Submersible water pumps: maintenance and preventive care

The submersible water pumps They are designed to extract clean or raw water without relying on air pressure to move the fluid. This type of electric pump offers the advantage of being a compact unit that will remain submerged, covering greater distances and providing easy installation.

However, for its operation to be efficient, we must apply preventive maintenance and care that will greatly extend the useful life of the equipment.

Given the great capacity that these deep diving machinesThey are used to extract, drain and pump: water from wells, ponds or reservoirs; but its operation will be determined by the preventive care that we apply during its use.

Submersible pumps: main characteristics

The main characteristic of submersible pumps is that all its elements and engine are under water in the same structure. These never come to depend on the pressure of the air that surrounds them, being able to propel liquids in deep wells for more than 100 meters upwards.

All submersible pumps are manufactured with a casing that protects them from rust and corrosion, so choose a particular water pump It will depend on the power and depth that you want to achieve.

Submersible water pumps have been designed to provide a longer service life and offer easy maintenance and installation.

The stainless steel submersible pumps They are built internally by a copper wire winding, a stainless steel motor that allows the pressure and elevation of the liquid, an iron oil chamber and a highly durable ABS (acrylonitrile butadiene styrene) turbine, which allows resistance to high impact generated by abrasion.

A submersible pump with a hexagonal shaft made of stainless steel, it guarantees a better operation of the impeller, at the same time extending its useful life. While high corrosion resistance thermoplastic impellers, diffusers and check valves ensure high performance in sandy areas.

Parts of a submersible pump – example

Although the parts of a submersible pump may vary according to the manufacturers, below is an example of the BELARRA BSP 886 model pump,

BELARRA BSP 886 model pump – Exploded view detail

How to maintain a submersible pump?

We must first disconnect and lock out electrical power before servicing the pump, as well as when reinstalling it.

We must also remember that any device that contains pressure could explode, so it is prudent to consult the maintenance guide of each model and follow the steps indicated by the manufacturer.

After verifying that there are no risks of explosion, we must allow the pump to be at a suitable temperature to handle it. We open the valves according to the manufacturer’s instructions and we can start the pump maintenance.

submergible water pump

Most common problems found in submersible pumps:

There are a series of problems that can commonly arise, for example, when the pump does not turn on, or when there is no water flow, below we present some causes and their solutions.

Common problems in submersible pumps

How to clean a submersible water pump step by step:

1. Disassemble the parts and clean them thoroughly, both in the grooves and in the joints.
2. Also clean all nuts and washers on the component.
3. Grease the parts that require lubricant to achieve the indicated tightening.
4. Check for worn or damaged parts.
5. If you find broken parts: replace them!
6. Fit new sealing units to prevent water from reaching the engine.
7. Finally, do a review and assembly of the entire unit and its components before immersion.
8. Do not pull the pump from the power cable. Position it vertically between 28 to 52 m underwater.

Preventive care of a submersible pump

There are minimum cares that we can carry out to improve the useful life of a submersible water pump:

• Check voltage connection. Most electric pumps require a 220V electrical connection and their constant use requires a good electrical system to back them up.
• schedule a annual replacement of major components to avoid breakdowns.
• Constantly validate the water level where the pump is submerged. Vacuum suction can clog the pump and shorten its life.

It is very important that we prudently and constantly check the water level of the well in which the water pump is submerged, since when the water level decreases, the force with which the pump must work is reduced.

By forcing the pump to unsuitable depth levels, the pump wears out and could even burn out. Always check that the water level is above the suction level.

If the water is completely absent, it is equally dangerous, since these electric pumps have been created to be submerged, since this hydraulic element is what helps maintain its external casing and allows the pump to cool down.

Safety tips when using submersible pumps

We must take special care with the electrical connection cables and make sure that the voltage is suitable for its operation. Water is an element of vital importance for the preservation and proper functioning of submersible pumps.

Let’s avoid acquire bombs that include electrical current switches made with mercury, which can contaminate the liquid. It is also important to consider the environment, and not to operate the pump in ambient temperatures exceeding 40°C.

Safety equipment for operating submersible pumps

Using proper safety equipment is the best way to prevent accidents. Here we mention the essential elements that you must have to operate a water pump:

• Helmet.
• Safety glasses.
• Protective gloves and shoes.
• First aid box.

It is vital to consider the risk of electrical accidents or even drowning during the revision or maintenance of the pump, so if you do not have the knowledge or tools To perform the task, it is advisable to seek expert help.

conclusion

The water pumps submersibles they have evolved with mechanical innovation, allowing ever more practical use and at much deeper levels.

Thanks to their design, functionality and easy installation, they have become a profitable solution for the extraction of clean or waste water, offering greater power, less noise and a long useful life.

Its durability can always be extended as long as we take into consideration all the necessary preventive care for an efficient and low-cost execution.