Stormwater Pumps & External Water Pumps: A Guide

 

If you are considering plumbing a water tank into your home for storage purposes, you will need a water tank pump to make it functional. There are two options you can choose from in this regard, a pump that can be installed inside the tank, which is called a submersible pump. The other option is to install the pump outside of your tank, this pump is called an external pump. If you are in need of a pump, head to Pumps2You, who supply a wide range of high-quality pumps, including stormwater pumps.

In this article, we’ll discuss the advantages and disadvantaged of submersible and external pumps, to help you determine which one will best suit your needs.

External water pump           

An external water pump, also known as a surface pump or ground pump is one of the most common types of rainwater tank pumps. These water tank pumps are positioned next to the tank in a weather-safe location. Additionally, there are covers available too that are generally purchased for additional safety. There are different colours available allowing you the flexibility and choice to match it with your rainwater tank.

On top of the great safety benefits that tanks offer they also reduce the noise it creates and cover the mechanical components of your rainwater harvesting system. Meaning you don’t have listen to the constant noise being produced and you don’t have to look at the mechanical components that aren’t so pleasing to the eye.

Submersible water pump               

A submersible pump, also known as an internal pump or in-tank pump is positioned inside your tank and submerged in water. These pumps are placed inside the tank and are designed to pump water upward via the tank’s top.

These types of pumps are known to provide two major benefits: reliability and efficiency. While external pumps are prone to cavitation, such issues don't occur with submersible pumps because they are submerged in the liquid allowing no variation in elevation. ESPs are less powerful in comparison to self-priming pumps because the fluid is pushed not pulled to the surface and pulling requires extra power to be exerted to get the work done.

As these pumps are enclosed within the pump casing it makes them less prone to mechanical failures. All the wires and cables and other components are secure against the ingress of water, increasing its reliability and life span.

Advantages and Disadvantages

Both have pros and cons and when considering one for your home or other spaces, understanding the downfalls of each will help you make a correct and informed decision.

Price:

Submersible pumps can be pretty expensive as they require waterproof casing. On the other hand, it’s important to keep mind that if you’re buying a cover for your external pump, this can ramp up the price as well.

Noise Levels:

If noise is a concern, you should consider submersible pumps. They produce noise like a normal pump but because they are submerged in water, the noise is greatly reduced. However, external pumps can be very noisy, even those pumps that manufacturers claim to run quietly.

Energy Efficient:

Water needs to be sucked in first by an external pump whereas the submersible pumps are surrounded by water and focus solely on pumping water. For this reason, submersible pumps are considered to use less energy as compared to external ones.

Maintenance

External pumps are easily accessible, meaning examination and needed maintenance is made easier. Submersible pumps are located inside your tank, as such dismantling is required to be able to access it for required maintenance.