Wacker Submersible Pump
Wacker Submersible Pump: Complete Guide to Wacker Neuson Electric Water Pumps
A Wacker submersible pump is a portable electric pump designed to remove water from construction sites, excavations, flooded areas, utility work, ponds, trenches, basements, and other locations where dependable dewatering is required. Manufactured by Wacker Neuson, these pumps are commonly used by contractors because the pump can be placed directly into the water that needs to be removed.
Wacker Neuson offers several submersible pump configurations for different pumping requirements. In the United States, current product families include the PST, PSA, PS, and PSW series. Wacker Neuson describes its single-phase electric submersible pumps as a cost-effective solution for moving water that may contain some solids.
Choosing the right Wacker submersible pump depends on water volume, required discharge head, solids size, discharge hose diameter, available electrical power, and whether automatic operation is needed.
What Is a Wacker Submersible Pump?
A Wacker submersible pump is an electric water pump designed to operate while submerged.
Instead of positioning the pump above the water and drawing water through a suction hose, the entire pumping unit is placed directly into the water.
This makes submersible pumps especially useful for dewatering areas such as:
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Construction excavations
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Trenches
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Foundations
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Flooded basements
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Utility vaults
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Manholes
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Ponds
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Construction pits
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Landscape projects
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Civil engineering projects
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General jobsite dewatering
Wacker Neuson specifically identifies construction sites, ponds, and flooded areas among the applications for its submersible pump lineup.
How Does a Wacker Submersible Pump Work?
A submersible pump contains an electric motor connected to an impeller.
Once the pump is submerged and operating, the rotating impeller moves water into the pump and forces it through the discharge outlet.
A hose connected to the outlet carries the water away from the work area.
Because the pump itself sits in the water, contractors do not have to establish suction in the same way they would with many surface-mounted centrifugal pumps.
This can make setup relatively straightforward.
The basic process is:
Position the pump in the water.
Connect the correct discharge hose.
Route the hose to a suitable discharge area.
Connect the pump to an appropriate electrical supply.
Operate the pump according to the manufacturer's instructions.
Water enters the pump and is discharged through the connected hose.
Wacker Neuson PST Series Submersible Pumps
The Wacker Neuson PST Series is designed for light jobsite dewatering.
Wacker Neuson describes these single-phase pumps as lightweight, compact, and durable enough for contractor applications. Their compact construction also makes them easier to transport and store.
Current U.S. model variations include:
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PST2 400
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PSG2 500
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PSTF2 400
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PST3 750
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PSTF3 750
Wacker Neuson states that these models are designed to handle solids up to approximately 0.4 inch, depending on the model specification.
The different model configurations allow contractors to select a pump according to flow requirements, discharge size, and application.
Wacker Neuson PST2 400
The PST2 400 is one of the most recognizable Wacker submersible pumps.
It is a compact electric dewatering pump with a 2-inch discharge connection.
Current technical specifications list:
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Maximum flow: 52.8 gallons per minute
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Maximum delivery height: 39.4 feet
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Maximum solids diameter: 0.3 inch
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Discharge connection: 2 inches
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Nominal power: 0.4 kW
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Nominal voltage: 110 volts
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Frequency: 60 Hz
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Operating weight: 24.9 pounds
These specifications make the PST2 400 suitable for relatively light, portable dewatering applications where a contractor needs a pump that can be moved around the jobsite easily.
Wacker PST2 400 Flow Rate
Maximum flow rate is an important specification when selecting any dewatering pump.
The PST2 400 is rated for a maximum flow of approximately 52.8 gallons per minute, or 200 liters per minute.
However, maximum flow should not be interpreted as the amount of water the pump will move under every condition.
Actual pumping performance changes according to factors including:
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Vertical lift
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Hose length
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Hose diameter
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Hose restrictions
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Fittings
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Water conditions
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Pump condition
As total head increases, available flow generally decreases.
Contractors should therefore consider the complete pump performance curve when sizing a pump for a specific job.
Built-In Motor Protection
Jobsite water is not always perfectly clean.
Small debris can enter a pump and potentially interfere with the impeller.
Wacker Neuson equips its PST Series with built-in thermal protection designed to help prevent motor damage if the impeller becomes blocked. The manufacturer notes that this protection can help reduce service repairs.
This is an important feature for construction applications where water can contain dirt and small particles.
It does not mean the pump can process unlimited debris.
Every pump has a maximum solids specification that should be respected.
Durable Mechanical Seals
The seal system is extremely important on a submersible pump because the electric motor operates while surrounded by water.
Wacker Neuson highlights durable mechanical seals as a feature of the PST Series.
