Draper Expert Petrol Water Pump, 500L/Min, 4.8HP

The Draper Expert PWP52 is a professional-grade petrol water pump built for contractors, groundworkers, and site managers who need reliable, high-volume water removal in locations where mains power isn't available. Delivering up to 500 litres per minute through a 50mm outlet, powered by a 4.8HP four-stroke OHV petrol engine, and weighing just 24kg, it strikes the ideal balance between pumping performance and site portability.

Whether clearing flooded footings ahead of a pour, draining waterlogged excavations, emptying large ponds for maintenance, or responding to unexpected site flooding, the PWP52 gets the water moving fast. A maximum head height of 25 metres means it can discharge water well clear of the working area, while an 8-metre suction head draws effectively from deep excavations and open water sources. Built into a heavy-duty coated tubular steel frame and supplied with two metal hose couplings, a suction filter, and box spanner, it arrives ready for immediate site deployment.

Important: Do not operate this pump in enclosed spaces. For outdoor use only.

Key Features & Benefits

500 Litres Per Minute – Serious Flow Rate in a Portable Package

At 500L/min maximum output, the PWP52 moves 30,000 litres of water every hour – enough to clear a standard 3m × 3m trench flooded to 1 metre depth in around 18 minutes at peak flow. For a pump weighing just 24kg, that's an impressive performance-to-portability ratio that makes it equally at home on a busy building site and in the back of a transit van. Compared to the larger PWP82T (750L/min, 35kg), the PWP52 offers nearly two-thirds of the flow rate at less than two-thirds of the weight – a meaningful trade-off for contractors who move between sites regularly.

Lightweight at Just 24kg

At 24kg, the PWP52 is significantly lighter than comparable high-output petrol pumps, and 11kg lighter than the Draper Expert PWP82T. One person can lift, carry, and position it without assistance on most sites, load it into a van without mechanical aids, and move it to where it's needed quickly. For sole traders and small teams where every piece of equipment needs to earn its place, the combination of 500L/min output and 24kg weight is a compelling proposition.

25m Maximum Head Height

With a maximum discharge head of 25 metres, the PWP52 can pump water over embankments, up to elevated discharge points, and along extended hose runs well beyond the immediate working area. Whether you're pumping over a road, up to a drainage ditch above site level, or along a long run to the nearest watercourse, 25m of head provides serious working flexibility.

8m Suction Head – Deep Draw Capability

A maximum suction head of 8 metres allows the PWP52 to draw water from significant depth – deeper than many comparable pumps – making it effective in deep excavations, flooded basements, and open water sources well below the pump's operating position. The supplied suction filter protects the impeller while maintaining flow.

4.8HP Four-Stroke OHV Engine

A 196cc four-stroke overhead valve petrol engine producing 4.8HP powers the PWP52. OHV technology delivers reliable, efficient combustion with good fuel economy, no oil-mixing requirements, and lower long-term maintenance demands than two-stroke alternatives. The recoil pull start is smooth and reliable even in cold or damp conditions.

50mm Outlet – Clean Water Pumping Performance

The 50mm (2 inch) inlet and outlet apertures are optimised for high-flow clean and lightly dirty water pumping. While not a trash pump, the PWP52 handles water with fine silt and light sediment effectively. For applications involving heavier solids, debris, and waste up to 27mm diameter, the Draper Expert PWP82T with its 80mm aperture is the appropriate choice.

Heavy-Duty Coated Tubular Steel Frame

The pump is housed in a robust tubular steel frame with a protective coated finish, providing impact resistance during transport and site use, and stable footing on uneven ground. Built for the daily demands of professional use rather than occasional domestic applications.

Supplied Ready to Work

Two metal hose couplings, a suction filter, and a box spanner are included. Metal couplings provide greater durability and reliability than plastic alternatives under sustained site use.

E10 95 Octane Compatible

Runs on standard E10 95 octane unleaded petrol, available at virtually all UK forecourts.

Full Specification

What's in the Box

• Draper Expert PWP52 Petrol Water Pump
• 2 × metal hose couplings
• Suction filter
• Box spanner

Important safety notice: Do not operate this pump in enclosed spaces. Outdoor use only.

Who Is the Draper Expert PWP52 For?

Construction & Groundworks Contractors – Drain flooded footings, trenches, and excavations before concreting or laying services. At 24kg, the PWP52 is light enough to move around an active site without dedicated lifting equipment and delivers the flow rate needed to clear excavations quickly.

Sole Traders & Small Building Teams – A high-performance pump that one person can manage alone. Load it, unload it, position it, and start it without needing a second pair of hands – unlike heavier alternatives that require two people or mechanical assistance.

Agricultural & Land Management – Drain waterlogged fields, paddocks, and ditches; manage pond levels; draw irrigation water from open sources. The 8m suction head and 25m discharge head handle the varied terrain of agricultural sites.

Property & Facilities Management – Respond quickly to burst pipes, drainage failures, and surface flooding on commercial and residential properties. A petrol pump works independently of mains power, making it suitable for responding to flooding that has also compromised the electrical supply.

Pond & Water Feature Maintenance – Empty large garden ponds, ornamental lakes, and water features for cleaning, maintenance, and relining without the extended pumping time that a smaller unit would require.

Equipment Hire Fleets – Lightweight, robust, and broadly applicable across residential, commercial, and agricultural hire customers. The all-metal construction and professional-grade frame stand up to repeated hire use.

Frequently Asked Questions

How does the PWP52 compare to the Draper Expert PWP82T trash pump? The two pumps are designed for related but distinct applications. The PWP52 (50mm, 500L/min, 24kg) is a clean and lightly dirty water pump optimised for portability and high-flow site drainage. The PWP82T (80mm, 750L/min, 35kg) is a trash pump engineered specifically to handle dirty water carrying solids, silt, and debris up to 27mm in diameter. If your application involves water that is predominantly clear or carries only fine sediment, the PWP52 is the lighter, more portable choice. If you're dealing with heavily contaminated water, silt-laden flood water, or water carrying stones and debris, the PWP82T is the correct tool.

What size hose do I need? The PWP52 uses 50mm (2 inch) bore hose for both suction and discharge. Two metal 50mm hose couplings are supplied; additional hose is available separately. Always match hose bore to the pump aperture – using a smaller bore hose reduces flow rate and increases strain on the pump.

Can I pump water with silt and mud through the PWP52? The PWP52 handles lightly silty water effectively, as found in typical excavation drainage and surface flooding. It is not a trash pump and is not designed to handle heavy concentrations of solids, coarse gravel, or debris. For those conditions, use the PWP82T.

How deep can the PWP52 draw from? The maximum suction head is 8 metres – measured vertically from the water surface to the pump inlet. In practice, keep suction hose runs as short as possible and ensure the inlet is fully submerged for optimal flow.

Can I run the pump dry? No. Running the pump without water flowing through it will damage the seals and impeller through heat and friction. Ensure the suction filter is fully submerged before starting and stop the pump before the water source is exhausted.

What fuel does it use? Standard E10 95 octane unleaded petrol in the 3.6-litre tank. Available at most UK forecourts.

Can I use it indoors? No. The PWP52 is powered by a petrol engine that produces carbon monoxide exhaust fumes. It must only be operated outdoors in well-ventilated conditions, well away from doors, windows, and air intakes. Never use in an enclosed space.