table of contents
- Ideal: submersible pump
- Submersible pump with pressure switch
- Alternative: garden pump
- frequently asked Questions
If you no longer want to draw rainwater from your IBC container yourself, you have to consider using a pump. One type is particularly well suited for this purpose.
In a nutshell
- IBC containers do not have enough pressure for effective irrigation
- Submersible pumps enable permanent use of rainwater after installation
- the irrigation can be automated with a pressure switch
- a classic garden pump can also be used
- Garden pumps are replaced after use
Ideal: submersible pump
If your IBC tank is to be equipped with an electric pump for pumping rainwater, you should use a submersible pump. Submersible pumps have the great advantage that they can be installed permanently because they are waterproof, including the live cables. This enables the device to be installed once and then used without having to re-immerse the pumps in the IBC container every time. After installation, the device pumps the water directly out of the tank without you having to operate the tap. Nevertheless, you can still use the faucet because it is not connected to the device. The hose for using the rainwater is led out of the opening. For this reason, do not choose a hose that is too short so as not to restrict the range of irrigation.
Note: Before you can use this type of pump, you have to widen the opening on the top, as the device will not fit into this by default. A jigsaw is sufficient for this.
Submersible pump with pressure switch
Submersible pumps have another advantage. You can automate them by adding a pressure switch. The function of the pressure switch ensures that the submersible pump switches on automatically as soon as the water pressure is too low or the pressure falls below the minimum. The pressure is determined by turning the tap on the IBC container on or off. That is, when you turn on the faucet, the pressure drops and the device turns on. The biggest advantages besides the automated operation are:
- Power saving
- Minimum pressure individually configurable
- low purchase price
The installation is carried out according to the manufacturer's instructions, as not every model is installed in the same way.
Alternative: garden pump
If you do not want to install or purchase a submersible pump, you can use a conventional pump for the garden. Garden pumps are mainly suitable for combination with an IBC tank if you do not have a permanent installation in mind. Since, unlike submersible pumps, they are not located directly in the container, they are set up as required and locked again after use. You will be connected as follows:
- Set up the garden pump
- connect to the electricity
- Guide the hose into the IBC container from above
- Connect the irrigation hose
- Switch on the pump
The use is the same for most of the models available and can be implemented quickly and effectively. When choosing the pump, look for a good quality product so that you can use it reliably over a long period of time.
Tip: If you want to use your garden pump continuously without having to dismantle it every time, you should choose a waterproof location. Protection from the weather is also an option.
frequently asked Questions
Since usable rainwater has to be pumped out of the IBC tank, the selected device must not be too weak. The decisive factor is the delivery rate, as this indicates the pressure at which the water is delivered. For most IBC containers, an output of 1 to 2 bar is completely sufficient, as the tanks are not deeper.
If you have to empty the IBC tank, for example for an upcoming transport, you will need other pumps. So-called flat suction pumps, which leave a maximum water level of two millimeters after use, are suitable for this purpose. Other pumps do not allow such results.
The use of the pumps becomes problematic when you want to use a water sprinkler. The pump pressure will not be enough to use the facility effectively, even if you are using a powerful model. In addition, many containers are not close enough to racewhich will also lose some pressure, unless you are using a suitable diameter hose.
