Submersible Pumps

Verified by Mel Sykes, Industrial Supply Chain Specialist - April 2026

Specification	Details
Types	Drainage, sewage, borehole, dewatering
Flow rates	1 to 500 m3/h
Head	5m to 300m
Standards	BS EN 12050 (wastewater lifting)
Brands	Grundfos, Flygt, KSB, Tsurumi

What are Submersible Pumps?

Submersible pumps are electrically powered devices designed to operate underwater or submerged in fluids. They're used for pumping water and wastewater from wells, sumps, tanks, and sewage systems.

Types and Variants

Submersible pumps come in several types tailored to specific applications:

• Drainage Pumps: Ideal for flood control and industrial drainage. Flow rates range from 1 to 500 m³/h with heads up to 300m.
• Sewage Pumps: Handle solids-laden liquids, often found in sewage treatment plants and septic systems. They typically feature integrated macerators to break down debris. Flow rates are between 25 and 400 m³/h, and head ranges from 10 to 300m.
• Borehole Pumps: Used for deep well water extraction, often in irrigation and drinking water supply systems. They can operate at depths up to 600 metres with flow rates ranging from 25 to 250 m³/h.
• Dewatering Pumps: important for construction projects where groundwater needs to be removed from the site. These pumps are strong, designed to handle high volumes of water quickly and efficiently. Flow rates can reach up to 1000 m³/h with heads ranging from 3 to 150m.

Materials and Specifications

Submersible pump components adhere to strict standards for durability and performance:

• Grundfos, a leading brand, uses materials like A2-70 stainless steel for corrosion resistance in marine applications.
• The BS EN 8 carbon steel is common for pumps that operate in less corrosive environments. This grade ensures mechanical strength and durability.
• Flygt adheres to ISO standards, focusing on quality control processes such as ISO 9001:2015 to ensure reliability.

Selection Criteria

Choosing the right submersible pump involves several key factors:

• Application: Consider whether you need a drainage, sewage, borehole, or dewatering pump.
• Flow Rate and Head Requirement: Ensure the pump can handle your specific volume needs. For example, if you're pumping from a deep well, choose a pump rated for high head pressures to ensure efficient water delivery.
• Environmental Conditions: Assess temperature ranges, pH levels, and other chemical factors that could affect material selection.
• Warranty and Support: Opt for brands with strong after-sales support like Grundfos or Flygt, which offer warranties up to 24 months.

UK Suppliers

MLC lists verified suppliers from Companies House, ensuring reliable sourcing:

• Grundfos Ltd. offers a wide range of submersible pumps suitable for industrial and municipal applications.
• KSB Pumps (UK) Ltd. provides strong borehole pumps designed to withstand harsh underground conditions.
• Tsurumi Engineering Co., UK Branch is known for its reliable dewatering solutions, trusted by construction firms across the country.

Common Applications

Submersible pumps find use in various industries:

• Construction: Dewatering during excavation and foundation work.
• Municipal Water Supply: Borehole pumps are vital for providing clean drinking water to communities.
• Wastewater Management: Sewage pumps efficiently handle wastewater treatment plant operations, ensuring compliance with BS EN 12050 standards. These systems prevent overflow and contamination issues by pumping out excess sewage.
• Agriculture: Drainage pumps help manage flood risks on farmland, protecting crops from water damage.

By understanding the specific needs of your application and selecting a reputable supplier, you can ensure optimal performance and longevity for your submersible pump system.