Maintaining the pump correctly helps protect these components and extend equipment life.
A pump showing evidence of electrical cable damage, seal problems, unusual noise, or other abnormal operation should be inspected before continued use.
Wacker Neuson PSA Series
The PSA Series provides another Wacker Neuson submersible pumping option.
A major difference is automatic operation.
Depending on the model, automatic level-control capability allows the pump to respond to changing water levels. This can be particularly valuable in applications where water continually enters an excavation or pit.
One current example is the PSA2 500.
Wacker Neuson's technical data lists the PSA2 500 at:
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Maximum flow: 62.3 gallons per minute
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Maximum delivery height: 39.4 feet
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Maximum solids diameter: 0.2 inch
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Nominal power: 0.48 kW
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Nominal voltage: 110 volts
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Frequency: 60 Hz
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Operating weight: 22 pounds
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Cable length: 32.8 feet
The model is compact while providing greater listed maximum flow than the PST2 400.
Automatic Wacker Submersible Pump
An automatic submersible pump can be useful when water levels fluctuate.
Instead of requiring continuous manual attention, level-control equipment can switch pumping operation according to water conditions.
This is useful for:
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Excavations receiving groundwater
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Construction pits
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Utility work
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Drainage areas
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Flood-prone locations
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Temporary dewatering systems
Automatic operation can reduce the amount of manual pump monitoring required, although equipment should still be inspected regularly.
Wacker Neuson's broader PS pump range includes models with integrated level control as well as configurations using external float-type switches.
Wacker PS Series Submersible Pumps
Wacker Neuson's PS family extends beyond small light-duty dewatering.
Depending on the market and electrical configuration, the PS range includes pumps capable of substantially greater flow and head.
Wacker Neuson describes the PS Series as suitable for applications including building construction, civil engineering, municipal work, horticulture, and landscape construction.
Different models can have 2-inch or 3-inch hose connections, automatic or manual operation, and different discharge arrangements.
Larger industrial configurations are also available in some markets.
Wacker Submersible Pump for Construction Sites
Construction sites are among the most common environments for portable submersible pumps.
Water can accumulate because of:
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Rain
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Groundwater
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Broken pipes
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Drainage problems
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Excavation below the water table
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Concrete operations
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Utility work
Standing water can delay construction and interfere with equipment and workers.
A portable Wacker pump can be lowered into the affected area and used to transfer water to an approved discharge location.
Compact models are particularly useful because contractors may need to reposition pumps repeatedly as work progresses.
Wacker Submersible Pump for Trenches
Trench dewatering is another common application.
Utility, drainage, plumbing, electrical, and foundation contractors frequently encounter water while excavating.
A compact submersible pump can fit into areas where larger surface pumps may be inconvenient.
When pumping from a trench, contractors need to consider both the volume of incoming water and the vertical distance it must be lifted.
A pump capable of high flow at minimal head may deliver substantially less water when required to lift it through a significant elevation.
Wacker Submersible Pump for Dirty Water
Many Wacker submersible pumps can handle water containing limited amounts of particulate matter.
However, there is an important difference between dirty water and water containing large debris.
For example, the PST2 400 has a listed maximum solids diameter of approximately 0.3 inch or 7 mm.
Other models have different limits.
Always match the pump to the material being moved.
Water containing large stones, trash, fibrous material, or oversized solids may require a different pump design.
How to Choose a Wacker Submersible Pump
Selecting the correct pump requires more than looking at maximum gallons per minute.
Consider:
Flow rate: How quickly must the water be removed?
Total head: How high and how far must the pump move the water?
Solids capacity: Does the water contain sand, dirt, or debris?
Discharge size: What hose diameter does the pump require?
Voltage: What electrical supply is available?
Automatic operation: Does the pump need to respond automatically to water levels?
Portability: Will workers frequently move the pump?
A correctly sized pump will usually perform more effectively than simply choosing the highest advertised flow rate.
Understanding Pump Head
Pump head describes the resistance the pump must overcome to move water.
Vertical elevation is a major component.
If water must be pumped from the bottom of a deep excavation to a discharge location considerably higher than the pump, the required head increases.
Long discharge hoses, bends, fittings, and restrictions can also create friction losses.
For example, although the PST2 400 has a listed maximum delivery height of 39.4 feet, this maximum should not be confused with maximum-flow operation.
Flow and head must be evaluated together.
2-Inch Wacker Submersible Pump
Two-inch discharge pumps are popular for portable jobsite dewatering.
A 2-inch hose offers a practical combination of water-moving capacity and portability.
The PST2 400 uses a 2-inch connection, as do multiple other Wacker pump configurations.
