Trash pumps are used when a fluid contains debris that would clog a general-use centrifugal pump. These pumps work on fluids containing mud, sludge, sand, twigs, leaves, trash and human and animal waste. Trash pumps are most commonly used by the wastewater, construction, agricultural, horticultural, mining, waste management, paper, oil and disaster management industries.

Review trash pump specifications to compare the speed, size, horsepower, discharge flow and pressure, inlet size and power source. Trash pumps can operate off of AC or DC sources, gasoline, compressed air, water, steam, solar energy and hand or foot power, among other power sources. Trash pumps range in pumping capacity from several gallons a minute to thousands of gallons a minute. When purchasing a trash pump, consider the following:

1. Use submersible trash pumps for a powerful pump without the need for external air pressure.

2. Purchase self-priming trash pumps when pumping light to moderate concentrations of debris.

3. Order a vacuum-assisted trash pump capable of passing large solids.

Action Steps
The best contacts and resources to help you get it done

Purchase submersible trash pumps

Submersible trash pumps operate while fully submerged in the fluid they are pumping. This type of trash pump uses a hermetically-sealed motor to lift both the liquid and solids contained within the liquid. Submersible trash pumps provide a great amount of lifting force without relying on external air pressure. It's important to operate a submersible trash pump only when it's fully submerged in a fluid or you'll risk burning out the motor.

I recommend: Find electrical submersible trash pumps information at BJM Pumps. The company's SV Series is designed to pump mud, raw sewage, mud, wood chips, rags, and other solids without clogging. Godwin Pumps offers portable electrical submersible trash pumps capable of processing solids 1 inch in diameter. Add an optional piggyback single float switch to the pump for automatic applications.

Use self-priming industrial trash pumps

Self-priming trash pumps don't require external assistance to create and maintain a vacuum during operation. The pump continuously re-primes itself as it lifts fluids and debris. In order for the trash pump to maintain it's vacuum level, it needs liquid flowing through the pump while it's in operation.

I recommend: Browse the trash pumps list at Gorman-Rupp for self-priming trash pumps. The trash pumps provider's equipment can handle solids up to 3 inches in diameter and are designed for trash handling, sewage and industrial wastewater handling applications. Springer Pumps offers self-priming trash pumps for pumping sand, mud, leaves, twigs, trash-laden water, and soft solids up to 1 1/2 inches in diameter. These pumps operate at a maximum 120 psi.

Buy a vacuum-assisted trash pump

Vacuum-assisted trash pumps use either external vacuum assistance or a self-contained vacuum priming pump to keep the assembly operating at its optimum level. The vacuum assistance keeps air out of the pump and the pump's suction line to provide powerful lifting force. This type of trash pump is ideal for applications with large solids and a dense concentration of debris.

I recommend: Rent and buy vacuum-assisted trash pumps from Complete Dewatering Pumps & Wellpoints. These trash pumps are ideal for open sumping usage, solid passage operations and lake dewatering. Find trash pumps with fully automatic vacuum assist priming pumps at Performance Pumps. These pumps are designed for passing crude sewage, thick slurries, gaseous sludge and large solids. To find additional vacuum-assisted trash pumps manufacturers, see the Industrial Quick Search trash pumps directory.

Tips & Tactics

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  Semi-trash pumps have small openings and are often categorized with other trash pumps. Semi-trash pumps are adequate for small-scale operations, but can't pump large solids or large quantities of smaller solids. Avoid purchasing a semi-trash pump if you're pumping liquids that contain more than the occasional small debris.