Garden pumps – Proper cleaning and maintenance

How do I properly connect my garden pump?

There are many different types of water pumps. The garden pumps from Einhell are suction pumps – these draw water from a reservoir, such as a rain barrel or well, and convey it at high pressure of up to 5 bar, depending on the model.

Unlike submersible pumps, which float directly in the water, suction pumps are placed outside the water and connected. You can place the robust, mobile devices freely, but on a level surface and only have to pay attention to the maximum suction height (maximum 8 metres).

Garden pumps have two connection ports for hoses: the suction connection port and the pressure connection port. As the name suggests, you lead the suction hose of the suction connection port into the water source. You can then connect your garden hose to the pressure connection port and enjoy plenty of water for your garden. If you are looking for pump accessories, such as a new hose, you should make sure that the connections of the hose and water pump are compatible. These are described by internal and external threads, as well as the size in mm or inches.

How to vent a garden pump

Before using your garden pump for the first time, you should always fill it with water. You can easily pour in water with a watering can through a separate water filling opening. With this step, the pump is vented at the same time, because the water displaces the existing air in the pump interior and allows the integrated paddle wheel to generate the necessary negative pressure.

Make sure to occasionally check if the water level in the pump is high enough. Our newer pump models are equipped with an extra sight glass, through which the water level can be seen from the outside at all times. If air collects at the impeller, this can have a negative effect on the device's performance and life cycle. Regular venting, as described above, can prevent this.

Proper cleaning

Although Einhell garden pumps should only be operated using clean water, they will still get dirty over time. Dirt particles in rainwater or impurities in well water are simply part of everyday gardening life. 

The integrated filter in certain pumps will be most affected by any dirt. The filter cleans the water, which protects the pump's motor and paddle wheel. So that this filter doesn't get clogged, it needs to be cleaned regularly. You can simply remove the filter and clean it using clean water.

The pipes and hoses also need to be cleaned of dirt and deposits once a year. To avoid damaging the high-quality mechanical seals, you should always read the operating instructions to find out which agents you can use to clean and remove lime. Please note: The pump should not be connected to the mains during maintenance! If you reconnect your water pump after cleaning, you should refill it before switching it on again and vent it again. You have already learned how to proceed with the venting above, and you can also read the operating instructions at any time to find out how to proceed with the venting step by step.

Tip: Prevent contamination with a pre-filter

Certain pump models are already equipped with an integrated filter, while others are not. Although the garden pumps are only operated with clean water, often with collected rainwater from rain barrels, wells or cisterns, smaller dirt particles collect in the filter or in the pump. You can find out whether your model has a filter in the operating instructions.

For those models that do not have an integrated filter, you can use a pre-filter, which is available separately. When purchasing the pump pre-filter, you simply have to make sure that the maximum flow rate and the type of connection are compatible with your device. The installation is fast and simple because the pre-filter is simply connected or screwed in between the suction hose and the pump. You can see whether the water is flowing through properly thanks to the transparent filter housing.

Pump getting louder? That may be why!

Older water pumps in particular can become quite loud over time. In addition to reliable maintenance, the location in particular is an essential factor that influences the volume of garden pumps. If you want to reduce the noise level of your pump, it is best to choose a location where it is fixed and cannot vibrate or oscillate. Stone, concrete or asphalt floors are the best option, like in a carport, garage or cellar.

If the noise is amplified by the garden pump pipes, flexible plastic hoses can help. The modern garden pumps from Einhell are among the quietest of their kind. If your water pump is already getting old, you can of course also consider switching to a quieter, newer model. You can find out which model is best for you with the help of our pump consultant.

Making garden pumps winter-proof

Garden pumps are suction pumps, which are normally used in the open. Due to freezing water, they are generally not winter-proof. This means that special care needs to be taken to protect them from the cold. 

Before the first frost, you should make sure that all hoses and pipes leading to or from the pump are free of water. This will prevent damage caused by frozen water in the pipes. The device itself should be dismantled and stored properly. In the next step, we'll show you the best way to do this.

Get the pump ready for spring again

If you have stored your pump as described above, connecting it again should be a walk in the park. You pump is in a perfect state and you can connect it as explained at the start of this article. Simply select the location, check connections, fill with water, vent and get started.