Water Pumps

Water pumps are often overlooked within flood mitigation. At Flood Protection Solutions, we always highlight the importance of water pumps. No matter what type of barrier you use, a certain amount of water will almost always seep into the protected area (even through brick walls), or in the case of rain, fall behind a barrier.

As part of our extensive consultancy work across the UK, we realised many people had previously purchased the incorrect style of water pump which would not work as expected in a flood. To combat this, we launched www.floodandwaterpumps.co.uk to make great products and advice available, with a next day delivery service.

Water pumps are of paramount importance in any flood defence scheme.

Water pumps may be required for several reasons:
  • Wet ground that becomes impermeable
  • Small cracks in the ground
  • Sewage pipes
  • Unbalanced water pressure due to flood
  • Groundwater rising
  • Rainfall
  • Seepage
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Puddle Pumps

Puddle pumps are a special kind of submersible pump that have the ability to pump to very low levels of water. They are ideal for draining water from flat surfaces and dealing with seepage. A normal submersible pump is unable to pump to low levels of water, and if not fully submersed, may burn out. A puddle pump does not require any prior installation works, and it is portable so can be used in different areas depending on where the water is coming from.

  • Pump low levels of water
  • Easily transported
  • No pre-installation works required
  • Use internally or externally

What is a Puddle Pump?

The following diagrams compare a submersible pump with a puddle pump:

Submersible Pump
Tsurumi Pump

Submersible (or Sump) Pumps

Sump pumps are fantastic in flood defence schemes, but they must be submersed in water to function correctly. They are often permanently wired in and installed into sumps. When coupled with an automatic float switch they are perfect for passive flood defence schemes.

Sump pumps are very good at dealing with groundwater flooding, seepage and rainfall. They allow the ground water and flood water to be drained away effectively. Sump pumps generally have higher flow rates than puddle pumps. Unlike a puddle pump, a submersible pump cannot run dry, and requires pre-installation work with a chamber.

Groundwater flooding is not yet well understood, but it is where periods of high rainfall fill the water table resulting in the flooding of basements or groundwater appearing at the surface, which can add to or cause flooding. This is usually common when the ground is low lying or near to a watercourse.

Sump pumps can help deal with groundwater flooding, helping to keep your property dry.

  • Wide choice of flow rates
  • Can be permanently installed
  • Good at dealing with groundwater flooding, seepage and rainfall
  • Use internally or externally

Engine Driven Pumps

Engine driven pumps tend to have the highest flow rates of the three types of pump. They are great for draining large areas or moving high volumes of water. Engine driven pumps are ideal where power is not always accessible, such as rural areas, or for use with temporary flood barriers where the end location for use is not known. It is advisable to have an engine pump as a spare with all flood defence schemes, in case of a power outage. They cannot be used indoors.

  • High flow rates
  • Does not require power supply
  • Can be used in remote areas
  • Cannot be used internally

Our Work

A puddle pump can be used internally to reduce the water level in a property when used as part of a resilience scheme, reducing any damage to the property.

At Flood Protection Solutions Ltd, we donated a puddle pump to the Cumbria Flood Resilience Showcase, and our founder Simon Crowther is shown here with Mary Dhonau OBE discussing the benefits of a puddle pump in flood resilience:

 

The same principle can be used for basements that have flooded. This is a common occurrence but living with a wet basement or cellar can be miserable and costly. A pump could be used to keep the water level down.

Contact Us
Get a quote for water pumps

We pride ourselves on our ability to provide customers with the best products for their requirements. If you need further advice, please feel free to call us on 0115 9870358 or even book a site visit with a consultant.

After 4 floods in 16 years, the Water-Gate Barrier was used in November and December 2012. The relief when it prevented what would have been a 5th and 6th flood was enormous. The best part is the piece of mind that follows.

Pam, Nottingham Resident

I would not hesitate to recommend Flood Protection Solutions, a very professional and detailed service.

Neil, Hebden Bridge Resident

The service that was provided was very good, communications were excellent, and they dealt with our issues in a very responsive and professional manner.

Trevor Palmer, Sellafield Ltd