In this modern era, home infrastructures and architectural designs are quite complex. All electrical wires, cords, and water pipes are hidden behind the walls to look furnished. It does enhance the aesthetic appeal, but at times, these designs halt the water supply. Usually, the underground water tanks require high water pressure to supply water to the main tank, especially on the rooftop. Does this sound familiar?
With rising water shortages, almost every homeowner complains about this problem. If you are finding a way out, consider getting a submersible pump.
What is a Submersible Water Pump?
It is a centrifugal water pump, sitting at the bottom of your tank. It comprises a motor that powers the impeller to rotate and push the water outwards. Therefore, it readily pumps water upwards, ensuring adequate water supply in homes. Do you know the best part? These pumps don’t require priming as they get submerged in fluids. Similarly, submersible pumps are quiet as water absorbs all the noise automatically.
Whether you have a confined space or the tank is above the ground, you can still fit these pumps inside them without any complications and work with minimal effort. If you are wondering how it works, let us explain to you.
How does A Submersible Pump work?
It starts by using pressure energy through the impeller. As the water passes through the pump, it increases the pressure, and water goes into the diffuser. At this point, the water flows up to the main water tank. These pumps operate in a vertical position, producing a lot of pumping power since it has a hydraulic motor. Hence, it uses direct pressure through the pipe or hose to get the fluid out. Believe it or not, but this is a far better method than suction.
Unlike conventional pumps, submersible water pumps are not prone to cavitation, meaning the tank would remain clean. The design comes with watertight gaskets and seals that keep the liquid out of the housing components. Contained units and sleek design ensure pumps don’t leak or short out on electricity at the time of submerging.
How to Install a Submersible Well Pump?
Submersible pumps have a straightforward installing process, which means you can install it yourself. Here is a visual representation of how the installation process seems.
Submersible Water Pump Installation Diagram
Waterpump Installation Process
Here we are bringing an eight-step guide to assist you with the installation process.
Step 1 – Inspect the Tank & Well
Whether you are installing the submersible pump in your water tank or inside the well – begin with a thorough inspection process. Firstly, determine the depth of your water tank. It will help you measure the distance from the water level to the tank’s bottom. Remember, you have to submerge the pump underwater to ensure maximum pressure. If the depth doesn’t seem enough, fill the tank with more water before you start the installation process.
At the same time, look for external damage, especially if your tank gets direct sun exposure. You can identify the parts that need cementing, closing doors for any leakages in the future. If you have a well, call an expert to inspect its condition. If they give a green signal, you can take the installation process to the next step.
Step 2 – Oversee Supplying Components
It is time to get your hands on the submersible water pump because the tank is ready. Before starting the assembling process, check all the details about the submersible motor. From its power supply ratings, configuration to the length of wires – you should have all supplying components together. Likewise, oversee all supplies that come with submersible water pumps to make sure nothing is missing. It will help you identify if the motor needs single, two, three-phase configurations, or it will work with a starter box.
Alongside this, inspect the drop cable to ensure it works with the motor and motor cable. Likewise, it should have correct rates to submerge into the water without any technical problems. You can also check out the fittings since they need to match the bore cap and main outlet. It might seem like a no-brainer, but many people forget when they are in a rush. Inspecting components lets them overcome mechanical problems quickly, and investing in high-quality products ensures your pump lasts a long time.
Step 3 – Fit the Pump
Next up, you have to fix the motor to the pump by only using supplied grease. It acts as a sealant, preventing access to water and other incompressible materials inside the engine. Once you start fitting the motor, it will cause a repeated twisting force that would twist the pipe fittings tighter. Simultaneously, the process would also begin wrapping the wires, which will eventually break. You can readily fix this with a torque arrestor. It is a rubber clamped on top of the pump that makes sure the wires don’t swing or rotate.
Moreover, it also protects your wires from damage, increasing the lifespan of your pump. Nevertheless, don’t rush over this procedure; take your time and smoothly fit the motor inside the pump. Seal the splining shaft during the assembling process by laying the flat fitting with tape. You can also screw it into the submersible pump if adjusting it is infeasible.
