Rainwater or groundwater is among the significant concerns in construction sites with high water tables or areas that receive heavy rainfall. For safety reasons and to ensure optimum construction conditions (keeping the foundation dry), the water needs to be removed from the soil, and for this, contractors usually use dewatering pumps. Every construction project is unique. For this reason, there's often no one-type-fits-all when it comes to dewatering pumps. With that in mind, choosing the right dewatering pump is crucial for the success of your project. And if you're new to dewatering pumps, this guide will help you select the best one for your project.
You Need to Size the Pump Correctly
Dewatering pumps come in different sizes. And proper sizing of a dewatering pump is crucial for efficient pumping. The amount of water you need to extract will determine the ideal size of the water pump. Usually, this will depend on how big your construction site is and the volume of water you expect to remove. Your contractor can advise you based on their assessment of your construction site.
You Have to Consider the Pump's Suction Lift Capacity
Suction lift refers to the vertical distance that the dewatering pump has to overcome to remove water from the site. The depth of the water will determine the required suction lift capacity. Keep in mind, however, that there are limitations to this. In some cases, dewatering pumps may not be able to lift the water over a certain height (your contractor can give you the specific figures). In such cases, submersible dewatering pumps are often employed. These pumps, as their name implies, can be submerged partially or fully into the water being pumped to push it out. Submersible pumps usually require less operating space and are, in fact, ideal if you have limited space on your site to position a pump on the surface. They could be used for projects in areas such as basements.
The Pump's Flow Rate Also Matters
How fast do you need to remove the water from your construction site? It would be best if you had a dewatering pump with the right flow rate to suit your needs. Generally, the size of your project, the quantity of the groundwater or rainwater you intend to move, and the size of the excavation will help you choose the correct flow rate. Larger volumes of water will require pumps with higher flow rates. Selecting a pump with the right flow rate will ensure an optimum flow of the water from your site, which will, in turn, prevent project delays.