Puddle Pumps - Low-Level Submersible Pumps for Flood Protection

Standard submersible pumps are water cooled and unable to pump to low levels.

Puddle pumps are a hidden gem in the water pump world. Although they are fantastic products, it appears that there is little knowledge on how they work and the use of them. It should be noted that puddle pumps can still be fully submerged in water.

Electric puddle pumps can be used internally or externally.

Puddle pumps are perfect for use in flood protection and emergency response situations.

They can be used on most surfaces to pump away residue and nuisance water, which may occur because of seepage, rainfall, or flood water. Puddle pumps are perfect for emergency response situations because you can position them straight onto a surface and pump shallow water. This feature means that puddle pumps can hugely improve the response to flooding events and help minimise the damage that flooding causes.

Simon Crowther from floodandwaterpumps.co.uk explains further in the video below regarding: "What is a Puddle Pump?"

Manual vs. Automatic Puddle Pumps: Which is Right for You?

Puddle pumps come in both manual and automatic models, allowing you flexibility and choice to suit your needs, requirements, and budget.

Manual: a float switch is not fitted. The pump requires an operator to control the pump by switching it off or on at the mains.

Automatic: a float switch or electronic sensor is fitted. The pump will turn itself on and off automatically as the water level rises and falls. The pump is automatically controlled by the level switch or sensor.

Manual puddle pumps allow you to monitor the water level and control the pump manually, switching it on or off at the mains as required. They are typically more affordable than automatic puddle pumps and can usually pump water down to lower levels. Manual pumps such as the Stream SPK530 Puddle Pump can pump as low as 1mm, removing the water and just leaving behind a wet floor.

On the other hand, automatic puddle pumps are equipped with sensors or float switches that turn the pump on or off as the water level changes, providing a more passive solution. This makes them ideal for hard-to-reach areas like lift shafts or basements, where consistent monitoring is not feasible, or in a flood scenario where you may be unable to monitor the water levels, or perhaps to minimise human intervention.

A popular and great value automatic puddle pump is the APP RS32EA Submersible Automatic Puddle Pump which turns on at 50mm and off at 25mm.

For higher flow requirements, the EVAK Residox is now also available as an automatic, in both the Residox 400 Automatic and the more powerful Residox 750 Automatic. Rather than a tethered float switch, both use an integrated floor-level electronic sensor which detects water at just 3mm above the floor, well below the level any pendant float switch could reach. Adjustable start and stop delays (1 to 120 seconds) prevent the rapid on/off cycling that commonly causes premature motor failure in float-switch automatic pumps. Both plug straight into a 230V mains socket with no control panel required.

If you opt for an automatic puddle pump, this guide explains the sensor and float switch options: Automatic Water Pumps and the Different Switches.

The EGO500 Gi Puddle Pump can be switched between manual and automatic modes. In manual it will pump as low as 10mm, however in automatic mode it will only pump as low as 60mm.

It should be noted manual pumps often pump to lower levels.

Looking to understand the flow rate and head, use our Water Pump Performance Calculator.

Puddle Pumps vs. Standard Submersible Pumps: Key Differences

1. 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:

2. Simplified Deployment

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.

Top Benefits of Puddle Pumps

• Emergency Flood Protection: Quickly remove shallow water from indoor and outdoor areas.
• Cost-Effective: No requirement for groundworks, such as excavation or chambers.
• Versatility: Suitable for a wide range of surfaces and applications. The pump can be moved between locations.
• Ease of Use: Simply position the pump and let it do the work.

Applications for Puddle Pumps

Puddle pumps are a go-to choice for flood protection and emergency scenarios. They are perfect for:

• Flooded Basements: Efficiently remove water from flooded spaces.
• Low-Level Water Removal: Clear nuisance water caused by rainfall, leaks or seepage.
• Construction Sites: Keep areas free of surface water during projects. Puddle pumps are often also installed on flat roofs.
• Emergency Response: Deploy rapidly during flooding to minimise damage.
• Hire Fleets: Puddle pumps are incredibly popular on hire fleets due to their flexibility to be used in various locations, and their robust design.
• Property Flood Resilience (PFR): Puddle pumps form a vital part of PFR. Where flood resistance measures such as flood barriers can reduce ingress into a property, puddle pumps are recommended to maintain a low water level, clearing any water that does enter the property and ensuring damage is minimal. FPS supplied a puddle pump as part of the Cumbria Flood Resilience Showcase Project, and a Stream SPK530 Puddle Pump is currently showcased on the Environment Agency's 'FloodMobile'.
• Flooded Patios: Puddle Pumps can be used to remove water from flooded patios, pathways or gardens; pumping water away from properties or low level areas, as shown in the video below: How to Drain a Flooded Patio Using a Puddle Pump

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.

Why Choose a Puddle Pump?

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.

What is the Best High Powered Puddle Pump?

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.

Why floodandwaterpumps.co.uk

You can be sure that when you buy from us that you're getting the best products and service in the water pump industry. As the UK's No.1 pump supplier and a supplier to the Environment Agency, our puddle pumps undergo extensive testing and use to ensure they are the highest quality water pumps available.

Large Stocks of Puddle Pumps are held at our Nottinghamshire Warehouse

We are proud to supply the Stream SPP2-4 Submersible Puddle Pump to Amazon, where it has become an Amazon best seller.

When it comes to puddle pumps, floodandwaterpumps.co.uk should be your top choice, offering unmatched reliability and performance for all your flood control and drainage needs.