subsea dredge pump hub

How do trash pumps work

How do they work?

Trash pumps suck in dirty water, separate the contaminants, then eject this filtered water out the other end. The method of separation depends on the type of trash pump you're using. Portable trash pumps use centrifugal force to create an area of low pressure that draws up the water, while diaphragm pumps create an air vacuum. Any solid matter that remains inside the pump is siphoned through an impeller before the water's ejected. Trash pumps can run on diesel, petrol or 240V electricity.

What are the different types of trash pumps?

The type of water pump you choose should depend on the type of water you need to remove, as some can handle harder debris than others. There are three types of trash pumps:

1. Semi-trash pumps – suitable for water that's only slightly muddy or sandy, these less powerful pumps can handle light dewatering applications, but could run into problems if stones or other objects larger than 15mm are present.
2. Centrifugal pumps – the most common type of pump, small trash pumps are portable and can handle solids up to 25mm, though larger models can cope with debris up to 100mm. They have deeper impeller vanes and discharge openings than other types of dewatering pumps.
3. Diaphragm pumps– larger than centrifugal pumps, air diaphragms come in sizes from 25mm-75mm, with air-driven submersible pumps also available. They're usually employed for draining ponds, sewage and chemical-contaminated water.

What to look for in a trash pump

Whichever option you choose, there are a few questions you should ask yourself or your supplier to make sure you hire the right pump for your needs, such as:

1. Is it the right size for your pumping needs?
2. Do you need it to be portable?
3. What's the maximum flow rate and pressure?
4. Do you want an electric, petrol or diesel pump?
5. Is it self-primed or capable of running dry?
6. Do you need any pump accessories?