What is the maximum total suction lift recommended?

The maximum total suction lift recommended for pumps is commonly accepted to be around 15 feet. This limit is primarily based on the atmospheric pressure at sea level and the physical properties of water.

When considering suction lift, it’s important to account for the fact that as the height of water being lifted increases, the pressure exerted on the water decreases. At a suction lift greater than 15 feet, the vacuum created could cause the water to vaporize, leading to cavitation, which can damage the pump and reduce its efficiency.

While some pumps may be capable of operating at higher lifts under specific conditions or configurations, 15 feet is generally viewed as a safe operational limit across various applications to ensure reliable performance and protect the equipment.

Other choices like 10 feet, 12 feet, and 20 feet either do not meet operational needs or exceed the safe limits established for effective pump operation in typical wastewater scenarios. A suction lift of less than 15 feet may not fully utilize a pump's capacity, while exceeding that can lead to operational instability and potential pump failure.