How to Use Water Pumps

If you need to remove a volume of water from an area then a water pump will help you get the job done quickly and easily. Whether you are suffering from flooding, need to clear a pond, or empty a swimming pool, a water pump is an essential device that will provide the solution to moving the water from A to B.

What Are the Different Types of Water Pumps?

There are a few different types of water pump you can use depending on where the water is and where you want to get it to, but the main types are submersible and surface pumps. If there are large volumes of water to remove such as when dewatering construction sites or gravel pits, or for clearing trenches and deep excavations, you are likely to need a centrifugal or trash pump as they can often deal with debris that is in the water.

A surface water pump is designed to sit away from the body of water in the open air and draw the water through a suction hose attached to the pump.

A submersible water pump uses suction from a water inlet that features at the base of the machine to draw the water.

Some machines can only be used with clean water, some are better for small bodies of water, and some have a high pressure output so you will need to ensure the water can drain freely somewhere.

How to Use a Water Pump Safely

Before anything else, make sure you're wearing protective gear to avoid any potential injuries. Eye protection, sturdy gloves, and steel toe boots are recommended whichever type of pump you are going to use.

However you power your pump whether through a standard electric plug, 110V, 240V, or fuel such as petrol or diesel, you should ensure you switch it off if you need to reposition it to minimise the risk of accidents.

Steps to Use a Surface Water Pump

1. Set Up the Pump: Position the water pump on a flat, dry surface near the water source you intend to pump from. Ensure that the pump is stable and secure.
2. Connect the Hoses: Attach the suction hose (the larger one) to the water inlet valve, and the discharge hose (the smaller one) to the output valve. Secure both connections tightly.
3. Prime the Pump: Before you start the pump, you'll need to 'prime' it – fill the pump and suction hose with water. This process aids in creating the vacuum that the pump will use to move water.
4. Start the Pump: Switch the pump on and monitor it to ensure it's working correctly.

Steps to Use a Submersible Water Pump

1. Connect the Hose: Attach the discharge hose to the output valve ensuring it is connected and secured tightly, and place it where you want the water to be released such as a drain.
2. Set Up the Pump: Carefully lower the water pump into the water source you intend to pump from. Ensure that the pump is resting on a stable surface and in the deepest part of the water source. You could place it on a brick if the base of the volume of water is not steady.
3. Start the Pump: Now, you're ready to start the pump. Switch it on and periodically check on it to ensure it's working correctly.

How Can HSS Help?

HSS offers a range of pumps to hire and a selection of pumps to buy so whether you need it for a planned one-off job, an emergency, or for regular use, we have a variety of water pumps to choose from.

For any questions regarding water pumps, get in touch with one of our live chat experts who are happy to help or contact your local HSS branch.

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