A Complete Guide to Submersible Pumps

Submersible pumps are used everywhere. In homes, fields, and even factories. They stay under the water and keep working quietly. People rely on them to lift water from borewells, tanks, and pits. Knowing what is submersible pumps and how they really work helps when picking one or fixing a problem.

What is Submersible Pumps 

A submersible water pump sits completely underwater. The motor and the pump stay inside one body, sealed tight so no water gets inside. It pushes water upward instead of pulling it. That’s why it’s more efficient and needs less effort.

No priming, no air leaks. The water around it keeps it cool while it runs. These pumps are used in wells, tanks, and boreholes. Simple design, low noise, and good pressure - that’s what makes them useful.

How Submersible Pump Works 

Inside the pump, the motor turns a small rotating part called an impeller. The impeller throws water out with force. The pressure pushes the water upward through the pipe.

Since the unit stays underwater, suction problems don’t happen. The water keeps it cool while it runs. That’s why these pumps can stay on for hours. You’ll notice they don’t get hot quickly like surface pumps.

It stays underwater while running

A submersible pump doesn’t work from outside the water. It sits inside it. When power reaches the pump, the motor begins running right where the water already is. Everything happens below the surface, quietly, without pulling water from a distance. This placement changes how efficiently water can be moved upward.

Movement begins inside the pump

Once the motor starts, something inside begins to rotate. The rotation doesn’t look dramatic, but it changes how water behaves around it. The water nearby reacts immediately, moving along with the motion instead of resisting it. This internal movement is steady rather than sudden or jerky.

Water moves upward naturally

The pump doesn’t suck water up like surface pumps do. Instead, the moving parts push water upward through pressure. As the pump is already at the source, lifting the water becomes easier and more stable, especially from deeper levels. This reduces strain compared to traditional pumping methods.

Air doesn’t cause interruptions

Since the pump is always surrounded by water, air never enters the system. There’s no waiting, no priming, and no gaps in flow. The pump just starts and continues, as long as power is available and water surrounds it. This consistency helps avoid sudden stoppages during operation.

Water keeps things from heating up

While the pump is running, the surrounding water slowly absorbs the heat produced by the motor. Nothing special needs to be added for cooling. This natural contact helps the pump stay at a safe temperature during long working hours. It also supports longer motor life over time.

Working Principle of Submersible Pumps 

The working principle of submersible pumps is simple. Electrical power goes to the motor. The motor creates motion. The motion spins the impeller. The impeller builds pressure and pushes the water out.

All of this happens in a sealed casing, so the motor never touches water. It keeps running smoothly under the surface. That’s the reason these pumps can last for years.

1. Conversion of Electrical to Mechanical Energy 

The submersible pump starts with electric power. The motor inside converts that electrical energy into motion. The rotor spins at high speed, creating mechanical rotation. This motion is the base force that drives everything else in the pump.

2. Role of the Impeller in Water Movement 

Connected to the motor shaft is an impeller. When the rotor turns, the impeller also spins. The curved blades push water outward with force. That movement builds up pressure inside the casing, and the water starts moving upward through the pipe.

3. Pressure Creation and Discharge Flow 

As the impeller throws water out, pressure rises in the housing. The pressure difference between the inlet and outlet makes the water flow steadily. This is how the pump pushes water to the surface even from great depths.

4. Sealed Design and Cooling Effect 

Every part of the motor and impeller sits inside a sealed casing. The tight seal keeps water away from electrical parts. The surrounding water also acts as a coolant, absorbing heat and helping the motor stay at a safe temperature during long operation.

Types of Submersible Pumps 

There are a few types of submersible pumps. Each one has its own use.

• Borewell Submersible Pump: Deep wells and underground sources. This one shows up where water is deep underground. It’s long, narrow, and built to sit quietly inside a borewell for years. Once lowered, it’s rarely seen again. It keeps pushing water up daily, often without anyone thinking about how far below the surface it actually is.

• Open Well Pump: For shallow wells or tanks. Open well pumps are used where water is easy to reach. They don’t need to be long or complex. You will often find them in homes with open wells or tanks. They switch on, move water, and switch off- simple, familiar, and easy to manage.

• Sewage Pump: Moves dirty or waste water. This pump deals with water most people don’t want to think about. It moves wastewater that isn’t clean and may contain solids. Because of that, it’s built tougher. These pumps are usually hidden away, doing their job quietly so drainage systems don’t back up.

• Dewatering Pump: Used in construction and flooded places. Dewatering pumps are brought in when water becomes a problem. Construction sites, flooded basements, or pits use them temporarily. Once the water is gone, the pump is removed. It’s less about long-term installation and more about solving an immediate, unwanted situation.

• Fountain Pump: Small one, mostly decorative. Fountain pumps are small and simple. They are not about pressure or depth. Their job is just to keep water moving so a fountain or pond looks alive. These pumps usually run quietly in the background, adding movement without drawing much attention to themselves.

Same idea, different jobs. That’s how these types are divided.

Which Submersible Pump is Best 

So, which submersible pump is best? The answer depends on what’s needed. The best one for a home may not suit a farm. For small houses, single-phase models of 1 or 1.5 HP work well. For farms, bigger three-phase pumps are better.

If water is muddy, go for stainless steel. For clean water, normal ones work fine. The best pump is the one that matches your water and your setup.

