How loud is a pump on a rainwater collection system?

Posted February 3, 2016

There are two types of pumps: centrifugal and submersible.

Centrifugal pumps are installed outside of the rainwater catchment cistern, typically inside of some sort of pump enclosure. While a pump motor can be loud, typical centrifugal pumps have a low noise level. In addition, if the pump is installed inside a pump enclosure, the enclosure can help to deaden the noise from the pump

Submersible pumps are installed inside of the rainwater collection cistern. Obviously for this type of pump, the noise volume is very low since the rainwater and the cistern will deaden the noise from the pump.

For a more in-depth, detailed answer, go to our FAQ blog post.

Chris Maxwell-Gaines

I am a professional civil engineer that focuses on creating impacting and sustainable projects by identifying all of the hidden water conservation opportunities available in a project. I am particularly interested in working within the realms of sustainable site planning, integrated water management and planning, and low impact development practices.