Run-Off Pump by The Bucket Company — Automatic Runoff Drain Pump with 4L Reservoir
TBC-PUMP-RUNOFF-4L
Catches runoff from trays and grow tables in a 4-litre tub, then pumps it out automatically on a float switch. Send it to a drain or back to your reservoir, no shop vac needed.
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Pairs well with
Emptying runoff trays with a jug or a shop vac gets old fast, and a dehumidifier or air conditioner drain that has nowhere to go is a wet floor waiting to happen. The Run-Off Pump by The Bucket Company is a 4-litre collection tub with a 12V 1100 GPH auto bilge pump inside. Drainage runs into the tub, and once the water reaches the float switch the pump kicks in and lifts it up and away to a drain, a sink or back to your hydroponic system, then switches itself off. Two pumps come in the box: one to run in the tub and a backup ready to go, both included in the price. It suits home growers draining pots on runoff trays or grow tables, plus anything in the grow room that drips all day, like dehumidifiers and air conditioners. The honest limit: it cycles on and off as water collects, so it is a drainage pump, not an all-day recirculating pump.
Specifications
Grower's Tip
- Put the tub at the lowest point so drainage reaches it by gravity. The pump lifts water out of the tub; it cannot pull water in from a tray or a dehumidifier.
- Draining a dehumidifier or air conditioner? Set it to continuous drain, run its hose into one of the tub's fitting ports and let the pump handle the lift to your sink or floor drain.
- Every metre of lift costs flow. Keep the outlet hose as short and as direct as you can, and use the performance curve in the photos to check your run.
- The filters are what keep the pump alive. Coco fines and perlite are the usual killers, so rinse both filters whenever you see sediment.
- Keep the backup pump somewhere dry and close by. If the working pump ever clogs mid-run, swap it in and clean the first one at your leisure.
- Recirculating? Check the runoff's EC and pH before it goes back into your reservoir. Runoff rarely comes back the same as what went in.
- Plug the power supply in above floor level and away from splashes, and unplug it before you put your hands in the tub.
How To Set It Up
Want to see it in action first? Watch The Bucket Company's Runoff Pump video on YouTube.
Pairs Well With
The matching tray from the same brand. Catches the runoff under each pot and drains it to the pump.
Drain Tray by Flow TrayAnother drain tray that channels pot runoff out to a collection point like this one.
AeroDrain D12 Dehumidifier by VIVOSUNPulls water out of the air all day. Run its drain into the tub and the pump takes it away.
AeroLush C08 Air Conditioner by VIVOSUNCooling and dehumidifying make condensate. This pump lifts it out to a drain for you.
Hydro Tank by SeahawkCollapsible tanks to pump your runoff into when there is no drain nearby.
Humidity ControlDehumidifiers, humidifiers and the gear to keep grow room humidity where you want it.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does the Run-Off Pump switch on by itself?
Yes. The built-in float switch starts the pump when the water in the tub reaches about 5cm (2") and stops it once it has pumped out. A manual override knob lets you run it by hand to test it.
Are both pumps included in the price?
Yes. Both 1100 GPH pumps come in the box. One runs in the tub and the other is a backup ready to go, so if the working pump ever clogs or fails you can swap it straight away and keep draining.
Does it come with an Australian plug?
Yes. Every unit we sell ships with a 12V, 5A power supply fitted with an Australian plug. Some product photos show the US plug from the overseas model.
Can it drain a dehumidifier or air conditioner?
Yes. Run the unit's continuous drain hose into one of the tub's fitting ports. The condensate collects in the tub and the pump lifts it out to your drain whenever it reaches the float.
How high can it pump water?
About 3m. The manufacturer's performance curve shows roughly 2,400 L/h at 1m of lift, 1,500 L/h at 2m and 750 L/h at 3m. Longer hose runs and extra bends reduce that further.
Can I send the runoff back to my reservoir?
Yes. It can pump to waste or back to your hydroponic system; it depends where you run the outlet hose. Check the runoff's EC and pH before it goes back into the reservoir.
Can I use it as a recirculating pump that runs all day?
No. It is a drainage pump that cycles on and off as water collects, which is exactly what a constant drip from a dehumidifier needs. For water that has to keep moving around the clock, use a pump rated for continuous duty.
What hose does it take?
It takes 3/4" vinyl tube, or you can plumb it with 1/2" PVC hard pipe using the threaded fittings. Barb, elbow and tee fittings, end caps and clamps are all included.
Can it pump hot water or cleaning chemicals?
No. Keep the water below 35°C (95°F), and do not use it for solvents, fuels, cleaning chemicals or anything flammable. The manufacturer also limits it to non-commercial drainage.
Stop Emptying Trays by Hand
A 4-litre tub, a float switch and two 1100 GPH pumps, backup included, with an Australian plug. Free shipping over $499*.