When selecting a discharge hose, use a diameter compatible with the pump and avoid unnecessary restrictions.
An undersized or badly kinked hose can reduce performance.
Electric Wacker Submersible Pump
Wacker submersible pumps are electrically powered.
This eliminates the gasoline engine found on many surface-mounted trash pumps.
Advantages can include:
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Compact dimensions
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No gasoline engine on the pump
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Easy portability
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Direct placement in water
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Reduced mechanical complexity
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Convenient operation where electrical power is available
The electrical supply must match the pump specification.
For example, the North American PST2 400 and PSA2 500 specifications identify 110-volt, 60-Hz operation.
Wacker Submersible Pump Maintenance
Regular maintenance can extend pump life and reduce unexpected downtime.
Inspect the pump for:
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Power-cable damage
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Damaged plugs
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Cracked housing
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Blocked inlet
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Impeller obstruction
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Worn discharge connections
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Abnormal vibration
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Unusual noises
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Leakage
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Damaged hoses
Clean accumulated material from the pump according to the manufacturer's instructions.
Never lift or carry a submersible pump by its electrical cable.
Wacker Submersible Pump Safety
Electricity and water require careful operating practices.
Use the pump only with an appropriate electrical supply and required electrical protection.
Inspect cables before operation.
Do not use a pump with damaged electrical components.
Keep electrical connections appropriately protected from water and follow all manufacturer instructions regarding installation and operation.
Never place hands near the pump inlet or impeller while the equipment is connected to electrical power.
Frequently Asked Questions About Wacker Submersible Pumps
What is a Wacker submersible pump?
A Wacker submersible pump is an electric Wacker Neuson pump designed to operate while submerged in water. It is commonly used for construction, excavation, flood, pond, and general dewatering applications.
What is a Wacker PST2 400?
The PST2 400 is a compact single-phase submersible dewatering pump with a 2-inch discharge connection.
How many GPM does a Wacker PST2 400 pump?
Wacker Neuson lists its maximum flow at approximately 52.8 gallons per minute. Actual flow depends on the pumping conditions.
How high can a PST2 400 pump water?
Its listed maximum delivery height is approximately 39.4 feet, or 12 meters.
What size solids can a PST2 400 handle?
The current technical specification lists a maximum solids diameter of approximately 0.3 inch or 7 mm.
What size discharge does the PST2 400 have?
It uses a 2-inch discharge connection.
How much does a Wacker PST2 400 weigh?
The current specification lists an operating weight of approximately 24.9 pounds.
Is a Wacker submersible pump electric?
Yes. Wacker Neuson's submersible pumps are electrically powered, with voltage and phase requirements varying by model and market.
Does Wacker make an automatic submersible pump?
Yes. Wacker Neuson offers automatic configurations, including PSA models with level-control functionality.
What is the Wacker PSA2 500 flow rate?
Wacker Neuson lists the PSA2 500 at a maximum of approximately 62.3 gallons per minute, or 236 liters per minute.
Can a Wacker submersible pump handle dirty water?
Many models can pump water containing limited solids. The allowable particle size depends on the exact pump model.
Can I use a Wacker pump in an excavation?
Yes. Construction-site and excavation dewatering are common applications for Wacker Neuson submersible pumps.
Can a Wacker submersible pump be used for a flooded basement?
A properly sized model may be suitable for removing floodwater, provided the water conditions, solids content, electrical setup, discharge requirements, and operating environment are compatible with the pump.
What hose do I need for a Wacker submersible pump?
The hose must match the pump's discharge connection. The PST2 400, for example, has a 2-inch connection. Other models may use different discharge sizes.
Why is my Wacker submersible pump not pumping?
Possible causes include an obstructed inlet, blocked impeller, damaged hose, excessive head, electrical problems, improper setup, or pump wear. Disconnect electrical power before inspecting the pump.
Does the PST Series have motor protection?
Yes. Wacker Neuson states that the PST Series incorporates built-in thermal protection designed to help prevent motor damage caused by impeller blockage.
What is the difference between a submersible pump and a trash pump?
A submersible pump operates directly in the water and is generally electrically powered. A conventional trash pump normally sits outside the water and draws liquid through a suction hose. Trash pumps may also be designed for larger solids depending on the model.
Which Wacker submersible pump should I buy?
Choose a Wacker submersible pump according to the required gallons per minute, total head, solids capacity, discharge diameter, voltage, portability, and whether automatic level control is required. For light contractor dewatering, compact PST models provide a portable solution, while PSA and other PS-family configurations offer additional capacities and operating features for different water-removal applications.