How to choose a trash pump for sale

Need to remove water with debris, mud and sand? Here's our quick guide to choosing the right trash pump for sale.

Most general water pumps are designed to pump clear water, so when debris and other solids are added into the mix, things can quickly go wrong.

The answer is a trash pump. Trash pumps can move water that contains solids (twigs, leaves, pebbles) and other elements like sand, sludge and muck. Just as with all water pumps, the type of trash pump you needs depends on the type of water you're pumping. Thinking of purchasing a trash pump for sale? There are three main types of trash pumps:

[caption id="attachment_1616" align="aligncenter" width="336"]Trash pump for sale: Trash Pumps are popular with tradesmen, farmers, builders, professional contractors and the hire industry Trash Pumps are popular with tradesmen, farmers, builders, professional contractors and the hire industry[/caption]

Semi-Trash Pumps

As the name suggests, semi-trash pumps can pass small debris - but not much more. Think items no bigger than about 15 millimeters. If you want to pass larger items, the pump housing simply won't be able to cope. With semi-trash pumps, it's recommended to use a hose with a strainer, so bigger items don't clog the hose.

Ideal for: Pumping clear, slightly muddy or sandy water.

Trash Pumps

Trash pumps are designed to handle leaves, pebbles and twigs, and other debris.

They are built with larger impeller veins and pump housing to send the debris on its way. There's no grinding or pumping; everything leaves the pump in tact. Again, we recommend using a hose with a strainer, as it makes the pump easy to clean out if clogged. You can just open it up and remove the larger items. These types of pumps are the most common on construction and building sites used by tradesmen and professional contractors.

Ideal for: Pumping water with leaves, pebbles and twigs and other debris, typically up to 30mm in diameter.

[caption id="attachment_1617" align="aligncenter" width="293"]Trash pump for sale: Honda Powered Trash Pump; Perfect for construction/building sites and yards requiring transfer of muddy water containing solids and debris Honda Powered Trash Pump; Perfect for construction/building sites and yards requiring transfer of muddy water containing solids and debris[/caption]

Diaphragm Pumps

Diaphragm pumps are a whole different ball game. Rather than using centrifugal force, like traditional trash pumps, a diaphragm is pushed up and down to create a vacuum effect. When the diaphragm is pushed up, it sucks in the water. When it's pushed down, it ejects the water. This motion can handle water and mud, sewage as well as leaves, twigs and other debris. Often larger than standard Trash Pumps.

Ideal for: Pumping sludge, sewage and very abrasive liquids, such as draining a thickened pond.

More Trash Pump Advice?

The type of trash pump you choose is determined by the job. But you also need to ensure you choose a trash pump with a quality design, durability and a manufacturers' guarantee. This will make life even easier on the farm or worksite. Look for a pump brand like Water Master or Crommelins that have a good warranty and are powered by a high quality engines such as Honda, Yamaha Subaru. These premium brands of trash pump for sale have both petrol and diesel options available.

In terms of sizing, you can refer to the below chart or this Maximum Head and Flow Rate Pump Chart from the Water Master range, which will help you decide what size trash pump you need for your particular water pumping requirements.

[caption id="attachment_1840" align="aligncenter" width="480"]Trash pump for sale: Water Master Trash Pump Chart: Max Head vs Max Flow rate Water Master Trash Pump Chart: Max Head vs Max Flow rate[/caption]

As a rule of thumb, the Maximum Head capacity of the pump will tell you what the pump can do in terms of maximum height; suction height + uplift. For example, if you needed to draw up water 5 metres from the water source to the pump, then move the water from the pump up a gradient of 20 metres, then you would need a pump with a maximum head greater than 25 meters (5 + 20). The flow rate diminishes with the distance/height, so you should also consider how much water you want to move per minute (flow rate) and how much discharge pressure you may need - this is where referring to the pump chart is useful. Overall, you should select a pump with maximum head larger than your height requirements, as to account for the water flow you will need and small friction loss from water movement that will occur.

Trash pumps need a higher horsepower engine, which means they tend to be more expensive than other water pumps. But they do have lower maintenance over the long term. And a bonus with trash pumps is that they can be quickly and easily disassembled for service or inspections, without the need of any special tools. It is not recommended you consider a cheap, unknown brand with no service network or after sale support. It is advised you opt for quality brand such as a Subaru or Honda Trash Pump.

For more information on pumps, you might like to read our Buyer's Guide to Water Pumps or view our range of trash pump for sale; My Generator Water Pumps.

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DISCLAIMER* Please note, this advice is general in nature and we strongly recommend consulting the product manual and where relevant, a professional installer.


1 thoughts on How to choose a trash pump for sale

says:
10 January 2017
Hi MyGenerator, I wish to look into a back up generator for my home. I'd like to be able to run -my air cond' which is a Daikin 7kW (not sure whether that is a comparable rating when it comes to power generating requirements-your comment welcome. Says INPUT cool 1930W [8.8A] heat 2020W [9.1A]...Helpful? - also a sump pump with a starting current of 1.5kW (pump service man told me) and - house hold appliances...fridge, a few lights (LEDS), and TV (plasma) and a few clock radios Other points: If it matters, I'm in Bentleigh (3204) I'm a bit handy so don't mind testing the equipment once a month (if Diesel) My gas meter would be v. close to where I might place a Generac, if that's the way to go. I'm not really keen on gas though...... What happens if the gas goes out? Would it be best to get someone (you recommend?) come and take a look at the install site first? How should I source? Many thanks! Dean

My Generator Response
Hi Dean - Ideally you would know the peak power draw of your air-con: the data you have sent doesn't seem to provide this important 'peak' or start up power requirement. You can contact Daikin and their technical dept. should be able to tell you this. Alternatively, we find one of the best solutions is to get an electrician to come out and take a reading on your home - once you have that information, you can size your backup generator correctly. In terms of suitable generators, I have outlined some popular models below. You can click on the links to view full product details, pricing and shipping cost to Bentleigh (3204). Yamaha 6kVA Petrol AVR Generator - This is our most popular home backup generator as it is electric start, AVR and comes with a long range fuel tank included. Pramac Honda 7.2kVA Petrol AVR Generator - slightly more power than the Yamaha, but is not electric start. Auto Start Generator Range - Pramac and Powerlite are the most popular brands in this range. These Petrol and Diesel units have the capability to automatically start and stop when there is a mains blackout. Generac Gas Standby Range - excellent backup units, however there is extra work required around fitting and certification: see the individual product pages for our install comments. Again, once you know the power total max requirement for all your appliances you wish to run, you can then choose the right size from the above list, or we can look at other options if required. I will get one of our team members to follow you up with a call - many thanks,

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