At first glance, a sump pump and utility pump appear to be two distinct devices with very different functions. However, when you look closer at their designs and features they are quite similar.
Definition of Utility Pump and Sump Pump
The term “sump pump” refers to a device that is used for lifting sewage, or any fluid waste, from a lower point to a higher one. It is operated through the use of a motor, which puts out force to move water. The wastewater is collected during the process and transported to a sewage system.
The term “utility pump” refers to a device that can be used for lifting water toward the surface of the ground or straight up from a below ground source. The main purpose of this type of pump is to deliver water in an adequate amount, at a rate sufficient for many applications.
Sump Pump vs Utility Pump
Internal Components
Sump pumps essentially have the same parts as utility pumps. They usually have a motor, impeller, and a gearbox. The motor is attached to the sump pump shaft, which is connected to the impeller with a belt. In the case of most small sump pumps, one loop of tubing connects the two. The gearbox has two gears inside of it that keep the impeller spinning at an even rate so as not to overheat or otherwise damage it.
External Components
In comparison to utility pumps, sump pumps have fewer moving parts and are generally easier to use. The two main parts of a sump pump are the discharge pipe, which is connected to the lower portion of the pump, and the stationary base platform. The discharge pipe contains a drain valve. When fluid waste enters into it, it opens and allows water flow upwards into a higher sink or toilet.
Safety Features
Sump pumps are very safe devices. The discharge pipe is usually cemented into the ground, which keeps it in place and prevents sewer gases from entering inside it. It also prevents any obstruction of the pipe so that waste can easily flow out of it. In addition, the discharge pipe is made out of a different material than the base platform and motor, to prevent any contact with those components while pumping waste up into a higher point.
Utility pumps are safer than sump pumps, but they are constricted when it comes to the amount of water that can be lifted. They cannot be used to lift wastewater as high as sump pumps can. In addition, utility pumps cannot be used in areas where there is an uneven soil surface, because they usually have a fixed gearbox, meaning they cannot adjust to different surface conditions.
Efficiency
Utility pumps, due to the fact that they have a fixed gearbox and use the rotation of a motor to move the water, are not very efficient in comparison. In order to get enough power in the pump, some must be used repeatedly, which results in more work being put on them. This means that less water can be moved per unit of time spent pumping it up. The same situation applies for sump pumps.
Design and Operation
Both sump pumps and utility pumps are designed in the same way, with parts of their design being similar. However, due to the different designs of each, their effectiveness and efficiency can alter throughout their use.
In other words, the way they are used is what improves or degrades performance. In order for them to be in optimal condition, proper maintenance must be done on both types at regular intervals in order for them to work efficiently. Some of the most common problems with these pumps include:
• Being clogged with debris, including bugs and other animals. In addition, they can be filled with sand and dirt residues that can interfere with their movement. The impeller is designed to scrape off any abrasions that may obstruct the flow of fluid on its way up. If this does not occur, the end product will not be as efficient or effective at reaching a desired point.
• The majority of these pumps are not designed to work in heavy levels of rain. During inclement weather conditions, water may leak into the pump, causing it to short circuit and shut down. This is why it is important for them to be regularly maintained to avoid any malfunctioning.
• Being outside on a regular basis will cause delicate components like the motor, impeller and gearbox to become damaged by the element they are exposed to. This will result in malfunctions in the device that can be very inconvenient during use.
Water Usage
Utility pumps use a fixed amount of water each time they are used. However, sump pumps can be used once and then reused multiple times, saving the water that was previously used for the next time it is needed. This provides a more efficient use of the resource, which means less water is used, and therefore less pressure required in order for it to be used.
Weight
Utility pumps are usually heavier than sump pumps, which is expected when comparing the two. In order to accommodate the weight they place on the floor, they require more support with their base platforms and housings. Some even have a natural oil inside of them, which can help with the easy transportation. The difference in weight is mostly due to their motors but also because of the added size of their base platforms and housings for proper support.
Read: Best Sump Pump Check Valves
Conclusion
Sump pumps are generally safer and more efficient than utility pumps. In addition, because they are designed to work in specific areas, they usually have fewer moving parts, which makes them easier to use than utility pumps that can only be used in a set number of locations. The pump itself is also completely sealed off, preventing air from entering into it, which would make the whole pumping process harder.
Utility pumps have a fixed gearbox and motor, which makes them more difficult to use. The user must constantly monitor the speed of rotation and amount of fluid pumped up to avoid damaging the pump or other components of it.