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Sales, after-sales, troubleshooting. Every email and call is answered by the team that picks, ships, and supports the pumps. Mon to Fri, 9:00 to 17:00.
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- 3-year warranties on many products
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Frequently asked questions.
What's the difference between a manual and an automatic pump?
Manual pumps require you to turn them on and off, and shouldn't be left unattended. Once the water clears they'll overheat. Automatic pumps use a float switch or sensor to start and stop themselves as water rises and falls, so they suit unattended use.
Pendant vs. tube float switches: which is right?
Pendant float switches dangle and move with the water level, which is fine in open chambers but can foul in confined spaces. Tube floats suit narrow sumps or chambers because they fix the float on a vertical guide and switch with greater accuracy.
What does "head" mean on a pump spec?
The head height of a pump is the vertical distance it can lift water. So a pump rated to 10m head can push water up 10m from its outlet before the flow stops.
What is "free passage"?
Free passage is the maximum object size (in mm) that can pass through the pump without damage or clogging. A 50mm free passage means the pump can handle solids up to 50mm across, which matters for sewage, dewatering, and dirty-water pumps.
Do pumps come with hoses?
No. Pumps ship without hoses or fastening clips. We sell hoses and fittings separately so you get the right size and type for your job. Browse hoses & fittings.
What does flow rate (L/min) mean?
Flow rate is the volume of water the pump can move per minute, in litres. It's always quoted at a specific head, so a pump rated 200 L/min at 5m head will move less water if you're pushing it 10m up.
Can a submersible pump be used out of water?
No. Submersibles are water-cooled and rely on being submerged. Run one dry and the seals and motor will overheat quickly. If you need to drain the last few millimetres of water, choose a puddle pump instead, as they're designed for shallow operation.
How shallow can a puddle pump go?
Down to 1mm on the best models (Tsurumi LSC, EVAK Residox). Cheaper puddle pumps clear to around 2 to 5mm. All are fully submersible, so they can sit deep too.
Will a 230V pump plug into a normal socket?
Yes. 230V pumps come with a standard UK 3-pin plug and run from any domestic socket. Site work usually calls for 110V instead (with a transformer). Engine-driven pumps need no power supply at all.
Do pumps need priming?
Submersible pumps don't need priming. Water surrounds them so they start instantly. Self-priming surface and engine pumps need filling the first time, and must never run dry as it damages the seals. Check the product page for priming instructions.
Do you offer installation?
We don't fit pumps ourselves, but our advice covers exactly what you need to install or replace one. For larger jobs we can refer you to FPS Environmental Ltd, our engineering sister company.
What does "running mid pump curve" mean?
Pump performance follows a curve from max flow (zero head) to max head (zero flow). Mid-curve is the sweet spot where the pump is efficient, runs cool, and lasts. Too far left (high head) wastes energy and overloads the motor; too far right (high flow) starves the pump and causes cavitation. Use our calculator to estimate the duty point for your setup.
