CAT CLASS: HQ-10790

2-4 in Submersible Pump

2-4 in submersible pumps are mid-range dewatering units designed to keep trenches and small excavations dry unattended on site power. Positioned between smaller utility pumps and high-volume excavation models, this class moves 80–385 gallons per minute through 2–3 inch discharge ports with heads to 44 feet. The industry sizes submersible pumps by discharge diameter, and this band handles continuous groundwater infiltration and moderate inflow without operator supervision.

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Pick a size class — capacity and reach differ across the range.

Key specifications

Specification	Typical range	What it means
Discharge port diameter	2–3 in (50.8–76.2 mm)	Determines hose size and maximum solids passage; most units in this class use 2 or 3 inch connections.
Flow rate	80–385 gpm	Pumping capacity at rated head; models span low-volume continuous dewatering to moderate excavation inflow.
Max head	22–44 ft (6.7–13.4 m)	Maximum vertical lift plus friction losses; determines discharge distance and elevation change the pump can overcome.

How to choose

This size class suits trenches, foundation pits, and small excavations where groundwater infiltration or storm runoff requires unattended pumping on continuous site power. When flow demand stays below 80 gpm or the application involves light utility dewatering, Up to 2 in Submersible Pump models offer simpler handling and lower power draw. For large excavations, high-volume inflow, or discharge distances beyond 44 feet of head, 4-6 in Submersible Pump units provide the necessary capacity and pressure.

What this size handles

Keeping a 150-foot utility trench dry during pipe installation
Continuous dewatering of a shallow building foundation excavation
Removing groundwater infiltration from a storm drain tie-in pit
Pumping water from a mid-depth sewer lateral dig
Handling moderate inflow in a roadway cut for underground conduit
Draining accumulated water from a concrete pour preparation area

Safety & operation

Electrical disconnection and lockout required before handling submerged pumps; wet conditions demand strict GFCI discipline
Pump cords and discharge hoses crossing travel paths require securing or covering to prevent trip hazards
Automatic float switches or external controls prevent dry-running damage when water levels fluctuate
Operators verify discharge routing avoids undermining adjacent excavation walls or creating slippery conditions

Transport & logistics

Units typically weigh 40–150 lbs and move by hand carry or two-person lift to excavation edge
Discharge hose, power cable, and pump fit in a pickup bed or utility trailer for single-site transport

Power & supply

Most models require 230V single-phase or 208/230V three-phase site power via portable or temporary service
Power cables typically 25–100 feet long, requiring GFCI protection and appropriate cord management on active sites

Frequently asked

What solids can 2–3 inch pumps pass?

Most models in this class handle solids from ½ to 1 inch diameter, suitable for typical construction sediment but not heavy mud or debris-laden water without pre-screening.

How deep can these pumps be submerged?

Maximum submersion depth varies by model, typically 15–30 feet of water column, with discharge head reducing available lift capacity at greater depths.

When is three-phase power required instead of single-phase?

Higher-flow models near 300–385 gpm often specify three-phase 208/230V motors for efficiency and thermal management; smaller units in the range use single-phase 230V.

Compare popular models

Find by spec →

Normalised to the same units. A dash means the figure was not published.

Model	Flow rate	Max head	Engine power
Hydromatic SKV50	180 gpm	22 ft (6.7 m)	-
Hydromatic SP40	130 gpm	26 ft (7.9 m)	-
Hydromatic S3SD/SB3SD	385 gpm	44 ft (13.4 m)	-
Hydromatic SKV40	80 gpm	22 ft (6.7 m)	-