Dirty water pump

Buying a dirty water pump

A dirty water pump is used for draining dirty water/wastewater, such as water that contains sand or solid particles. ‘Dirty’ is a broad concept, but generally it refers to water that is no longer clear or is polluted with sand, soil, leaves, or twigs and so forth. Our rule of thumb is that the water should still be relatively clear and not a thick liquid.

Some models are suitable for draining water that contains faecal matter, and are indicated with ‘FEKA’ in the pump’s name. This type of pump is popularly known as a contractor pump. Our DAB FEKA VS submersible pumps are designed specifically for pumping wastewater and/or sewage water containing ‘very large’ solid particles (faecal matter).

When to use a dirty water pump?

Dirty water pumps are extremely versatile and highly suitable both for domestic and professional use. T.I.P. Maxima and Tallas pumps are an excellent choice for consumers. The same applies to DAB pumps, but their particularly high quality and operational reliability also make them very popular with contractors.

Situations in which dirty water pumps are used include locations where excavations are being carried out, and where groundwater has to be drained before work can be continued, such as construction sites but also in and around the house. However, submersible dirty water pumps are also perfect for use in gardens, crawl spaces, ponds, construction sites, flooded outdoor areas, the shipping industry, and so on.

How does a dirty water pump work?

A dirty water pump works in the following manner. Set up the pump in the water that needs to be drained. Like submersible pumps, the dirty water pump has a suction grid fitted to the bottom, but with an impeller. This is where the water is drawn through, including solid particles, which are crushed by the impeller. The water then runs towards the pump outlet (also referred to as the delivery connection). A discharge hose or pipe is connected to the pump outlet to drain the water.

One disadvantage of dirty water pumps is that they are unable to drain a space or a sump well/sump pit completely dry. Because the pump needs to process very large solid particles, it also needs enough space at the bottom to draw them in so that the pump does not get blocked.

Main features of a dirty water pump

The dirty water pumps on our website are noted for a number of features that improve performance. These include:

• Maximum delivery head

• Pump capacity

• Material of the pump body

• Float

These features are clearly displayed, allowing you to make a well-informed choice on the basis of your specific needs.

How to maintain and clean a dirty water pump

The device requires little maintenance when used correctly. It is advisable to clean the hydraulic part occasionally and to remove any dirt. Simply use a hose to rinse the pump with clean water via its pressure connection.

During the cold winter months, any water left in the pump may freeze, expand, and damage the device. Therefore, the pump should be removed from the water, emptied completely, and stored in a dry place that is free of frost.

Things that need to be considered when using the pump

When using a dirty water pump, several aspects need to be taken into account to guarantee durability and an efficient performance.

Make sure the pump does not exceed the maximum delivery head as specified in the manual. When the pump is in use, it is acceptable if the water level drops to the minimum suction level. If it drops further, however, the pump will no longer be able to draw in water, and there will be a risk of it running dry. Always place the pump on a steady surface and make sure it cannot fall over.

Tip: Only use the handle for placing, lifting, and carrying the dirty water pump. Attach a suitable piece of rope to the handle if you want to lower or lift the pump. Never use the pressure hose, a power cord, or a float cable for this purpose.

What is the use of a float in a dirty water pump?

Dirty water pumps often have a handy float switch, which ensures that the device switches on or off based on the water level. The pump stops automatically when the water level drops or the switch-off level has been reached, and switches back on when the water level rises and the activation level has been reached.

You can easily adjust the switch-on and switch-off levels by shortening or lengthening the float cable. If it is longer, the deactivation level becomes lower and the activation level higher. The opposite happens with a shorter cable: namely, the activation level becomes lower and deactivation level higher.

These adjustments allow you to adapt the float function to circumstances specific to your situation. Make sure the float can move freely, and leave a distance of at least 5 cm from the wall.

If you need help to select the right dirty water pump

If you need help finding an appropriate dirty water pump, the waterpump.co.uk team is here to advise you. Please have a look through our products and contact us for expert advice aimed at helping you to meet your requirements.