Water in the basement? Wilo submersible pumps
Keeping you dry, no matter what!
Your home is your retreat — a place of comfort where you feel safe and secure. It is also one of the largest investments you’ll make in your lifetime. That’s why it is crucial to protect it from water ingress.
Technical failures and the forces of nature can’t always be avoided. Heavy rain, leaky basement windows or doors, sewer backflow, broken pipes, and faulty washing machines can all cause flooding. This flooding can occur in your basement or living areas, leading to costly water damage and even health risks.
You can, however, limit the impact on your home. That’s where Wilo’s submersible pumps come in.
Sump pumps help when water ends up where it shouldn’t be: in the basement, utility room, or laundry room. Whether permanently installed or used when needed, our pumps help remove incoming water and reduce the risk of damage to your home.
Submersible pumps for basements, utility rooms and laundry rooms
When water ends up where it shouldn't be
When water ends up where it shouldn't be due to heavy rain, backflow, or a defective washing machine submersible pumps can help remove it from the affected area. Depending on the model and installation, they can support a timely response and help limit potential damage.
The pumps can be used as portable units or installed permanently. Selected models are suitable for pumping dirty water, while integrated float switches can support automatic operation.
Many models are supplied ready for connection and can be put into operation in just a few steps. This makes them a practical option when water needs to be removed promptly.
Our recommendation: Consult a qualified specialist to find the appropriate submersible pump for your individual application – whether for the basement, laundry room, or for the drainage of ponds and rainwater storage tanks.
Wilo-Drain TMR32
Sump pump with depth suction
Quick to use in case of basement water ingress
Features
- Portable installation
- Ergonomic handle
- Lightweight
- Easy installation with pre-attached plug and float switch
Highlights
- Pumping water out to a remaining level of 2 mm
- Suitable for pond draining as well
Wilo-Drain TMW32
Sump pump with twister function
Reliable performance in drainage chambers
Features
- Twister function: continuous turbulence to prevent settling of sediments
- For portable or permanent installation
- Lightweight and easy to install
Highlights
- Keeps the pump sump clean and limits unpleasant odour emissions
Wilo-Padus MINI3
Sump pump with increased delivery rate
Extra power in drainage chambers – even in case of sand and gravel
Features
- Stationary wet installation in pump chambers or mobile use
- Large flow rate up to 6 litres per second
- Easy installation even in narrow pump chambers
Highlights
- Designed for larger solids: Free ball passage of up to 30 mm
- Stainless steel motor housing allows for high corrosion resistance
Be prepared for emergencies:
What measures help against water ingress?
Whether you live in a new home or an older building, on a slope or flat terrain, each property has unique requirements for protection against water ingress. Depending on the construction, location, and local conditions, there are many effective protection measures:
- Structural sealing: Sealing walls, foundations, and floors can help reduce moisture entering the building.
- Window and door sealing: Basement windows and doors, in particular, should be watertight or flood-resistant.
- Drainage and roof water drainage: Effective drainage around the house, along with clean and efficient gutters and can help reduce water buildup and direct rainwater away from the property.
The drainage system within the building itself plays a crucial role:
- Install backflow protection:Installing backflow valves to sewage lines prevents wastewater from flowing back into the basement during heavy rainfall or sewer overload — a common and avoidable issue.
- Install a drainage chamber: A drainage chamber is a collection tank which gathers water and uses a submersible pump to remove it from the building or specific areas of the property.
- Prepared for emergencies:Having the right submersible pump in your home can quickly assist in case of water ingress. Other uses include draining swimming pools, ponds, or storage tanks.
Find a qualified installer nearby!
How does a submersible pump work?
Depending on their design, submersible pumps (sump pump) for wastewater are fully immersed in the fluid to be pumped. They are used wherever there is a need to pump out water, such as from basements, chambers, wells, tanks, or ponds.
Our submersible pumps operate on the centrifugal pump principle. A rotating impeller creates suction, directing water into the discharge line. These pumps are fully submersible and can be used either as mobile or stationary units.
- Mobile (portable): The pump is moved to where it’s needed, such as for emptying pools, storage tanks, ponds, or flooded basements.
- Stationary:The pump is permanently installed in a drainage or pump chamber, where it automatically performs its duties on an ongoing basis.
Many models come equipped with a float switch. This switch detects the water level and controls the pump automatically. The pump activates when a certain fill level is reached and turns off when the water level drops.
FAQ sump pumps
What is wastewater?
Wastewater refers to any surface water, like rainwater from ponds or lakes. Unlike sewage, wastewater always contains a portion of gravel and sand (impurities).
What is a drainage chamber or a pump sump?
A drainage chamber, often mistakenly called a “pump sump,” is a central element in many drainage systems. It’s used wherever water can collect over large areas, such as basements, laundry rooms, or garages. In these areas, controlled water pumping can be challenging. Small drainage chambers, also known as soakaways, help collect water and remove it using a submersible pump.
It’s important to know that the drainage chamber is the actual structural element — a depression in the ground where the submersible pump is placed or hung. From there, it pumps the collected water into a connected discharge line, for example into the sewer system. The “pump sump,” on the other hand, is not a separate component. It refers to the area between the bottom of the chamber and the pump’s suction port — the space where water gathers before being pumped out.
Configuration involves the challenge of properly dimensioning the chamber. If it is too large and rarely collects water, sediments like sand or dirt can settle at the bottom. Over time, these deposits can crust over, cause unpleasant odours, and promote bacteria growth. To prevent such issues, drainage chambers and submersible pumps that are used infrequently should be thoroughly cleaned with clear water after use.
When do I need a drainage chamber?
A drainage chamber is a specially created depression in the ground where a submersible pump is installed. Its purpose is to collect water and then automatically pump it away.
These chambers, also known as soakaway or pump sumps, act as collection points for ingressing water. This can occur due to heavy rain, high ground water levels, or faulty pipes. The submersible pump installed in the chamber channels the water into the sewer or another drainage system.
To ensure everything functions — from correct placement and choosing the right pump type to connecting it to the sewage system — design and installation should always be handled by a specialist company.
Typical use cases for drainage chambers:
• Basement and lower floors:
Help manage water ingress from heavy rain, rising ground water, or sewer backflow.
• Laundry and utility rooms:
Pump out water from broken washing machines, burst pipes, or other household appliances.
Can I use a submersible pump to empty my above-ground pool?
Wilo submersible pumps (specified series) are suitable for draining an above-ground pool. However, you must first check the chlorine content in the water. Due to the materials used, the pumps mentioned here cannot handle fluids with a high chlorine content. We recommend rinsing the pump with clear water after use.
What is the difference between a submersible pump and a wastewater pump?
A submersible pump refers generally to any pump fully immersed in the fluid to be pumped — whether water or sewage. Its primary function is to transport liquid from one point to another, such as from a chamber to the sewer system.
Terms like wastewater pump or sewage pump specify the type of water the submersible pump is suitable for and its technical features.
Wastewater pumps are designed for slightly polluted water, such as rainwater, pond water, or water from flooded basements. They usually have a smaller free ball passage, meaning a limited capacity to pump solids. To prevent clogging, these pumps are equipped with intake grates that hold back coarse particles.
In contrast, sewage pumps are built more robustly. They feature larger ball passages and, depending on the model, come equipped with specialised impellers like vortex or single-channel impellers. This allows them to pump more heavily polluted water, such as domestic sewage or water from the sewer network.
The submersible pumps described in this context are suitable for pumping wastewater or sewage without faeces — for use in basements, drainage chambers, or utility rooms.
