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Cordless dirty water pump?

Kkmk

Active member
Joined
Dec 26, 2023
Messages
41
Hi Friends,

I’m investigating cordless pumps for dirty/silty water. My side yard floods a bit with any decent rain - on a slight slope and brick edging so it pools up on the downhill edge. Lets say 200L to get rid of so the grass doesnt just get super squishy. I’ve got Milwaukee and Ryobi batteries.

Just had a go with a mates M18 stick pump, and it did… kinda poor. Pick up of the pump was higher than the water so was pumping air most of the time. Is the pick up height on the M12 much lower than the M18? Would be close to perfect if it was.

Otherwise, Ryobi 18V transfer pump? Not sure if they like dirty water though?

Also open to other options for pumps that have their pick up near the very bottom of the pump. I can do corded, cordless is just easier.
 
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LopezBart

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Joined
Oct 13, 2023
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2,564
Location
Lopez Island, WA
Small inexpensive automatic 12V bilge pump would work well for this. If you're doing it manually, they have them that run on 120V that I used on several long extension cords to drain my shop foundation during an atmospheric river.....
 

RTM

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Joined
May 13, 2019
Messages
13,230
Location
SF Bay Area
I have a couple of cheap aquarium pumps, but 120v. Work a dream for pumping out flooded yard containers. Suspect Amazon.
 

Firebrick43

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Joined
May 12, 2015
Messages
14,166
Location
West central Indiana
Hi Friends,

I’m investigating cordless pumps for dirty/silty water. My side yard floods a bit with any decent rain - on a slight slope and brick edging so it pools up on the downhill edge. Lets say 200L to get rid of so the grass doesnt just get super squishy. I’ve got Milwaukee and Ryobi batteries.

Just had a go with a mates M18 stick pump, and it did… kinda poor. Pick up of the pump was higher than the water so was pumping air most of the time. Is the pick up height on the M12 much lower than the M18? Would be close to perfect if it was.

Otherwise, Ryobi 18V transfer pump? Not sure if they like dirty water though?

Also open to other options for pumps that have their pick up near the very bottom of the pump. I can do corded, cordless is just easier.
How much is a "slight slope" as in how many feet away and how many feet above is the discharge. Any stick pump is not what you want. They are designed to empty small tubs, tanks, and barrels.

A dewatering pump should have a bottom screen/pickup like a wayne water bug. And a 120v pump is by far the best choice.

You could also buy a 5/8 or 16mm barbed suction strainer and attach it to a short section of hose to use with the M18 Fuel transfer pump or 3d print one


 

Beerhippie

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Joined
Oct 13, 2023
Messages
9,964
Location
Far NE Oregon
I'd eliminate the problem by removing half a brick or two, or put drain pipes through/under the bricks.
Hey! This is GJ--giving well intentioned advice on the proper solution to a problem rather than recommending a new tool purpose... not the done thing.
 
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OldDoItAll

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May 24, 2025
Messages
158
Location
Oklahoma
Hey! This is GJ--giving well intentioned advice on the right solution to a problem rather than recommending a new tool purpose... not the done thing.
I knew better, just couldn't decide on which tools/ equipment to buy. Mini excavator for French drain, truck with 36" auger for dry well, septic tank pump truck, solar panels, batteries, and pump? Decisions, decesions?
 
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Kkmk

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Dec 26, 2023
Messages
41
Believe it or not, the stormwater drain runs directly under the worst spot. Im just not keen on digging since the landscaping is recent and I just dressed the lawn. And the stick pumps are so much fun.


Photo shows it. Its no big deal by a long shot. Depth is another 2 bricks. Ground is squishy all rhe way to where I’m standing.

Is this what you meant by mini excavator?
 

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mike93lx

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Joined
Dec 9, 2013
Messages
37,847
Location
Richmond, VA
Not making an adjustment to that very simple wall to allow water to flow through it just so you can justify a new tool is a stretch even for me

A battery pump to deal with rainwater is wild
 
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Kkmk

Active member
Joined
Dec 26, 2023
Messages
41
Hm, I know you’re right. :(

How to make a drainage hole in the bricks without knocking other bricks out? Gently through the mortar on the bottom course with a hammer drill?

Demo saw?! Bigger excavator?
 

mike93lx

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Joined
Dec 9, 2013
Messages
37,847
Location
Richmond, VA
Hm, I know you’re right. :(

How to make a drainage hole in the bricks without knocking other bricks out? Gently through the mortar on the bottom course with a hammer drill?

Demo saw?! Bigger excavator?
Excavator is always the answer except when the answer is a telehandler.

I'd probably grab a core bit. Maybe 1.5-2"

But that will only deal with surface water. How deep is the wall's "foundation"?
 

Firebrick43

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Joined
May 12, 2015
Messages
14,166
Location
West central Indiana
Hm, I know you’re right. :(

How to make a drainage hole in the bricks without knocking other bricks out? Gently through the mortar on the bottom course with a hammer drill?

Demo saw?! Bigger excavator?
A hammer drill is likely to knock things loose in a situation like that. I would use a diamond core bit for a round hole or a diamond blade on an oscillating multitool if you want a square hole. Either way you need a flat spade to cut a square of sod out so you can get the hole low enough and it more than likely will plug so something hand size is imperative.
 

OldDoItAll

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Joined
May 24, 2025
Messages
158
Location
Oklahoma
Believe it or not, the stormwater drain runs directly under the worst spot. Im just not keen on digging since the landscaping is recent and I just dressed the lawn. And the stick pumps are so much fun.


Photo shows it. Its no big deal by a long shot. Depth is another 2 bricks. Ground is squishy all rhe way to where I’m standing.

Is this what you meant by mini excavator?
It'll work, but only if it is AI controlled.

Looks like you could remove a lower course brick or two from the back side, wouldn't have to disturb your turf. Replace the bricks with some short sections plastic pipe and mortar them in. Use something more visually appealing than PVC if you wish.
Don't know how often this happens but stick pump wouldn't be so much fun the fourth or fifth time you do it.
 
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