Submersible Pumps

Submersible Pumps NZ

GoodsDirect2U stocks Aquastrong submersible pumps for New Zealand homes, lifestyle blocks, farms, gardens, tanks, bores, sumps and drainage applications. A submersible pump is designed to operate while sitting in the water source, rather than sitting above ground like a jet pump, centrifugal pump or multi stage pump.

Because a submersible pump sits in the water, it does not need to suck water up through a suction line in the same way as many surface pumps. Instead, it pushes water from the water source to where it is needed. This can make submersible pumps a good option for bores, tanks, sumps, drainage pits and deeper water sources.

About Aquastrong Submersible Pumps

Aquastrong is a dedicated water pump brand based in Italy and established in the 1990s, with pump products for2>About Aquastrong Submersible Pumps

Aquastrong is a dedicated water pump brand based domestic, garden, agricultural and commercial water applications. The Aquastrong electric pump range includes submersible pumps, borehole pumps, jet pumps, booster pumps, deep well jet pumps, multi stage pumps, variable speed pumps, centrifugal pumps and sewage pumps.

GoodsDirect2U supplies Aquastrong submersible pumps in New Zealand for suitable bore water, tank water, drainage, irrigation, garden water supply and clean water transfer applications. Choosing the right Aquastrong submersible pump depends on the water source, bore size, bore casing diameter, pump diameter, water depth, flow requirement, total head, cable length, outlet size and the type of water being pumped.

What Is a Submersible Pump?

A submersible pump is an electric water pump designed to be placed in the water source. The pump motor and pump body are sealed so the pump can operate while submerged, depending on the pump model and installation requirements.

Submersible pumps are commonly used where the water source is below ground or below the pump outlet level. This can include bores, wells, tanks, sumps, ponds, pits and drainage areas.

Unlike a surface pump, a submersible pump does not need to pull water up through a suction pipe before pumping it out. This can reduce suction problems and priming issues when the pump is correctly matched to the job.

Types of Submersible Pumps

• Submersible borehole pumps: Designed for pumping clean water from bores or deeper water sources. These are often used for filling tanks, supplying irrigation, filling troughs, garden water supply and lifestyle block water systems.
• Deep well submersible pumps: Used where water needs to be pumped from deeper underground sources. These pumps are selected based on bore diameter, pump diameter, water level, flow requirement, head, cable length and pipe size.
• Garden submersible pumps: Useful for suitable tanks, sumps, ponds, drainage areas and general garden water transfer. Some models include float switches for automatic on/off control as the water level changes.
• Drainage submersible pumps: Used for moving water from low areas, pits, tanks or sumps. Always check whether the model is suitable for clean water, slightly dirty water or dirty water before ordering.
• Sewage submersible pumps: Used for wastewater or sewage applications where the pump is designed for that purpose. If you need to pump wastewater, see our sewage and sewerage pumps.

Submersible Borehole Pumps

Submersible borehole pumps are commonly used for pumping clean water from bore holes or deeper water sources. Because the pump sits down in the bore or water source, it pushes water up through the pipework instead of trying to suck water up from above ground.

Deep well submersible bore pumps can be used for filling storage tanks, supplying irrigation, filling stock troughs, garden water supply, lifestyle block water systems and other clean water transfer jobs where the water source is below ground.

When choosing a bore pump, check the bore size, bore casing diameter, pump diameter, bore depth, standing water level, pumping water level, required flow rate, total head, pipe size, cable length and power supply. The pump must physically fit down the bore, so the bore casing needs to be larger than the outside diameter of the pump with enough clearance for safe installation.

Also check the minimum well diameter or minimum bore diameter listed for the pump. Some bore pumps are made for narrower bores, while larger-flow pumps may need a wider bore casing. If the pump is too wide for the bore, it will not fit down the casing even if the flow and head ratings are suitable.

