Dirty water pump

  • Handles tough water conditions
  • Automatic operation (with float switch models)
  • Reliable and versatile performance
  • Cannot drain an area completely dry

Need to drain dirty water fast? A dirty water pump is perfect for moving water that’s mixed with things like sand or mud. This type of pump can handle solid matter and wastewater. It’s a reliable tool for draining dirty water before it causes damage. You can use it for many jobs, from flooded basements to construction sites.

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What is a dirty water submersible pump?

A dirty water submersible pump is made to drain dirty or wastewater. “Dirty” means the water is no longer clear. It can contain things like sand, soil, leaves, and small pieces of debris. Think of it as water that isn’t clean but also isn’t a thick, heavy mud. These pumps sit directly in the water to remove it efficiently. 

When to use a dirty water submersible pump

Dirty water pumps are incredibly flexible. You can use them for many tasks at home or for professional jobs. 

These submersible pumps are perfect for:

  • Flooded areas: like basements filled with wastewater. 

  • Outdoor needs: draining gardens, ponds, swimming pools, or flooded outdoor spaces. 

  • Construction sites: removing groundwater from excavations, so work can continue. 

  • Challenging spaces: such as crawl spaces or for use in the shipping industry. 

Sometimes you don’t realize you need a dirty water pump until the dirty water arrives. That’s why having one nearby is a smart move. 

How a dirty water submersible pump works 

Understanding how a dirty water pump works is quite simple. 

  1. Placement: First, you place the pump directly into the water you want to remove. 

  2. Suction and impeller: At the bottom of the pump, there’s a part called a suction grid. Inside, a powerful spinning blade, called an impeller, draws in the dirty water. 

  3. Handling solids: The impeller is designed to not only pull in water but also to break down solid bits like sand, mud, or small debris that are in the water. This stops the pump from getting clogged. 

  4. Discharge: once the water and broken down solids are inside, the pump pushes them out through an outlet. You connect a hose or pipe to this outlet to send the dirty water away from your area. 

Important to note: A dirty water pump cannot drain an area completely dry, unlike some pumps made for clean water. This is because it needs a little space at the bottom to draw in and process those solid particles without blocking. It leaves a small amount of water behind. 

Key features: how to choose your dirty water submersible pump

When you’re choosing a dirty water pump, it’s helpful to know its main features. These details help you pick the best pump for your needs. 

Maximum delivery head (how high can it pump?):

This is an important feature to pay attention to because it tells you how high the pump can push the water upwards. 

Why it matters: If you need to pump water from a deep basement up to ground level, or even higher, you’ll need a pump with a high delivery head. But if you’re only pumping water over a short distance or just moving it across a flat area, a pump with a lower delivery head might be all you need. Selecting the right delivery head ensures your pump works efficiently for your specific task. 

Pump capacity (how much water can it move?): 

This feature tells you how much water the pump can move in a specific amount of time, like litres per hour. 

Why it matters: This is really important if you need to drain a large area quickly, such as a big flooded basement, garden, or a construction site. For these bigger tasks, you’ll want a pump with a high pump capacity. If you only have a smaller job, like emptying a rain barrel or draining a small puddle, a pump with a lower capacity will work perfectly well. 

Material of the pump (what’s it made of): 

Dirty water pumps can be made from different materials, like strong plastic or stainless steel. 

Why it matters: The material directly affects how tough and long-lasting your pump will be. If you plan to use the pump often, or in very harsh water conditions (like water with lots of chemicals or abrasive particles), a stronger material like stainless steel might be a much better choice for it to last longer. 

Float switch (for automatic switch): 

Many dirty water pump come with a part called a float switch. This switch looks like a small, floating ball. 

Why it matters: A float switch makes the pump turn on and off by itself based on the water level. The pump will start when the water rises and stop when it goes down. This means hello dry-running protection and goodbye manual watching. Plus, you can typically adjust when the pump turns on and off to fit your specific needs. 

Type of water and solids it can handle 

Not all dirty water pumps can handle the same “dirty” water or the same size of solids. 

Why it matters: Most of our dirty water pumps can handle solid particles up to about 25-30 mm. These are great for everyday tasks like draining rainwater, emptying a pond, or draining a crawl space. 

However, if you need to pump water that contains very large solid particles, like sewage or faecal matter, you will need a special heavy-duty pump. These pumps can handle solid particles from 35 mm up to 50 mm. Our DAB FEKA models are specially designed for this kind of dirty work, built tougher to prevent clogging. Make sure to match the pump’s ability to the type of dirty water you need to drain. 

Need help choosing your dirty water submersible pump?

Selecting the right dirty water pump can sometimes feel tricky with all the options available. No matter if you’re dealing with a flooded basement, a muddy garden, or a large construction site, we have a pump that’s perfect for your needs. 

If you’re unsure which model is best for you, please don’t hesitate to contact our customer service team. Our experts are ready to give you personalized advice to help you find the exact dirty water pump that fits your situation. 

Frequently asked questions

What is the difference between a clean and dirty water pump?

The main difference is the type of water each pump is designed to handle. 

  • A clean water pump is made for draining clean water, meaning water with no dirt, sand, or solid bits. 

  • A dirty water pump, however, is built to drain water that contains dirt, sand, leaves, or other solid particles. 

It’s important to know that most regular pumps cannot handle dirty water. While a dirty water pump can drain clean water, its special design makes it best for tackling water with solids. 

What does a dirty water pump do?

A dirty water pump helps you remove water that is not clean. This means water that is muddy, brown, or contains solid bits like sand, dirt, or leaves. 

These pumps are perfect for situations, such as:

  • Draining a flooded basement or crawl space. 

  • Emptying a dirty swimming pool or pond. 

  • Handling tougher jobs like draining water from a construction site. 

No matter the type of dirty water you face, a dirty water pump can quickly drain and clear it away from your home or garden. 

How to maintain and clean a dirty water pump?

Keeping your dirty water pump in good condition is easy and helps it last longer. After using the pump, it’s a good idea to clean the part that handles the water. Simply rinse it with clean water using a hose through its outlet connection to remove any dirty or small bits left inside. 

During the cold winter months, you must project your pump from freezing. Make sure to take the pump out of the water, empty all the water from inside, and store it in a dry space that won’t freeze. This is important because freezing water can expand and damage the pump. 

What is the minimum water level a dirty water pump can drain down to?

A dirty water pump cannot drain an area completely dry. Because these pumps are built to handle solid particles like sand and mud, they need a little space at the bottom to draw in and process these materials without getting blocked. 

This means that a dirty water pump will always leave a small layer of water behind, usually a few centimetres (an inch or two), on the surface. The exact minimum level can differ slightly between different pump models. If you need to drain an area almost completely dry (like a puddle), you would need a special ‘flat suction’ or puddle pump, which is designed for clean water.