How to Choose a Submersible Pump in the UAE (Sizing Guide)
Flow, head, solids, supply and materials — the five checks that decide which submersible pump you should buy.
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Drainage pumps
3-Phase Submersible Drainage Pumps in the UAE
Heavy-duty DSP drainage pumps from 3 to 15 hp for dewatering, sump emptying, flood control and industrial drainage — supplied, installed and serviced in Sharjah, Dubai and across the Emirates.
A 3-phase submersible drainage pump is an electric pump that sits underwater and moves dirty or drainage water out of pits, basements, trenches and sumps. Alden’s DSP series covers 3 to 15 hp (about 2.2 to 11 kW) and is selected by the flow and head your site needs.
Drainage pumps are built for water that is not clean: rain water, ground water, wash-down water and light slurries that carry sand, silt or small solids. Because the motor and pump are one sealed unit that sits in the liquid, there is no priming, no suction lift problem and very little noise — which is why submersibles are the default choice for sumps, pits and dewatering across the UAE.
The Alden DSP range in this class runs from 3 hp to 15 hp on a three-phase supply, so it suits contractors, facilities teams and industrial plants that need real capacity rather than a domestic pump. We help you choose by duty point (flow in m³/h and total head in metres), the solids in the water, and how long the pump will run each day.
Models & specifications
| Parameter | Specification |
|---|---|
| Series | DSP (3-phase submersible drainage) |
| Power range | 3 hp to 15 hp (≈ 2.2 kW to 11 kW) |
| Supply | Three-phase AC (UAE standard 400 V / 50 Hz — confirm on order) |
| Installation | Submerged, free-standing on base or on a guide-rail / lifting chain |
| Typical liquid | Rain, ground and drainage water; light-solids dirty water |
| Discharge | Flanged or threaded outlet — size depends on model |
| Control | Direct-on-line or star-delta starter, float switch or level controller |
| Available from | Alden Water Pumps, Sharjah — datasheet and curve on request |
Need the datasheet, curve or a price? Request a quote and mention the model.
Applications & use cases
| Application | Typical setting | Why a DSP-class pump |
|---|---|---|
| Construction dewatering | Foundation pits, trenches, basements under construction | High flow at moderate head keeps excavations dry and work on schedule |
| Basement & car-park drainage | Tower and mall basements, ramps, sumps | Automatic float control removes ingress and flood water without supervision |
| Stormwater & flood response | Underpasses, low-lying yards, retention pits | Quickly lowers water level after heavy rain events |
| Industrial drainage | Wash-down bays, process pits, cooling-tower basins | Continuous or intermittent duty with light solids |
| Building services | Lift pits, plant-room sumps, fire-pump rooms | Reliable pump-out where gravity drainage is not possible |
| Agriculture & landscaping | Farm drainage, irrigation tanks, large water features | Moves volume fast between ponds, tanks and drains |
Benefits
- Moves a lot of water3–15 hp motors give the flow and head needed for dewatering and flood control, not just trickle drainage.
- Handles dirty waterDesigned for drainage duty where sand, silt and small solids are present.
- No priming, low noiseSits below the water line so it starts instantly and runs quietly.
- Automatic operationPairs with float switches or level controllers so pits empty without anyone watching.
- Serviceable locallyAlden’s Sharjah team repairs and services these pumps — see our repair page.
- Right-sized by usWe size the pump to your duty point so you do not overpay for unused horsepower.
How to choose the right pump
- Define the duty point. Note the flow you need (m³/h or L/min) and the total head: vertical lift plus pipe friction.
- Check the liquid. Clean rain water, silty ground water and sewage need different impellers — tell us what is in the pit.
- Confirm power supply. Make sure a three-phase supply and a suitable starter are available at the pump location.
- Decide how it will be controlled. Float switches (3 m, 5 m or 10 m cable) or a level controller start and stop the pump automatically.
- Plan the discharge. Use the right hose or pipe size and a non-return valve to protect the pump from back-flow.
Installation & care tips
- Never run the pump dry — keep the sump deep enough that the pump stays covered.
- Fit a non-return valve on the discharge line to prevent surge and back-flow.
- Lift the pump out every few months to clear the inlet strainer of sand and debris.
- Use the supplied cable length only — do not extend underwater cable joints without a proper sealed splice.
- Have the oil chamber and mechanical seal inspected during scheduled service.
Frequently asked questions
What does DSP mean in Alden pumps?
DSP is the model series Alden uses for its submersible drainage pumps. The 3-phase DSP range covers 3 to 15 hp, and a separate single-phase DSP sewage cutter range covers 1 to 3 hp.
What is the difference between a drainage pump and a sewage pump?
A drainage pump handles dirty water with light solids such as sand and silt. A sewage pump or cutter pump has an impeller or cutter designed for fibrous and larger solids found in wastewater. See our sewage cutter pumps.
Can I use a 3-phase drainage pump on a single-phase supply?
Not directly. A 3-phase motor needs a three-phase supply or a suitable converter. For single-phase sites, choose a single-phase model — we can advise.
How do I size a submersible drainage pump?
Calculate the flow you must remove (m³/h) and the total head (vertical lift plus friction losses), then pick a pump whose curve delivers that duty with some margin. Send us the numbers and we will size it.
Do you repair 3-phase submersible pumps?
Yes. Alden’s service team repairs and replaces submersible drainage pumps and can supply spare parts. See pump repair & service.
Which float switch should I use?
Alden float switches are available with 3 m, 5 m and 10 m cable. Choose a cable long enough to reach the control panel or to be hung at the right level in the pit.
Related guides
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Tell us about your pumping job
Share the application, the flow and head you need (or the pump you are replacing) and our team will come back with a recommendation and price. Prefer to talk? Call or WhatsApp us.
- OfficeFloben Trading LLC
101 Building, Sharjah, United Arab Emirates - Phone+971 55 520 4782 · +971 50 559 9819
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