Pumps has travelling site engineers as well as a workshop at our site that can help with this.
Well pumps do make noise when they run, however due to being down a well it is unlikely that this will be heard from ground level.
Well pumps are normally rated for coninuous operation, although always check the model specific datasheet to be sure.
There is no set period of time a well pump will last for, although a properly selected and maintained pump will often long outlast the manufacturer's warranty period. We can help with pump selections and servicing through our sales and service departments so please contact us by email or phone.
Your requirement for water and the flow of the well pump will determine the cycle of a well pump, up to and including continous operation. Our sales department can help with bespoke selections including cycle times so please contact us by email or phone.
Our well pumps use an electric motor to rotate the impeller and create centrifugal force that then moves the water from the well to the desired location.
Lubricant & Fuel Pumps
Lubricant pumps are designed to transfer lubricants and oils, typically in industrial settings - this includes tank to tank transfer and waste lubricant removal.
Some fluids that lubricant and fuel pumps can handle include:
- Lubricating oil
- Diesel oil
- Petrol
- Kerosine
- Grease
- Coolants
- Chemicals
- Other viscous fluids
The ideal lubricant pump for your application will be dictated by the fluid you plan to pump, the setting it will be installed in and the required power output of the pump's motor.
Contact our in-house experts for advice via email at response@ttpumps.com; online through our enquiry form; or by calling +44 (0)1630 647200.
Fuel pumps provides a necessary flow of fuel (e.g. petrol or diesel) to an application’s engine so that the system continues to run as expected. Their design make them ideal for this role, featuring durable construction materials and self-priming configurations.
The optimal fuel pump for your application depends on the fluid you plan to pump, the setting it will be installed in and the required power output of the pump's motor.
Contact our in-house experts for advice via email at response@ttpumps.com; online through our enquiry form; or by calling +44 (0)1630 647200.
Gear pumps use rotating gears to transfer fluids. The rotation within the pump casing creates suction and the liquid is drawn into the casing and transferred through to the pumps discharge port.
Umbilical & Slurry Pumps
A high pressure pump that is used for spreading/transporting stored fluids, generally featuring a heavy-duty chopping system that cuts solids and other fibrous materials before pumping to prevent any blockages in the system.
Umbilical pumps are used across many industries for transporting fluids such as oil, wastewater or food products:
• Transporting slurry from storage to fields for fertilising purposes.
• Transfer of liquid from lagoon to lagoon.
T-T’s umbilical pumps are designed for heavy-duty liquid pumping, with the inclusion of choppers to break down large solids.
Slurry pumps use a combination of more free passage within the pump case and a higher torque motor to pump heavier liquids.
The distance you can pump slurry is very much dependent on the pump used and the viscosity of the liquid, small pumps are capable of transferring a few hundred meters whilst some large units can cover over a thousand meters.
For slurry to be pumped, the liquid needs to be conditioned. This can include additional water or a mixer to generate a pumpable liquid.
To mount a slurry pump on a tractor, you will require a frame that can be attached to the three-point linkage at the rear. Once attached, the pump can be driven by a PTO shaft.
Washdown Pumps
A washdown pump works by discharging water, at a higher pressure and flow than the mains water supply to enable washdown.
Ensure the unit is housed in a container, potentially with a heater, in order to prevent the temperature of the pump dropping below the minimum.
To protect a washdown pump from cold weather through the winter, ensure that the unit is housed in a container - with a heater if needed - in order to prevent the temperature of the pump dropping below its minimum.
Grinder, Chopper & Macerator Pumps
While both chopper and macerater pumps will break down fibrous materials, a chopper pump is a heavier-duty option designed for particularly difficult applications such as handling raw slurry. Macerator pumps are aimed at handling softer solids, such as general wastewater.
A submersible pump that has a chopping system built in (such as additional blades or a specialist impeller) is ideal for applications where the head and distance to be pumped are high; the required discharge rates are low; and there are solids present in the medium being transferred that need to be reduced in size.
The chopping mechanism breaks down the medium so that the liquid can be pumped through a smaller bore discharge pipe, therefore retaining pressure within the pipework and reducing the need for larger kW motors. A larger kW motor would be needed to maintain alternative solids handling pump units that do not reduce the solid size, as these systems require bigger bore discharge pipes to prevent blockages.
