Top 5 Things to Know About Submersible Water Pumps and Electricity

Despite their ground-ready, durable and insulated construction, submersible water pumps still present severe hazards for homeowners and should never be used in ponds meant for swimming or human immersion. The problem is simple: electricity and water do not mix. As such, installing an electric submersible water pump for water gardens, natural ponds, or pools requires great skill and experience to avoid electrocution.

Manufacturers design submersible pumps to be safe. For instance, they encase them in cast-iron housing designed to isolate the electrical and working parts of the unit. All cables are shielded and sealed by standard rubber. However, both the casing and the rubber shielding does not guarantee that the submersible water pump will never have any contact with water.

1. Water Seals

The rubber water seals on a submersible pump contain no adhesive. Instead, they form the seal due to a crimping method that tightens components within the pump. The seal insulates the inside of the pump from water, humidity, and outside air.

While this produces a high level of insulation, occasional seal failures can occur. A tiny malfunction can bring the inside of the pump into contact with the water garden or natural pond water. The result of this malfunction would be electrified water inside the pond.

2. The Cables

Like the main components of the pump, manufacturers go to great lengths to properly seal the cables. For instance, they will fill gaps with epoxy to prevent water from invading the unit. They also wrap the cables in a neoprene, which is both air and watertight.

Epoxy is incredibly effective at forming a waterproof seal. This seal will not fail unless it is subjected to some form of impact that would cause it to crack. If the seal cracks, water might get into the cable. The same is true for neoprene.

3. Regular Outlets vs. GFCI Receptacles

Both the National Electric Code (NEC) and OSHA require that all homes now contain GFCI receptacles in areas where water exists or potentially exists. These areas include bathrooms, kitchens, utility rooms, garages, and anywhere outside. GFCI receptacles prevent electrocution by cutting off the power source when an unusual increase or “leakage” in power, like that caused when water comes into contact with electricity, is detected.

Unfortunately, many older homes do not have GFCI receptacles. As a result, plugging an electric water pump into a regular outlet can make it vulnerable to a power surge. It can also increase the risk of electric shock. Therefore, if you use an electric pump, you must make sure that you plug it into a GFCI receptacle or replace your old outlet.

4. Freezing Temperatures During the Winter

During the winter, it is a good idea to remove the water pump from your water garden or natural pond. Winters in Illinois produce frigid temperatures that can plummet below zero. As a result, the water in a natural pond or water garden may stay frozen throughout the season.

Frozen water can take its toll on a submersible water pump. Just one freeze can cause the casing or the cabling to crack open, exposing the electrical parts. You may not notice the cracks due to the multilayers of the casing. Therefore, when you turn on the pump in the springtime, you may be vulnerable to electric shock.

5. Abrasives and Heavy Objects

Since most natural ponds or water gardens contain rocks, plants, sand, and other objects, it is important to ensure that they do not come into contact with the water pump.

When placing your pump, be sure to isolate it from any heavy rocks, sharp objects, or metal objects. Also, if you use sand, position the pump so that it is filtering the least amount of sand possible. Since sand is abrasive, it can damage the inner parts of the pump over time.

6. Never swim or wade in a pond with a Submersible Water Pump

You should never swim or wade in a pond or pool with a submersible water pump. Even though these pumps are designed with many safety features, it is not worth the risk. There are special pumps designed for swimming pools and ponds that do not carry this risk. If you need to enter your pond or pools with a submersible water pump to retrieve something or perform routine maintenance it is critical that you turn off the electricity to the submersible pump and enter with caution. 

Need Help with Your Water Garden? Contact Us Today!

If you are getting ready to build your water garden project, then Reflections can help. We offer a wide range of features and options to help you create the perfect serene water garden for your backyard.

To find out more about our products and services, call us today at (815) 955-4911 for a consultation.

How do submersible water pumps work?

Submersible water pumps are among the most widely used pumps in a variety of applications-from accessing deep wells and water bodies to domestic water supply and industrial and agricultural use. They can be mounted fully submerged in water, which makes them suitable for various uses.

How they work

The electric motor – the heart of the pump – is especially designed to be operated underwater. It is encased in an impervious casing that protects the motor from erosion by water.

The power provided by the motor powers an impeller-that is, a rotating element fitted with vanes. In its rotation, it generates centrifugal force and thrusts the water sideways.

Water is then channeled via a discharge pipe, to be conveyed to the water surface.

Submersible Pumps Electrical Safety Precautions

To ensure safe operation of your submersible pump, you must follow these essential electrical safety precautions:

• Qualified Electrician : Only a licensed electrician should install and maintain the pump.
• GFCI Protection: Always use GFCI outlet for protection against electric shock;
• Proper Wiring: All wiring should be appropriately insulated and firmly connected
• Watertight Connections: All electrical connections should be watertight to avoid short circuits.
• Regular Inspection: Inspect the pump and all its electrical elements regularly for signs of damage or wear and tear.

Choosing the Right Submersible Pump

Selection of a correct submersible pump at your place depends upon several factors that you have to analyze in the first place:

• Horsepower (HP): It defines the capacity of the pump for moving water.
• Flow Rate (GPM): This denotes the volume of water that the pump can deliver per minute.
• Head Pressure (ft): Measures the maximum vertical distance the pump can lift water.
• Well Depth: The depth of your well will determine the head pressure that your pump will need to deliver.
• Power Supply: Ensure your power supply meets your requirement for voltage and amperage for the pump in question.

Energy Efficiency in Submersible Pumps

Energy efficiency is a primary aspect of most modern submersible pumps. All these features make them energy-efficient:

• High Efficiency Motors: These consume relatively lesser power but provide the same performance.
• Hydraulic Optimization: The impeller design and hydraulic system are optimized to reduce losses that come with increased energy consumption.
• Variable Speed Drives (VSDs): VSDs can change the speed of the pump to one that matches the demand, further energy savings.

Maintenance Tips for Submersible Pumps

To keep your submersible pump running and efficient, here are some maintenance tips:

• Regular Inspection: The pump should be checked periodically for wear or signs of damage or debris.
• Clean the Intake: There may be debris and/or sediment which might clog the intake.
• Visual Check on Electrical Connections: Ensure that electrical connections are tight and do not have any traces of corrosion.
• Lubrication of Moving Parts: Lubricate all moving parts with a lubricant as stipulated in the manufacturer’s recommendation

Annual Servicing by a Qualified Mechanic: When servicing is quite complex, take it to a qualified mechanic or do annual servicing.

Key Factors to Consider When Choosing a Submersible Pump

Factor	Description
Horsepower (HP)	Power output of the pump
Flow Rate (GPM)	Volume of water pumped per minute
Head Pressure (ft)	Maximum vertical distance water can be lifted
Well Depth	Depth of the water source
Power Supply	Voltage and amperage requirements