Puddle pumps are a special type of submersible pump that can remove water down to just 1-3mm, where standard submersible pumps would typically leave 25-50mm behind. They do not need to be fully submerged to operate, can be placed straigh...
Puddle pumps are a special type of submersible pump that can remove water down to just 1-3mm, where standard submersible pumps would typically leave 25-50mm behind. They do not need to be fully submerged to operate, can be placed straight onto most surfaces without a chamber, and are ideal for flood response, basements, lift shafts, plant rooms, construction sites and Property Flood Resilience installations. Puddle pumps are available in both manual and automatic versions to suit different applications and budgets
Puddle pumps come in both manual and automatic models, giving you flexibility to match your needs, requirements, and budget.
Manual: a float switch is not fitted. The pump requires an operator to switch it off or on at the mains. Cheaper, pumps to lower levels, but must not be left unattended.
Automatic: a float switch or electronic sensor is fitted. The pump will turn itself on and off automatically as the water rises and falls. Costs more, but suits unattended use.
Three quick questions on voltage, operation, and minimum depth. We'll match the right puddle pump from our range, validated against our live catalogue.
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Puddle pumps clear shallow water that standard submersibles can't reach, right down to 1mm in the best models. Here's everything you need to know about picking the right one.
Low-Level Water Pumping Capability
Traditional submersible pumps are often water-cooled and require full submersion in water, making them unsuitable for low-level water scenarios. In contrast, puddle pumps can pump down to just a few millimetres, removing even minimal water levels without overheating.
The following diagrams compare a submersible pump with a puddle pump:
Since puddle pumps don't require a sump chamber, they can be placed directly on most surfaces, allowing rapid deployment in flood response situations. This makes them especially useful for emergency use, or for use in different locations. In contrast, a Submersible Pump would require a chamber or full submersion in water, or to be part of a Packaged Pump Station, and therefore are less portable.
Puddle pumps are a go-to choice for flood protection and emergency scenarios. They are perfect for:
At Flood Protection Solutions Ltd, puddle pumps are integral to our mission of enhancing flood response. Their portability, ease of use, and ability to remove low-level water make them invaluable for protecting homes and businesses from flood damage.
Puddle pumps offer a simple, reliable, and effective solution for anyone dealing with surface water challenges. Whether for preventive measures or quick response in an emergency, they provide unmatched efficiency and ease of use.
Manual puddle pumps tend to be cheaper than automatic models and can often pump water down to a lower level, making them a popular choice for one-off flood clean-up, emptying shallow water, or general drainage tasks. A good example is the Stream SPP, which is incredibly popular and one of our best-selling puddle pumps. It is worth noting that “manual” does not mean hand-cranked. It simply means you plug the pump in, allow it to drain the water, and then switch it off once the job is complete.
We have also developed a range of automatic puddle pumps, including the EVAK Residox Automatic pictured below, which features an automatic crab sensor wired in for low-level pumping. Automatic puddle pumps are particularly popular in areas such as lift shafts, cellars, basements, or flood-prone spaces where having a pump operate automatically can help reduce stress and provide added reassurance.
The EVAK Residox Puddle Pump is an incredibly popular puddle pump thanks to its ease of use, robust cast iron and stainless steel build, and high flow rate of 250 litres per minute on the Residox 400 (rising to 330 litres per minute on the Residox 750). Both models are available in manual versions for operator-controlled use, and as automatic versions with an integrated floor-level sensor for unattended drainage in basements, lift shafts, plant rooms and other defined areas where water periodically collects.
The best place to buy a puddle pump is from a specialist water pump supplier that can help match the pump to the job, including the required residual water level, flow rate, pumping head, hose size and whether automatic operation is needed. A puddle pump that looks suitable on specification alone may perform very differently once hose length, lift and the application are taken into account.
At Flood & Water Pumps, we specialise in water pumps and pumping applications. Our team has practical experience specifying pumps for flooding, drainage, construction, property and water management applications, so we focus on helping customers choose a pump that is suitable for what they actually need to do.
We hold stocks of selected puddle pumps at our Nottinghamshire warehouse and supply pumps, hoses, fittings and complete pump kits. We also supply pumping equipment to organisations including the Environment Agency, and the Stream SPP2-4 Submersible Puddle Pump has become a best seller through our Amazon channel.
For customers who want everything together, our puddle pump kits combine the pump with compatible hose and fittings, creating a ready-matched package for removing shallow water.
Puddle pumps cost from around £150 for entry-level manual models up to £700+ for high-flow automatics. Manual pumps are cheaper than automatic versions, and sensor-based automatics like the EVAK Residox cost more than basic float-switch models due to their advanced low-level detection.
A manual puddle pump must be switched on and off at the mains by an operator. An automatic puddle pump uses a float switch or sensor to start and stop itself as water rises and falls. Manual pumps are cheaper and pump to lower levels; automatic pumps suit unattended use.
The EVAK Residox 750 is the most powerful puddle pump in our range, with a flow rate of 330 litres per minute and 16m head. It is available in both manual and automatic versions and is built from cast iron and stainless steel.
No. Puddle pumps can be placed directly onto any flat surface without a chamber, sump or excavation. This is the key advantage over standard submersible pumps, and is why puddle pumps are used for flood response, basement drainage and Property Flood Resilience installations.
Manual puddle pumps must not be left unattended as they will overheat once the water clears. Automatic puddle pumps with a float switch or sensor switch off automatically and can be left in place. The EVAK Residox Automatic includes adjustable 1-120 second start and stop delays to prevent rapid cycling.
