Move debris-filled liquids with fewer clogs by understanding what trash pumps can and cannot do.
Article Updated on: October 05, 2026
Trash pumps are the workhorses of the pumping world. When you need to move a liquid that contains debris or solids, whether it’s pond water sludge, storm debris, mud or sand, a trash pump may be the way to go.
Misunderstandings about trash pumps are common. Here are answers to eight frequently asked questions.
1. What types of trash pumps are there?
Trash pumps come in a variety of sizes. Contractors can carry small electric or gas trash pumps from jobsite to jobsite. Trash pumps also come in large, trailer-mounted, diesel-driven models, which are sometimes referred to as tow-behind pumps, standard pumps or industrial trash pumps. Different types of trash pumps have different impeller designs to handle specific types and sizes of materials.
Some solids-handling pumps are submersible. Technically, these are called submersible pumps, but they are sometimes referred to as submersible trash pumps.
2. Trash pump vs. water pump: What’s the difference?
Trash pumps are useful when the liquid being pumped contains solids that a water pump can’t handle — and that means any solids, since water pumps are designed to move clear liquids. Water pumps move liquid at higher pressure than trash pumps. But if you try to use a water pump to move murky water or water that contains pebbles or other solids, it will likely jam.
Feature | Trash Pump | Water Pump | Sludge Pump |
|---|---|---|---|
Handles solids | Yes (Leaves, pebbles, silt, mud) | No (Clear liquids only) | Yes (High-concentration solids) |
Impeller design | Open or semi-open | Closed | Heavy-duty, solids-optimized |
Pressure output | Lower | Higher | Lower |
Typical solids concentration | 3% to 5% | None | Above 5% |
Common uses | Dewatering, creek bypass, sewer bypass | Clean water transfer, irrigation | Sewage sludge removal, thick waste |
3. What are common trash pump uses?
Trash pumps can be used for any application where you need to move a fluid that contains solids from point A to point B without high pressure. (For high pressure, you’ll need a high head pump.) Applications include:
- General site dewatering, such as removing water from drainage ditches
- Draining water from a containment
- Creek bypass when the water contains leaves, stones or twigs
- Sewer bypass projects
- Mining operations
- Agricultural irrigation
4. How does a trash pump work?
A trash pump has a rotating engine that powers a shaft that spins. Attached to the shaft is an impeller. As the impeller spins, the water is collected and pushed through the discharge line. Most trash pumps have an open or semi-open impeller design that lets solids such as rocks pass through. With these impellers, the tradeoff for fewer jams is lower flow efficiency.
5. What size solids can a trash pump handle?
The size of the solids a trash pump can handle depends on the size and model of the pump. The main determining factors are the diameter of the suction and discharge openings and the clearance between the volute and impeller.
A 2-inch trash pump can handle solids of up to 1 inch. A 3-inch trash pump can handle solids of up to 1.5 inches, and so on.
6. How far will a trash pump lift water?
A typical centrifugal trash pump will pull suction up to a 25-foot lift, depending on the application. A trailer-mounted trash pump can lift fluids as high as 150 feet.
7. Can you use a trash pump for sewage?
A trash pump of an adequate size is often suitable for sewage sludge removal. If the solids concentration is too high, however — more than 3% or 5%, depending on the pump — it may clog. For larger solids or higher concentrations of solids, you’ll need a sludge pump.
8. How can I choose the best trash pump for my application?
There are several factors to consider when buying or renting a trash pump.
- The size of the solids
Know the material you’re pumping. Don’t choose a pump designed for 1-inch solids if you might encounter 2-inch solids. You’ll end up with jams and possibly pump damage. - The volume of fluid being moved
Understanding the volume you need is critical to sizing a pump. Trash pumps range from 3-inch pumps with a flow rate of 200 gallons per minute (gpm) to 18-inch pumps that can move 10,000 gpm to 11,000 gpm. Keep in mind that volume is limited by your hose size. - The size of your piping
The smaller the hose, the greater the friction loss. Friction loss must be factored into your pump choice to achieve the flow rate you need. - Your preferred power source
Smaller trash pumps are electric or gas. Large trash pumps have traditionally been powered by diesel, but more and more electric models are available today because of cost considerations and sustainability concerns.
Choose the right trash pump with United Rentals
Choosing the right trash pump for your application will minimize jams and clogs. When they do occur, cleaning out the impeller is relatively quick and easy.
If you’re renting a pump, the Fluid Solutions experts at United Rentals will ask questions to help you accurately calculate your flow and to get you a pump designed to handle the solids you’re moving efficiently and with minimal downtime.
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