The best submersible pump for home use should save power, lift enough water, and last long. Most houses use 1 HP or 1.5 HP models. They can lift water from about 150 feet deep. Good pumps come with safety features - dry-run protection, automatic shut-off, and voltage guards. That’s what makes them reliable for daily use.

Submersible Pump Starter

A submersible pump starter helps control the motor when it starts. At the start, motors pull high current. The starter keeps that current safe. It also protects from overload and short circuits. Without it, the motor can burn out early.

Newer starters come with buttons, indicator lights, and relays. It’s a small box but a big safety part.

Single Phase Submersible Pump Controller

A Single phase submersible pump controller runs home pumps safely. It controls voltage, prevents dry running, and protects against overload. Many have small lights to show ON, OFF, or fault status. Some even stop the pump automatically when water goes below a level. It keeps the motor healthy and reduces manual checking.

How to Connect a Submersible Water Pump 

Knowing how to connect a submersible water pump helps during setup.

1. Fix the delivery pipe to the outlet firmly.

2. Tie the cable along the pipe neatly.

3. Add a nylon rope for lowering.

4. Lower the pump carefully into the well or tank.

5. Connect the wires to the control box.

6. Test it briefly before running full-time.

Always make sure the joints are sealed and wires dry.

What is a Submersible Pump Used For 

You’ll find these pumps used for many jobs. Here’s what is a submersible pump used for most times:

• Drawing groundwater from wells

• Pumping water into tanks

• Irrigation and sprinklers

• Draining basements

• Sewage and wastewater

• Fountains and garden setups

They can handle clean water, dirty water, and even high pressure. Very flexible machines.

Advantages of Submersible Pumps

1. No priming needed- One thing people notice quickly is that submersible pumps don’t need priming. Since the pump is already sitting inside water, it just starts when switched on. There is no waiting or checking. Even after power cuts, it runs the same way, which removes a common frustration seen with surface pumps. This also reduces mistakes during startup in daily use.

2. Works quietly underwater- As everything happens below the water level, most of the sound stays there too. You don’t hear loud motor noise or constant vibration. In homes and residential areas, this makes a difference. Many people forget the pump is running at all because it doesn’t disturb daily activities. This quiet operation feels especially useful during early mornings or nights.

3. Low power use, high efficiency- Submersible pumps don’t waste energy pulling water upward. They push it directly from below. This simple difference improves efficiency over time. Electricity use feels more controlled, especially when the pump runs regularly. People often notice the benefit slowly, not instantly, through steadier power consumption. Long-term usage highlights these savings more clearly.

4. Long life with little care- Once installed, submersible pumps usually don’t need much attention. The surrounding water keeps the motor cool while it runs. With fewer external parts exposed, wear happens slowly. Many pumps keep working for years, with maintenance happening only occasionally rather than frequently. This reliability builds trust over extended daily operation.

5. Compact and easy to fit anywhere- These pumps don’t occupy surface space. They stay hidden inside wells, tanks, or pits. This makes installation easier in tight areas. Since they are not exposed, weather and accidental damage are less of a concern, which adds to their long-term reliability. This hidden placement also keeps surroundings neat and uncluttered.

Maintenance Tips 

A few checks now and then keep it fine.

• Never run it without water.

• Make sure voltage is stable.

• Clean filters if water flow drops.

• Check for loose cables.

• Keep it fully submerged while running.

These small steps keep the motor from burning out.

Common Problems and Fixes 

Most problems are small. Fix them early, and the pump keeps running smooth.

Also Read: What to look for when buying a submersible Pump Starter and Controller

Summary 

Submersible pumps stay underwater and push water upward with pressure. They’re simple, quiet, and built to last. Knowing how submersible pump works, the working principle of submersible pumps, and types of submersible pumps helps in choosing correctly.

With a reliable submersible pump starter, a safe single phase submersible pump controller, and regular checks, the system works year after year. Whether for home, farm, or drainage- these pumps are trusted everywhere water needs to move. You can shop the best quality pumps from the SmartShop of Lauritz Knudsen Electrical & Automation. 

FAQ

Q1. How long does a submersible pump typically last?

Ans. There isn’t a fixed number that people agree on. Some pumps run for years without anyone touching them. Others need attention sooner. It usually depends on how clean the water is, how often the pump runs, and whether it’s pushed too hard. Time matters less than conditions.

Q2. What materials are best for submersible pumps?

Ans. Most people don’t choose a pump by reading material names. They notice later what lasts. Pumps made with stronger metals tend to survive underwater better. Rust resistance matters. Over time, sturdier materials usually mean fewer problems, especially when the pump stays submerged year after year.

Q3. How much electricity does a submersible pump consume?

Ans. Electricity use doesn’t feel sudden or extreme. It depends on size and how long the pump runs. Small home pumps don’t draw much. Bigger ones naturally use more. Most users only notice consumption when usage increases, not during normal daily operation.

Q4. Can submersible pumps be used for agriculture?

Ans. They already are, in many places. Farmers use them because they can run for long hours without stopping. Borewells, fields, and irrigation setups rely on them daily. Once installed, the pump just becomes part of routine farming work, not something checked constantly.

Q5. How do I choose the right HP (horsepower) for a submersible pump?

Ans. Most people don’t calculate this themselves. They look at water depth, required flow, and then ask someone experienced. Too much power wastes energy. Too little causes poor output. The right choice usually comes from balance, not from picking the biggest option available.