Heavy rainfall often causes floods, which damage houses, dams, and agricultural lands in rural areas. Waterlogged streets also cause severe traffic problems in cities. Therefore, it is essential to remove flood water by using a pump. Generally, people believe that submersible pumps are most effective in clearing waterlogged areas. However, surface water pumps are also useful in removing floodwater when sufficient numbers of submersible pumps are not available during emergency flood situations.
Know What a Surface Water Pump Is
A surface water pump is placed in a place above the waterlogged area, from where water needs to be removed. Usually, basement areas, construction sites, and other low-lying places can be cleared of floodwater with the help of surface water pumps. A surface water pump is made in a compact design to make the device portable. The engine of this pump can be run by diesel, petrol, or electricity.
Apart from clearing bulk volumes of floodwater, surface water pumps can also remove debris, mud, and other solid particles carried in the floods. Thus, these pumps can prevent clogging caused by solids carried with the flow of floodwater.
Advantages of Using Surface Water Pumps
The following benefits of using a surface water pump have made it popular for the removal of floodwaters.
Minimizes the damage – When floodwater recedes fast, the possibilities of damage to buildings and agricultural fields can be reduced to a great extent. Old buildings and mud houses become prone to collapse if they remain submerged in water for a long time. Hence, the use of surface water pumps is effective in making spaces free from floodwater.
Ensures the safety of people – Different types of accidents can occur in waterlogged spaces. People can be electrified by accidentally touching an electrical wire or if the floodwater becomes electrified by a torn electrical wire that is still active. People die or may be severely wounded when a building collapses due to a flood. Quick removal of floodwater with a surface water pump can save people from all such hazards.
Prevents the birth of pests – Usually, mosquitoes are born in standing water, which remains undisturbed for long. Floodwater can increase the number of mosquitoes in an area if water is not quickly removed with a surface water pump. Therefore, this pump can ultimately minimize the danger of malaria, dengue, and other diseases that are caused by mosquitoes.
Easy installation and portability – Due to the compact design, a surface water pump is easily portable. Moreover, it can be installed anywhere without any need for professional training. So, this pump can be taken even to remote places where traffic options and power facilities are limited due to floods.
Money-saving option – If compared to some specially designed pumps, surface water pumps are much cheaper. Everyone can buy these pumps due to their affordable price range. Moreover, the installation, operation, and maintenance of these pumps do not need any expert hand or special training.
High flow capacity – Surface water pumps can remove large volumes of water very quickly, due to the high flow of water through thick pipes. So, these pumps are ideal for handling floodwaters in a critical flood situation.
Ideal for shallow water – Surface water pumps can be used in places where submersible pumps cannot be applied. Thus, these pumps are useful where floodwater levels are low and need to be cleared of water.
Different power options – A surface water pump can be configured to run on various types of fuel. So, its engine can work with diesel or petrol where electricity is not available in extreme flood situations.
Low maintenance – Due to the simple design of a surface water pump, it needs negligible maintenance even after operating for a long time. It is easy to clean and repair, making the maintenance a more hassle-free affair. However, it is essential to clean and maintain the pump regularly before and after using it for handling floodwaters.
Durable for handling solids – Surface water pumps are capable of removing solid particles of tiny and medium sizes. However, large solids can damage parts of the pump while removing them. So, it is advisable to use these pumps for removing only mud and debris usually carried by floodwaters, avoiding hard pebbles.
Energy efficient – Surface water pumps are customized to make them energy-efficient, to reduce fuel consumption. Mainly, the pumps run by electricity are designed to minimize the consumption of electricity. In this way, these pumps also help in conserving the natural resources, leading to the betterment of the Earth’s environment.
Easy availability in emergency situations – Since surface water pumps are portable, they can be carried to flooded places immediately. Thus, floodwater can be removed to rescue people urgently by using these pumps. Due to the compact designs, these pumps can be applied even in small waterlogged spaces.
Factors to be Checked Before Using a Surface Water Pump
The following factors need to be considered while using surface water pumps in handling floodwaters. In this way, users can ensure smoother operation and better longevity of these pumps.
- Severity of the flood – It is essential to know the depth of floodwater before placing a surface water pump. The volume of water to be removed should be considered as well before using this pump.
- Source of power – One should check whether a surface water pump is run by petrol, diesel, or electricity. Only a pump powered by petrol or diesel can be used where the electricity supply is cut off due to severe floods.
- Presence of solid particles – Often, debris needs to be removed while clearing floodwater from a place. The size of these solid particles should be checked before cleaning, as large particles can damage the parts of the pump.
Conclusion
Therefore, surface water pumps are preferred for clearing floodwaters, including all kinds of debris. Only users need to know all details about these pumps and the factors that can trigger mechanical faults. The size of the pump is chosen according to the flood situation where it is supposed to be used.