Pump Cable Length and Cable Joining

Submersible bore pumps are often installed well below ground level, so cable length is important. Before ordering, check the supplied pump cable length and measure the distance from the pump location to the controller, pressure switch or power supply location.

If the pump cable needs to be extended, the cable join must be suitable for a submersible pump installation and made waterproof. For suitable cable sizes, a submersible pump cable joiner set can help make a waterproof cable join easier when extending pump cable.

Electrical cable joins should be made correctly, sealed properly and suitable for the installation conditions. If you are unsure, use a qualified person to complete the electrical connection and check the pump installation before use.

Garden, Tank and Drainage Submersible Pumps

Garden and drainage submersible pumps are useful for moving water from tanks, ponds, pits, sumps, drainage areas and other suitable water sources. They can be used for garden water supply, emptying tanks, transferring water or removing unwanted water from low areas, depending on the pump model.

Some submersible pumps include a float switch. A float switch can turn the pump on when the water level rises and turn it off when the water level drops. This can be useful for sump pits, drainage areas, tanks or other applications where automatic water level control is required.

Not all submersible pumps are suitable for dirty water. Some are designed for clean water only, while others may handle slightly dirty water or small particles. Always check the product listing for the maximum particle size and intended water type before choosing a pump.

Submersible Pumps vs Surface Pumps

A submersible pump sits in the water source and pushes water out. This can be useful for bores, tanks, sumps and drainage jobs where a surface pump would have suction problems or where the pump needs to work from inside the water.

A jet pump sits above ground and can draw water up from below the pump. Jet pumps are one of the most popular surface pump options for household tank water systems where suction lift is required.

A multi stage pump is usually better where water is already feeding into the pump and strong pressure, quieter operation or efficient performance is preferred. Multi stage pumps are generally not the best choice where the pump needs to suck water up from below.

As a simple guide, choose a submersible pump when the pump needs to work inside the water source, choose a jet pump when a surface pump needs to draw water up, and choose a multi stage pump when water is already feeding into the pump and pressure performance is the priority.

Clean Water, Dirty Water and Sewage

It is important to choose a submersible pump that matches the type of water being pumped. Clean water pumps are designed for clean water or non-aggressive liquids. They are not suitable for sewage, sludge, sand-heavy water or abrasive liquids unless the product listing specifically says the pump is designed for that use.

If the water may contain grit, particles, leaves, sludge or wastewater, check the pump’s maximum particle size and intended use before ordering. Using a clean water pump in dirty water can block or damage the pump.

For wastewater or sewage applications, use a sewage or sewerage pump designed for that purpose. Some sewage pumps include cutter-style designs, while others are non-cutter models. The correct option depends on the type of waste, flow requirement, head and installation setup.

Float Switches and Automatic Operation

Many drainage, garden and sewage submersible pumps use a float switch for automatic operation. The float switch rises and falls with the water level. When the water level rises high enough, the pump can turn on. When the water level drops, the pump can turn off.

This is useful where the pump needs to manage water level automatically, such as in a sump, drainage pit, tank or low-lying area. It can help prevent the pump from running continuously when there is not enough water to pump.

When installing a float switch pump, make sure there is enough space for the float to move freely. If the float switch gets caught, blocked or restricted, the pump may not turn on or off correctly.

Pressure Switches and Tanks for Submersible Pumps

Some submersible bore pump systems may be used as part of a household pressure system. In this type of setup, a pressure switch, controller or pressure system may be needed so the pump turns on and off as water is used.

A pressure tank can also be used in suitable pressure systems to reduce how often the pump starts and stops. This can help reduce pump cycling, reduce wear and tear, reduce noise during small water draws and help extend pump life.

The correct pressure switch, controller and pressure tank setup depends on the pump model, pressure requirements, water use, tank size and installation layout.

Choosing the Right Submersible Pump

Before choosing a submersible pump, check the water source, water type, depth, bore size, bore casing diameter, pump diameter, required flow rate, required pressure, total head, pipe size, cable length and whether automatic level control is needed. For bore pumps, check the minimum bore diameter or minimum well diameter and the water level when the pump is running.

