MAC AFRIC SP550 Submersible Water Pump with Float Switch

Tips to Maximize Submersible Pump Performance

Operate at the Best Efficiency Point (BEP)

BEP is described as the flow at which the wastewater pump operates at its best effectivity for its impeller diameter. At BEP, the radial and axial loading on the bearings is reduced to the lowest possible value for that pump. For shredder pumps, this is the best balance point between passing solids with adequate time to shred. At points below BEP, the flow is too low to move the solids via the shredder pump causing them to settle in the piping system, creating the potential for clogs. At points above BEP, the flow is too high, transferring the waste quicker than the shredder pump can manage, also creating the potential for clogs.

Minimize the Number of Sump Pump Cycles per Hour

Balancing the influent rate and discharge rate minimizes the number of pump starts. The influent rate is the water coming into the sump pump, while the discharge rate is the amount of flow the sump pump is producing. If you have a wet well that’s too small, you’ll have to fill it up and drain it down repeatedly. You may end up short cycling the pump every minute or two until the motor overheats and fails. Fewer cycles keep the motor cooler and the pump running more smoothly.

Increase Velocity by Matching Pipe Size to Sump Pump Size

A velocity between 2-4 feet per second used to be enough to minimize the wear of the piping system. Nowadays, with increasing amounts of flushable wipes and solids in wastewater pumping systems, you should aim for 7 feet per second to avoid solids settling out in the line and clogging the system.