Proper maintenance of a chopper pump is essential to it operating effectively. When new, the blades of a chopper pump are sharp and efficient, but over time these blades can dull - be it from over or under-exposure to solids. Blade deterioration increases the risk of blockages and system failures.
A macerator pump works by breaking the solid matter suspended in the liquid using a rotating shredder. This rotating system shreds the solids before they are passed through the pump.
A chopper pump is a submersible pump fitted with a cutting system in the suction side of a pump allowing the pump to handle a heavier application.
With the pump isolated, rotate the pump 180° to gain access to the suction side of the pump, inspect for any debris caught up in the mechanism and carefully remove with a suitable tool, rinse with pressured water to clear the loose debris.
A chopper pump can be installed using an auto coupling kit or freestanding base as you would with a standard submersible pump.
The maximum head/lift is listed on the datasheet as with any pump. This is the same for a chopper pump and can be matched to your application by one of our team.
Macerated waste can be pumped. All sewage pumps have a maximum free passage that determines the size of the solid it will freely pass.
A grinder pump is not always required for sewage applications. A grinder pump may only be required should the solid contents need reducing to suit the existing pipe size.
Pump longevity is determined by the service program on-site, for uninterrupted working hours, and regularly scheduled maintenance is highly recommended.
Engine Driven Surface Mounted Pumps
Engine driven pumps are pumps powered by petrol or diesel rather than electricity.
Surface mounted pumps are non submersible pumps that are installed away from the medium that is to be pumped.
Surface mounted pumps are typically compact and portable, making them ideal for use in emergency situations where the fast removal of nuisance water is needed.
Because they are not submersed in liquid, surface mounted pumps are much less likely to experience corrosion or motor damage compared to submersible pumps, which may be installed in aggressive or chemical mediums and therefore have to be constructed from stainless steel or other corrosion-resistant materials; this means surface mounted pumps are often a more cost-efficient choice.
Maintenance and repairs are much easier and safer to undertake on a surface mounted pump when compared with a submersible pump, as they can be worked on without the need for operatives to enter confined or otherwise hazardous spaces in order to reach the pump.
Zenit Pumps
Zenit offes a complete range of submersible sewage, grinder, drainage and chopper pumps, with a motor range of 0.37kW to 355kW.
The ZUG OC from Zenit's UNIQA Series of electric, submersible pumps offers the highest manometric head and flow rate - capable of pumping fluid up to 100 meters vertically and at a rate of 1600 litres a second.
Zenit manufactures its pump bodies and components using a range of construction materials designed for longevity in harsh applications such as sewage handling, including stainless steel, cast iron, cast stainless steel, cast bronze and other special coatings.
Their Special Alloy Series of electric submersible pumps consists of stainless steel and aluminium bronze, meaning they can withstand corrosion in applications handling salt water, chemicals and suspended solids. Browse the Special Alloy Series below:
Zenit designs its pumps to be modular, allowing for easy servicing, maintenance and repair. This gives you maximum utilisation of your pumping equipment and reduces your expenses as pumps can be repaired rather than needing a full replacement.
Zenit pumps purchased from T-T have a warranty of 12 months from date of purchase. As their only UK partner for the last 32 years, our engineers are experts in Zenit's range of pumps and are able to carry out repairs both on-site or in our specialised workshop in Cheshire.
Read more about T-T's comprehensive after-sales services, including Pump Maintenance Packages and Emergency Breakdown Support.
The Zenit range has the most up-to date design and features that give the user confidence and long term reliability.
All Zenit range motors are designed with the goal of achieving the Premium (IE3) efficiency class, according to the EN 60034-30 standard, which guarantees high performance and low energy use.
There are various types of hydraulics available so that pumps can be adapted to perform optimally in any application - such as systems for chopping and grinding suspended solids, or different impeller configurations suitd to handling different mediums (channel, vortex, open, closed and more).
IECEx, ATEX Ex and Premium (IE3) motor efficiency class according to the EN 60034-30 standard.
T-T Pumps Stock the full range of Zenit pumps that are available for same-day and next day delivery. For nonstandard products, lead times will vary - contact our sales team to find out more by calling +44 (0)1630 647200, emailing response@ttpumps.com or completing our online enquiry form here.
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