Submersible Drainage Pumps vs Pedestal Sump Pumps

Want to learn more about submersible drainage pumps? Wondering what advantages they hold over pedestal sump pumps? This guide explains how each type of pump works and what it is used for, before discussing the advantages and disadvantages of both.

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Submersible drainage pumps are designed to remove water from a specific building or area. They typically consist of a motor and an impeller, housed within a waterproof casing. The motor drives the impeller, which creates suction and moves the liquid through the pump and out of a discharge pipe.

Submersible drainage pumps come in a variety of sizes and capacities, allowing them to be used for different purposes. They are also available with a range of different features, such as automatic shut-off switches and float switches, which can help to protect the pump from damage, as well as preventing damage to the area being drained.

Submersible pumps are a type of industrial pump which serve to remove water or other liquids from an area below ground level. They are designed to be fully submerged in the liquid they are pumping, which allows them to operate more efficiently and more quietly than traditional pumps that are placed outside of the liquid.

Submersible drainage pumps are commonly used to remove water from basements, pools and other areas where water might accumulate.

Whilst submersible drainage pumps boast many advantages, they also have a few downsides and may not be the best choice in all situations. For instance, submersible drainage pumps can constitute a significant investment, costing a little more than traditional pumps, particularly when you opt for pumps with a higher capacity or specialised features.

Nevertheless, the advantages these pumps boast over traditional pumps, combined with the fact that they are more energy-efficient and require less maintenance overall, means the initial investment will soon pay off over time.

Another potential disadvantage of submersible drainage pumps is that they can be more difficult to service and repair when underwater. However, they tend to require less maintenance than other types of pumps, so this shouldn’t be too much of an issue.

Unfortunately, submersible drainage pumps are also not designed for long-distance or uphill pumping, so if this is something you require, you may want to look into a different type of pump with a more powerful suction head. Likewise, if you need a high level of control over the amount of liquid that your submersible drainage pump is taking in, a more accurate type of pump may be best.

It’s also important to avoid pumping any highly abrasive or corrosive liquids using your submersible drainage pump.

Pedestal sump pumps are designed to remove water from sump pits in basements or crawl spaces. They are called pedestal pumps because the motor is mounted on a pedestal that stands above the sump pit, while the pump itself sits in the pit and is connected to the motor by a shaft.

The pump operates using an impeller to draw water from the sump pit, pushing it through a discharge pipe to the outside of the building. Pedestal sump pumps are typically smaller and less expensive than submersible pumps, but they also have some limitations. For example, they are not designed to be fully submerged in water and require more maintenance due to their exposed motor.

Pedestal sump pumps are best suited for situations in which the sump pit is shallow or where there is limited space for a submersible pump. They can also be a good choice for DIY installations, as they are relatively easy to install and service. However, they may not be the best choice for areas in which noise and aesthetics are important, as the exposed motor can be loud and unsightly.

Although pedestal sump pumps may be noisy and visible to the eye, they do boast several advantages.

Affordable:

Pedestal sump pumps are typically less expensive than submersible pumps, making them a more cost-effective option for homeowners on a budget.

Long life:

Because the motor is not submerged in water, pedestal pumps tend to have a longer lifespan than submersible pumps.

Better for shallow sump pits:

Pedestal pumps are better suited for sump pits that are shallower than 24 inches, while submersible pumps require a deeper sump pit.

It is worth noting that pedestal sump pumps also have some potential disadvantages, including being less attractive, posing a higher risk of clogging and having a limited ability to pump large volumes of water. Indeed, pedestal sump pumps typically have a lower pumping capacity than submersible pumps.

What’s more, because the motor is located above the sump pit, they tend to be louder than submersible pumps, which are submerged in water and tend to operate more quietly.

The exposed motor of a pedestal sump pump also makes them more vulnerable to damage from moisture, dust and other environmental factors. Their external position also makes them more prone to overheating than submersible pumps, especially when located in a hot or humid environment.

Both submersible drainage pumps and pedestal sump pumps can be used to remove water from a sump pit or drainage basin. However, they differ in several key ways. Whilst submersible drainage pumps should be used for heavy-duty drainage in basements, sewage systems and other industrial settings, since they can handle high volumes of water, pedestal sump pumps tend to work best for light-duty and residential drainage.

Indeed, they are better suited to shallow sump pits and smaller basements.

Submersible drainage pumps are typically more efficient and longer lasting than pedestal pumps. They can be fully submerged in water, making them less prone to clogging, as well as meaning they run more quietly. Nevertheless, they can be more expensive than pedestal pumps and may require more maintenance if used in dirty or corrosive environments.

Although pedestal pumps are easier to maintain than submersible pumps, they are also more prone to clogging. This makes them less efficient and means they have a shorter lifespan than submersible pumps.