Despite their ground-ready, durable and insulated construction, submersible water pumps still present severe hazards for homeowners and should never be found in ponds created for swimming or human immersion. The problem is simple: electricity and water don't mix. As a result, installing an electric submersible water pump for water gardens, natural ponds, or pools requires great skill and experience in order to avoid electrocution.

 

Manufacturers design submersible pumps to be safe. For instance, they encase them in cast-iron housing designed to isolate the electrical and working parts of the unit. All cables are shielded and sealed by standard rubber Pump Well Company. However, both casing and the rubber shielding doesn't guarantee that the submersible water pump will never have any connection with water.

 

 

Water Seals
The rubber water seals on a submersible pump contain no adhesive. Instead, they form the seal due to a crimping method that tightens components within the pump. The seal insulates the inside of the pump from water, humidity, and outside air.

 

While this produces a advanced level of insulation, occasional seal failures can occur. A tiny malfunction will bring the inside of the pump into connection with the water garden or natural pond water. Caused by this malfunction would be electrified water in the pond.

 

The Cables
Like the main components of the pump, manufacturers visit great lengths to properly seal the cables. For instance, they'll fill gaps with epoxy to stop water from invading the unit. Additionally they wrap the cables in a neoprene, which will be both air and watertight.

 

Epoxy is incredibly effective at forming a waterproof seal. This seal won't fail unless it's afflicted by some kind of impact that will make it crack. If the seal cracks, water may get into the cable. The exact same is true for neoprene.

 

Regular Outlets vs. GFCI Receptacles
Both the National Electric Code (NEC) and OSHA require that all homes now contain GFCI receptacles in areas where water exists or potentially exists. These areas include bathrooms, kitchens, utility rooms, garages, and anywhere outside. GFCI receptacles prevent electrocution by cutting off the power source when a silly increase or “leakage” in power, that way caused when water makes connection with electricity, is detected.

 

Unfortunately, many older homes do not have GFCI receptacles. As a result, plugging an electric water pump in to a regular outlet will make it susceptible to a power surge. It may also increase the danger of electric shock. Therefore, if you utilize an electric pump, you should ensure that you plug it in to a GFCI receptacle or replace your old outlet.

 

Freezing Temperatures Throughout the Winter
During the wintertime, it's recommended to get rid of the water pump from your water garden or natural pond. Winters in Illinois produce frigid temperatures that will plummet below zero. As a result, the water in an all-natural pond or water garden may stay frozen through the season.

 

Frozen water will take its toll on a submersible water pump. Just one freeze could cause the casing or the cabling to crack open, exposing the electrical parts. May very well not notice the cracks due to the multilayers of the casing. Therefore, when you start the pump in the springtime, you might be susceptible to electric shock.

 

Abrasives and Heavy Objects
Since most basic ponds or water gardens contain rocks, plants, sand, and other objects, it is essential to ensure they don't come into connection with the water pump.

 

When placing your pump, make sure you isolate it from any heavy rocks, sharp objects, or metal objects. Also, if you utilize sand, position the pump such that it is filtering the least level of sand possible. Since sand is abrasive, it may harm the inner parts of the pump over time.

 

Never swim or wade in a lake with a Submersible Water Pump
You need to never swim or wade in a lake or pool with a submersible water pump. Even though these pumps were created with many safety features, it's not worth the risk. You can find special pumps designed for swimming pools and ponds that not carry this risk. If you want to enter your pond or pools with a submersible water pump to retrieve something or perform routine maintenance it is crucial that you turn off the electricity to the submersible pump and enter with caution. 

 

Need Help with Your Water Garden? Contact Us Today!
If you should be planning to construct your water garden project, then Reflections can help. We give you a wide variety of features and options to assist you create the perfect serene water garden for the backyard.