How far can a dewatering pump push water uphill?

This is one of the most common sizing questions Truflo Pumps’ BDMs get asked – and the answer isn’t simple.  A number of variables come into play, and they make the difference between a pump performing efficiently or causing a serious headache on site. 

Why Distance and Height Both Matter.

Every pump has a performance curve that defines the relationship between flow rate and head – the total pressure it can generate.  The further and higher the water needs to be pushed, the more head is required, and the lower the flow rate becomes at the same operating speed.

A pump that delivers 500 litres per second at zero head might only manage 200 litres per second at the head pressure a particular system produces.  If the curve hasn’t been checked against actual site conditions, the result can be a pump that’s working correctly but doesn’t meet performance expectations.

Don’t Forget Friction Loss

Friction losses in a long discharge line can be significant, even on flat ground.  Every metre of elevation adds further load on top of that.   Calculating the numbers properly before selecting a pumpset is essential, not an option.

Getting the Size Right

Truflo Pumps BDMs have the knowledge and experience to work through the calculations and recommend the most efficient pump for your project’s specific conditions – saving money on operating costs and avoiding the kind of pump failure that costs sleep as well as dollars.

What’s the Bottom Line?

Pump sizing isn’t guess work.  Distance, elevation and friction loss all affect performance, and getting the calculations right from the start means the difference between a pump that struggles and one that does the job.

Talk to a Truflo Pumps BDM before locking in a pumpset for your next project.  They’ll make sure you get a pump that delivers on the promises.

Aussie Built. Aussie Tough. Moving water around the world.