Water pump strainer

Types of Water Pump Strainer

A water pump strainer is a mechanical filter that blocks debris and other particles from entering a water pump and potentially damaging it. The water pump strainer is commonly integrated into a variety of water pumps, including submersible, centrifugal, and jet pumps.

Water pump strainers come in different types:

• Basket strainers: Water pump basket strainers are the most popular type because of their simple design and ability to handle large debris. They use a mesh filter element shaped like a basket to trap particles. Once the basket is full, it can be easily removed for cleaning without interrupting the water supply.
• Y strainers: Y strainers get their name from the letter Y, which depicts their design. Instead of a cylindrical shape like the basket type, the Y type has an angled or triangular body. A water pump Y strainer is installed in a pipe at a 45-degree angle. It also has a mesh filter element, but it needs to be removed from the outside for cleaning.
• Sand water pump strainers: Sand strainers are specifically designed to filter sand and similar fine particles from water. They have very small mesh sizes to trap even the tiniest debris, preventing it from entering the water pump. As a result, sand strainers are commonly used in applications where water is pumped from sources like rivers and lakes that may contain sand.
• Coarse and fine strainers: A coarse water pump strainer has a filter mesh with large holes that allow water to flow freely but block larger debris. Coarse strainers are used in applications where the source water may contain bigger particles, such as leaves or twigs. Fine strainers have smaller mesh sizes to filter smaller debris, ensuring the trapped particles do not clog the water pump.
• Self-cleaning strainers: A self-cleaning water pump strainer uses automated mechanisms to periodically remove trapped debris from the filter element. For instance, a paddle may rotate in the opposite direction of the water flow and scrape off the particles. Alternatively, water under pressure may be forced through the filter in the opposite direction of the flow (reverse flow), flushing out the debris. As a result, self-cleaning strainers are ideal for applications with a high influx of debris where constant monitoring is impossible.

Specification and Maintenance of Water Pump Strainers

When buying a pump strainer for a water pump, it is essential to check the specifications. Here is what to look for.

• Size

  The size of the water pump strainer should be equal to the size of the pump outlet. It should fit perfectly to avoid leaks and prevent dirt from entering the pump. Water strainers come in different sizes, ranging from 1 to 12 inches.

• Flow Rate

  The flow rate of the water strainer is how much water it can filter in a minute. For example, a strainer with a flow rate of 100 gallons can filter up to 100 gallons of water every minute. The flow rate should be higher than the flow rate of the water pump to avoid blockage and ensure the pump has enough water.

• Mesh Size

  The mesh size is how tiny the holes on the strainer are. It determines how much dirt the strainer will filter out. Strainers with 100 mesh size have holes measuring 0.149 millimeters. They can filter out tiny dirt particles, sand, and silt. While strainers with 200 mesh size holes can only filter out larger dirt particles.

• Material

  The water pump strainer is made from durable materials that can withstand rust, heat, and chemicals. Common materials include stainless steel, plastic, and brass. Stainless steel strainers are the most popular because they are strong and can last for many years.

• End Connection

  This is how the strainer will be connected to the pump. It can be threaded, flanged, or welded.

Water pump strainer maintenance is very important. This is to ensure that it can work effectively and last longer. Here are some tips:

• 1. Always check the pump strainer before and after using the water pump. Look out for any signs of damage, cracks, or holes. Replace the water pump strainer if it is damaged.
• 2. Rinse the strainer with clean water to remove any dirt or debris that is stuck to the surface.
• 3. Clean the water pump strainer at least once a week. Use a brush or a scraper to remove any dirt, silt, or sand that is trapped inside.
• 4. Do not use a cleaning method that can damage the strainer, such as using a high-pressure washer.
• 5. Always make sure that the strainer is tightly connected to the water pump. Check for any leaks or drips and fix them immediately.

How to choose water pump strainers

Choosing the right water pump strainer can be a daunting task because there are many things to consider. Here are some of them:

• Flow Rate

  When choosing a suitable water pump strainer, one must consider its flow rate. This is because the flow rate of the water pump strainer needs to be equal to or higher than the required water flow rate. If the strainer's flow rate is low, there will be water blockage, resulting in low water flow and even damage to the pump.

• Filtration

  Another factor to consider when choosing a water pump strainer is the level of filtration. One should go for a pump strainer that has a fine mesh filtration if they want to filter out small particles or a coarse one if they want to filter large particles. Also, the filtration level should be based on what the buyer wants to filter out of the water.

• Material

  Buyers should also consider the material of the water pump strainer. They are made with different materials suited for different applications. For instance, stainless steel and plastic ones are good for the water system, while the cast iron ones are suitable for industrial applications. They are all suitable for different applications, but one should go for the one that is more desirable and suitable for the application.

• Size

  Choosing the right size of water pump strainer is very important. This is because if the size is too small, it will lead to water blockage, while if it is too large, there will be no effective filtration. To avoid this, one should choose a water pump strainer that is of the right size and also fits the pipe system.

• Pressure Drop

  Buyers should also consider pressure drop when choosing a water pump strainer. This is because; if there is a high-pressure drop, it will lead to water blockage and increase the workload of the pump. To avoid this, buyers should choose a strainer with low-pressure drop ratings.

• Ease of Maintenance

  When choosing a water pump strainer, buyers should consider the one that is easy to maintain. This is because, with the easy-to-maintain ones, there will be less downtime, and the user will be able to clean or replace the strainer easily.

How to DIY and Replace Water Pump Strainers

Water pump strainers can easily be replaced. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to DIY and replace a water pump strainer.

Tools and materials needed

• Adjustable wrench
• Screwdriver
• New water pump strainer
• Plumber's tape

Step-by-step guide

• Turn off the water supply to the pump.
• Use a wrench or screwdriver to remove the bolts or screws holding the old strainer in place.
• Carefully take out the old water pump strainer. Be careful not to drop any debris into the pump.
• Place the new water pump strainer in the right position.
• Use screws or bolts to secure the new water pump strainer.
• Turn on the water supply to the pump.

Q&A

Q1: Where is the water pump strainer used?

A1: The water pump strainer is commonly used in areas with high water demand or where water quality is crucial, such as agricultural irrigation, construction sites, and municipal water supply.

Q2: What happens if there is no strainer on a water pump?

A2: Without a pump strainer, the pump may quickly become damaged due to debris, resulting in increased maintenance costs and reduced efficiency. This can lead to pump wear, clogging of impellers and diffusers, and ultimately pump failure.

Q3: Can one clean a water pump strainer?

A3: Yes, it's possible to clean a water pump strainer. Depending on the design, one can remove it and clean it manually or use a backwash system to remove accumulated debris and sediment.