Pump Selection, Everything You Need to Know

When choosing the right submersible pump for your situation, it's important to know what requirements the pump must meet. These requirements depend on many different factors. Below, we explain what you need to consider.

Not sure what applies to your situation? Use the pump selection aid or contact our customer service; one of our pump experts will be happy to assist you. The lifespan of the pump cannot be guaranteed if the wrong pump is chosen.

1. In which segment will the pump be used?

Assortment of HOMA submersible pumps for construction, utility, wastewater and home use

In our shop, submersible pumps are categorized into the following segments:

  • Construction
  • Utility
  • Wastewater
  • Home
  • Shipping

It is important that you (alone or with us) determine which segment of submersible pump you need. We consider the medium to be pumped, the required performance, and the application situation.

2. What is the medium to be pumped?

Sketch of a lightbulb with a question mark: which submersible pump suits your type of water?

The first step is to determine what type of water you want to pump. Each type of water requires different pump characteristics. We distinguish three categories:

Clean Water Pumps

Clean water is clear and contains few or no solid particles (such as sand or organic material). You can pump clean water with almost any pump. View clean water submersible pumps.

Lightly Polluted Water

Lightly polluted water is slightly cloudy, for example, due to sand particles. It is common in flooded garages, cellars, and construction pits. View submersible pumps for lightly polluted water.

Wastewater

Wastewater is cloudy due to (large) solid particles, for example, toilet water contaminated with faeces. View wastewater submersible pumps.

3. What are the required pump performances?

The performance of a pump is determined by two values:

  • Flow rate (capacity): how much water the pump needs to move, expressed in m³/hour or litres per minute.
  • Head: the height difference between the water level and the discharge point, plus the resistance in hoses or pipes. The longer and thinner the pipe and the more bends, the greater the resistance.

Every pump has a pump curve showing how much water the pump delivers at a certain head. Choose a pump where your desired flow rate and head are approximately in the middle of the curve, not at the extreme end.

4. What is the situation?

The conditions in which the pump operates also determine the correct choice. Pay attention to:

  • Temporary or permanent: a pump for temporary dewatering has different requirements than a permanent setup in a pit.
  • On/off control: should the pump switch automatically with a float switch, or is it operated manually?
  • Power supply: is 230V or 400V (three-phase current) available?
  • Dimensions of pit or space: does the pump fit, and is there sufficient water depth to prevent dry running?
  • Cable length and immersion depth: how deep will the pump be suspended and how far is it to the power outlet?
  • Connection: what hose or pipe diameter will be used?

Do you have this information at hand? Request a quote or contact us, and we will be happy to advise you.