The maximum flow rate shown on a product listing is usually measured at low head, so real-world flow will reduce as head and pressure increase. Use the pump curve on the product listing to check how much flow the pump can supply at the head required for your setup.

If you are unsure how to work this out, read our Water Pump Flow Rate & Head Guide. It explains flow rate, head, pressure and how to read a pump curve.

Submersible Pump FAQs

What is a submersible pump used for?

A submersible pump is used for pumping water from inside the water source. Common uses include bores, tanks, sumps, drainage pits, ponds, garden water supply, irrigation, trough filling and clean water transfer.

What is a submersible bore pump used for?

A submersible bore pump is commonly used to pump clean water from a bore or deeper water source. It can be used for filling tanks, supplying irrigation, filling troughs, garden water supply, lifestyle block water systems and other clean water transfer jobs.

How do I know if a bore pump will fit my bore?

Check the pump’s outside diameter and compare it with the bore casing diameter or minimum well diameter. The bore casing must be large enough for the pump to fit down the bore with suitable clearance. Also check the bore depth, water level, cable length, pipe size and total head before choosing a bore pump.

Can I extend the cable on a submersible pump?

In many installations, the pump cable may need to be extended to reach the controller, pressure switch or power supply. Any cable join must be suitable for submersible pump use and made waterproof. A submersible pump cable joiner set can help make the join easier for suitable pump cable sizes.

Is a submersible pump better than a jet pump?

It depends on the setup. A submersible pump is often better for bores, deep water sources, tanks, sumps and drainage areas where the pump can sit in the water. A jet pump is often better when a surface pump is needed and the pump must draw water up from below.

Can a submersible pump be used in a bore?

Yes, a suitable submersible borehole pump can be used in a bore. Check the bore diameter, bore depth, water level, pump diameter, minimum well diameter, required flow rate, total head, pipe size, cable length and power supply before choosing a bore pump.

Do submersible pumps need priming?

Submersible pumps generally do not need priming in the same way as many surface pumps because the pump sits in the water source. The pump must still be installed correctly and fully submerged according to the product instructions.

Are submersible pumps quiet?

Submersible pumps are often quieter in normal use because the pump is installed in the water source rather than sitting above ground near the house. Noise can still depend on the pump model, pipework, installation and where the water is being delivered.

What does a float switch do on a submersible pump?

A float switch turns the pump on and off as the water level changes. It can turn the pump on when water rises and turn it off when the water level drops, depending on the pump and float switch setup.

Can a submersible pump run dry?

Most submersible pumps should not be run dry unless the product specifically includes suitable run-dry protection. Running a pump without enough water can damage the pump. A float switch or suitable controller can help reduce this risk in some setups.

Can I use a clean water submersible pump for dirty water?

Only if the product listing says it is suitable. Clean water submersible pumps are not designed for sewage, sludge, sand-heavy water or abrasive water. Check the pump’s intended use and maximum particle size before ordering.

What is the difference between a submersible pump and a sewage pump?

A submersible pump is a broad type of pump that sits in the water source. A sewage pump is a specific type of submersible pump designed for wastewater or sewage applications. A clean water submersible pump should not be used for sewage unless it is specifically designed for that use.

Do I need a pressure tank with a submersible bore pump?

If the submersible bore pump is being used for a household pressure system, a pressure tank, pressure switch or controller may be required depending on the setup. A pressure tank can help reduce pump starts and improve system operation in suitable installations.

Are Aquastrong submersible pumps good?

Aquastrong is a dedicated water pump brand based in Italy and established in the 1990s, with pump products for domestic, garden, agricultural and commercial water applications. GoodsDirect2U supplies Aquastrong submersible pumps in New Zealand for suitable bore, ank, drainage, irrigation, garden water supply and clean water transfer applications.