Step 4 – Connect the Cables
The submersible pump comes with a cable that you can’t connect with the socket. Instead, you have to join or splice it to the motor and confirm that it is watertight. At this point, mind following the instructions rigorously to leave no room for mistakes and errors. Start with making the splice since you will have to connect multiple wires. Either make it by heat shrinking the splicing kit or purchase one. After this, familiarize yourself with the black pipes.
Use a propane torch to heat the pipes and soften them before you fasten the screws. It will make the lines watertight while ensuring the entire system is waterproof. Since you are working with submersible pumps, use stainless steel clamps as they are worth the extra cash. Alongside maintaining the efficiency of the motor, it maximizes water pressure.
Step 5 – Waterproof the Cables
Usually, submersible pumps come with 3-core PVC cable. You have to connect one end to the motor and the other to the control panel. And as one end would be inside water, you have to waterproof the cable to eliminate every threat of electric currents. Encase the wires with self-sealing heat-shrink tubing. It is a shrinkable plastic tube that insulates wires, provides abrasion, and protects cables from damage. If you can’t find a self-sealing one, consider sealing it yourself.
Use a wrap with the heat-shrink tubing and create a moisture-resistant seal. Start applying it like tape around the wires and gently slide the tubing over the wrap. As soon as you heat the tubing, the wrap will melt automatically, sealing the cables correctly. This step might seem lengthy, but it is imperative for the smooth functioning of the pump.
Step 6 – Check the Direction of Rotation
Once the wiring process is complete, check if the motor shaft rotation direction aligns with the cable box’s direction. Sometimes, rotation is counterclockwise when seen from a motor shaft, but different when examined manually. Connect the ends of the wires to energize the motor for a few seconds. Keep pouring fresh water over the sand guard to avoid heat generation and check the direction of rotation.
If the direction is different from the marking on the cable box, make a few adjustments. Firstly, interchange the two leading wires from the control panels, and try again. However, if the direction is the same as the cable box mentioned, you can readily jump to the next step.
Step 7 – Install Check Valves
If the submersible pump is in place, start checking the valves to monitor the water flow. It boosts the reliability of the water well system while combating all inadequate supply issues. Therefore, if valves are not present, install a couple of them into the intake line. It would prevent the water from flowing back down into the tank when the pump is not running. Thus, it would ensure consistent water pressure without physically straining the pump.
Moreover, the check valves provide immediate water flow into the pressure tank right after the pump starts. It means homeowners won’t have to wait for hours to fill the rest of the tanks, speeding up the entire process. Although they make a little noise while operating, don’t think of omitting a check valve. Place it next to the water pipe that enters your house. Otherwise, somewhere in the middle of the water tank and tube to keep it accessible for servicing and replacement.
Step 8 – Connect the Power Supply & Test
Now, it is time to run a final test of the pump. Use a control panel and start the submersible pump. These are a few things you have to monitor.
- See if the contractors of sufficient current ratings are working or need higher ones.
- Inspect your home’s voltage to determine under or over voltage beforehand. Sometimes, the pump requires high frequency, which disrupts the wiring.
- You have to take measures for phase failure, especially if you live in one or two-phase units.
- Dry run the water tank and check if there are any issues of motor heat up.
If none of these problems occur, you are good to go. However, it doesn’t mean you can leave the system, conduct regular maintenance checkups to ensure maximum efficiency.
Final Thoughts,
Even in the 21st century, most people don’t have access to necessities – the water crisis being a significant problem. But fortunately, technological innovations are easing things. Submersible pumps help homeowners overcome the problem of low water pressure. It comprises highly efficient motors that make sure water reaches every pipe and tank. Alongside this, the commercial use of submersible water pumps is overgrowing. Some people use it during the rainy seasons to drain water from basements, while others enjoy steady water supply benefits.