Submersible Water Pump Buyer's Guide

Submersible water pumps work underwater and are one of the most popular types of pumps on the market today.

But because there are so many types of submersible pumps on the market, how do you choose a submersible pump for the correct application?

This article will show you the differences between the types of submersible pumps so you can choose exactly the type of submersible water pump you need to get the job done right.

Benefits of Submersible Water Pumps

There are many types of submersible pumps for many different applications, as explained in the next section. 

A submersible water pump's primary benefit is that it does not suffer air leaks in the pump (called pump cavitation). An added benefit of a deep well pump application is that you don't need to worry about priming the well pump because the entire pump operates underwater. Submersible water pumps are also very efficient and are not subject to overheating conditions like above-water pumps.

With the exception of submersible pumps being used for permanent applications such as a pond pump or a deep well pump, smaller submersible utility pumps are portable and lightweight as well, making the pumps extremely convenient to use in hard-to-reach places or small areas like window wells.

Types of Submersible Water Pumps

The sections below explain the uses and applications for each type of submersible water pump. Follow the links to learn more about each type of submersible pump.

Submersible Utility Pumps

Submersible utility pumps can remove standing water, empty clogged sinks, drain window wells, and much more. When choosing a utility pump, the most important factor to consider is portability. Utility pumps are best used in small spaces where other water pumps just won't fit.

The inlet size on the pump will tell you how quickly you can pump the water through the pump and discharge it elsewhere. A utility pump with a float switch (pictured below) is great too because they automate the pump by turning it on and off when water levels change, so you don't have to watch it while it works.

Urgent and semi-regular pumping applications are perfect for utility pumps, as long as the water doesn't have debris or solids in it. Utility pumps are not meant to pump solid items at all, so don't use one for cleaning dirty water with solids, and especially don't use this pump for sewage-type applications.

Submersible Trash Pumps

Another type of portable pump, submersible trash pumps are great because they are as simple to use as attaching a hose a dropping it in (but don't drop it in by the hose or power cord).

If your sump pump fails or you experience flooding with water that has a lot of sand, leaves, or other debris in it, a normal utility pump won't work-that's a job for a submersible trash pump.

Using a heavy-duty impeller, the centrifugal force shoots the water and debris out of the pump through larger inlets, hoses, and outlets than other pumps. These pumps are also more expensive than utility pumps but they are essential if you need to remove dirty water quickly in small or large areas. Because of the nature of the debris trash pumps can handle, they are usually rated for continuous duty and can easily pass sand, pebbles, leaves and more.

View Top-Rated Submersible Trash Pumps

Pool Cover Pumps

Pool cover pumps are pretty simple to use; just attach the hose, plug it in, and set on your pool cover and watch it go. These pumps are sometimes confused with utility pumps, which makes sense because utility pumps are sometimes used for removing water from pool covers, too.

How to Remove Water From Pool Covers

Pond and Fountain Pumps

Water features can quickly make you the envy of the neighborhood, and pond and fountain pumps make it simple and quick for your yard to stand out. Fountain pumps and pond pumps both have some surprising uses. They can also be used in aquariums, and these pumps are great for filtration or powering waterfalls and small streams around your property.

Some pond pumps come with a direct-drive dual discharge option, allowing one pump to serve two water features at once, which is easier than plumbing a separate pump for each feature. Fountain and pond pumps are usually quiet and rated for continuous duty, so they'll work for as long as they're plugged in. If you plan on using one for a pond with fish, make sure the pump is oil-free in design (almost all are oil-less).

How to Winterize a Fountain or Pond Pump

Submersible Deep Well Pumps

Deep well submersible pumps enjoy all of the benefits listed earlier, plus have the benefit of coming with a built-in check valve to ensure system pressure and preventing backflow. Plus, because these pumps are sealed and used underwater, they are virtually maintenance-free and are made with corrosion-resistant materials.

Deep well pumps can be used in well-water applications from 15'-25' and in excess of 500' in some situations, making them the best option for wells that are narrow or deep. Just make sure to choose the proper pump size and the correct two or three-wiring option for the application.

Learn the Differences Between Types of Well Pumps

The Next Steps

There are many types of submersible pumps, but hopefully, now you better understand the differences between the most popular pumps and their common applications. There are even more specialized water pumps that have specific uses or are used to solve specific problems.

If you know you need one of the submersible water pumps above, or if you haven't found quite what you're searching for, we're here to help. Give us a call at
1 (888) 455-4681 to speak with our pump experts, who can help you build a plan from purchase to installation.

NEXT: View All Submersible Water Pumps