06 · Pumps

Trash Pump

Also called Wastewater pump · Dewatering pump · Sludge pump · Tow-behind pump

A centrifugal pump built to move water full of leaves, twigs, pebbles, silt and mud.

Petrol engine

Sizes & models we rent

2″Trash pump3″Trash pump4″Trash pump6″Trash pump
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Overview

A trash pump moves liquids that contain hard and soft solids such as leaves, twigs, pebbles, silt and mud. Most trash pumps are centrifugal pumps.

They're sometimes called wastewater, sewage or sludge pumps — but to move a thick fluid with a high solids content you'll need a true sludge pump, not a trash pump.

Trash pumps come in many sizes. Contractors carry small petrol or electric units from jobsite to jobsite. There are also large trailer-mounted, diesel-driven models, sometimes called tow-behind, standard or industrial trash pumps.

Different trash pumps have different impeller designs to handle specific types and sizes of material.

Use a trash pump for any job that moves solids-laden fluid from point A to point B without high pressure. For high pressure you need a high-head pump.

Catalogue specifications

  • UNIT SPECIFICATIONS
  • Suction x Discharge 3 x 3 in
  • 76 x 76 mm
  • Max. Water Capacity 396 gpm 1500 lpm
  • Max. Lift 25 ft 7.6 m
  • Max. Head 95 ft 29 m
  • Max. Pressure 41.1 psi 283 kPA
  • Max. Pressure 1.5 psi 37 kPA
  • Fuel Tank Capacity 6.3 gal 6 L
  • Optional Wheel Kit UWK
  • DIMENSIONS & WEIGHTS
  • Overall Length 28.7 in 729 mm
  • Overall Width 21.7 in 551.2 mm
  • Overall Height 23 in 584.2 mm
  • Operating Weight 163 lb 74 kg
  • ENGINE SPECIFICATIONS
  • Engine Make/Model Honda GX-240
  • Start Method Recoil
  • Engine Power 7.1 HP 5.3 kW
  • Engine RPM 3600
  • Fuel Type Gasoline

Best uses

  • General site dewatering, such as drainage ditches
  • Draining water from a containment
  • Creek bypass when the water carries leaves, stones or twigs
  • Sewer bypass projects
  • Mining operations
  • Agricultural irrigation

Not suited for

  • Thick sludge with a high solids content — use a true sludge pump
  • High-pressure or high-lift jobs — use a high-head pump

Troubleshooting

Engine runs but no water comes out

Likely causes

  • Not primed
  • Air leak on suction side
  • Suction lift too high
  • Blocked strainer

Checks to try, in order

  1. Stop the engine and fill the casing with water through the priming port.
  2. Check every suction-hose coupling and gasket. One small air leak stops the pump from priming.
  3. Move the pump closer to the water level — suction lift may be too high.
  4. Check the strainer isn't blocked and the drain plug is closed.

Reference draft — always follow the manufacturer’s manual.

Link to this fixDid this solve the problem?
Flow drops off while pumping

Checks to try, in order

  1. Clear the strainer of leaves and debris.
  2. Straighten kinks in the discharge hose.
  3. The impeller may be clogged — stop the engine before opening the clean-out cover.

Reference draft — always follow the manufacturer’s manual.

Link to this fixDid this solve the problem?
Engine won't startShared · Petrol engine

Likely causes

  • Fuel valve or switch off
  • Stale fuel
  • Low oil sensor
  • Choke position
  • Spark plug cap loose

Checks to try, in order

  1. Turn the fuel valve ON and the engine switch to ON.
  2. Cold engine: close the choke. Warm engine: leave the choke open.
  3. Check there is fresh petrol in the tank — stale or water-contaminated fuel is the most common cause.
  4. Check the engine oil. Many engines have a low-oil shutdown that stops them starting when oil is low or the machine is on a slope — top up and set the machine on level ground.
  5. Make sure the spark plug cap is pushed fully onto the plug.
  6. Pull the starter rope with a smooth, firm pull — don't let it snap back.

If the starter rope is locked or unusually hard to pull, stop — don't force it. Tag the unit and return it to the workshop.

Reference draft — always follow the manufacturer’s manual.

Link to this fixDid this solve the problem?
Starts, then stalls or runs roughShared · Petrol engine

Likely causes

  • Choke left on
  • Blocked air filter
  • Low fuel
  • Low-oil shutdown

Checks to try, in order

  1. Open the choke gradually once the engine has warmed up.
  2. Check the fuel level and that the fuel cap vent isn't blocked.
  3. Check the air filter — a dusty filter chokes the engine. Tap it out or swap it.
  4. Check the oil level again; the low-oil sensor can cut the engine on uneven ground.

Reference draft — always follow the manufacturer’s manual.

Link to this fixDid this solve the problem?
Smell of fuel or a visible leakShared · Petrol engine

Checks to try, in order

  1. Switch the engine off immediately and move away any ignition sources.
  2. Turn the fuel valve OFF.
  3. Check the fuel cap is seated and look for a wet fuel line or carburettor bowl.

Don't run a machine that is leaking fuel. Tag it out and report it.

Reference draft — always follow the manufacturer’s manual.

Link to this fixDid this solve the problem?

Safety

  • Never open the priming cap or clean-out cover on a hot pump. Trapped hot water can spray out.
  • Never pump fuel or flammable liquids.
  • Don't run the engine in a pit or enclosed area — exhaust builds up fast.

For petrol engine

  • Refuel only with the engine off and cool. No smoking or open flames nearby.
  • Exhaust contains carbon monoxide — never run it indoors, in trenches or in enclosed spaces without ventilation.
  • Wear hearing protection, safety glasses and safety boots.

Videos & links

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