Franklin Electric C1 Series Cistern Pump

The Franklin Electric C1 Series Cistern Pump is a submersible multi-stage centrifugal pump designed for transferring and pressurizing gray water, filtered effluent, and harvested rainwater from cisterns, storage tanks, and holding vessels in residential, agricultural, and commercial installations. At Ken’s Distributing Company, we supply the C1 Series as a reliable solution for rainwater harvesting systems, livestock water supply, and tank-fed pressurization applications where a standard well pump is not appropriate and a purpose-built cistern pump is required. The C1 Series runs on a 1/2 HP motor, delivers flow rates of 10, 20, and 30 GPM, and reaches a shut off head of 225 feet across 6 hydraulic stages, all in a compact submersible design built for tight cistern and tank installations. Kendisco stocks the C1 Series with full technical support available for sizing and installation questions.

What Is a Cistern Pump?

A cistern pump is a submersible pump designed to pressurize water drawn from an above-ground or below-ground storage tank, cistern, or holding vessel rather than from a drilled well or open water source. The Franklin Electric C1 Series Cistern Pump is built specifically for this role, using a bottom suction design that allows it to draw down the stored water level as completely as possible before the pump loses prime, maximizing the usable volume of water in the cistern before a refill cycle is needed.

Cistern pumps are commonly used in rainwater harvesting systems where collected rooftop runoff is stored in a tank and then distributed to irrigation systems, livestock watering points, or household non-potable water uses. They are also used in rural properties that haul water to a storage tank, agricultural operations that store water for seasonal irrigation, and properties with gray water recycling systems where treated gray water is held in a tank before reuse.

The C1 Series differs from a standard effluent pump in its ability to pass solids up to 1/8 inch, which makes it better suited for gray water and rainwater applications where fine debris and small particles may be present in the stored water. Ken’s Distributing Company recommends the C1 Series for any cistern or tank application where a reliable, compact, and efficient submersible pump is needed without the cost of a full well pump system. Contact Kendisco for help confirming whether the C1 Series is the right fit for your specific tank size and flow requirements.

C1 Series Cistern Pump Technical Specifications

Order Information

C1 Series Cistern Pump

Applications and Industries

The Franklin Electric C1 Series Cistern Pump handles a wide range of stored water transfer and pressurization applications across residential, agricultural, and light commercial settings. Ken’s Distributing Company supplies the C1 Series to contractors, farmers, and homeowners who need a dependable submersible pump for tank-fed water systems where water is stored before distribution rather than pumped directly from a well or municipal supply.

• Rainwater harvesting and reclamation systems where collected rooftop runoff is stored in a cistern or tank before distribution to irrigation or non-potable household uses
• Rural properties that haul water to an above-ground or below-ground storage tank for seasonal or year-round supply
• Agricultural and livestock water supply systems where water is stored in holding tanks and distributed to troughs, irrigation lines, or spray systems
• Gray water pumping systems where treated gray water from household sources is collected and reused for irrigation or flushing
• Filtered effluent service and transfer from holding tanks in light commercial or residential onsite wastewater systems
• Decorative pond fountains and aeration systems where a compact submersible pump is needed for recirculation
• Construction site water supply from portable storage tanks where temporary pressurized water distribution is required
• Emergency or backup water supply systems where stored water needs to be distributed on demand through a pressure system

Features and Benefits of the C1 Series Cistern Pump

• Bottom suction design pulls water from the very bottom of the cistern or tank, maximizing the usable water volume before the pump loses prime and extending the time between refill cycles without the need for a separate flow induction sleeve
• Passes solids up to 1/8 inch without damaging internal components, making the C1 Series suitable for gray water and rainwater applications where fine debris and small particles are present in the stored water that would clog or damage a standard effluent pump
• Removable 5-inch base provides stable and secure mounting inside cisterns, tanks, and holding vessels, keeping the pump upright and properly positioned at the bottom of the storage vessel
• Six-stage hydraulic design delivers shut off head up to 225 feet and maximum shut off pressure of 100 PSI, giving the C1 Series the pressure range needed for multi-story distribution, long horizontal runs, and elevated irrigation points from a single storage tank installation
• Engineered thermoplastic hydraulic components resist corrosion and chemical attack from the varied water chemistry found in rainwater, gray water, and agricultural water storage applications
• Corrosion-resistant stainless steel metal components provide long service life in submersible applications without the rust and pitting that affects standard steel components over time
• Robust thermoplastic discharge head resists breakage during installation and handling in confined cistern or tank openings where pump manipulation is limited
• Single shell housing design keeps the pump compact, quiet, and thermally efficient in submersible operation, reducing heat buildup and extending motor life in continuous-duty applications
• Built-in removable check valve prevents backflow through the pump when it cycles off, protecting both the pump and the distribution system from water hammer and reverse flow without requiring a separate check valve installation in the discharge line
• Franklin Electric submersible motor delivers the proven reliability and energy efficiency that Kendisco customers rely on across all Franklin Electric pump product lines, backed by Franklin Electric’s established track record in residential and agricultural water systems
• Heavy-duty 300V 10 ft SJOOW jacketed power lead provides durable electrical connections rated for continuous submersible use in the stored water environments typical of cistern and tank installations
• Available in 115 VAC for compatibility with standard residential and agricultural electrical service without requiring a 230V circuit or step-up transformer

How to Size a Cistern Pump for Your System

Choosing the right cistern pump for your tank system depends on three main factors: the required flow rate, the total head pressure needed, and the available electrical service at the installation location.

Flow rate in GPM should match your distribution system demand. The C1 Series handles 10, 20, and 30 GPM flow rates depending on the head pressure at the operating point on the pump curve. Higher head requirements result in lower delivered flow rates, so it is important to calculate your system’s total dynamic head before confirming the pump will deliver the flow rate you need at your specific operating conditions.

Total dynamic head includes the vertical elevation difference between the pump and the highest discharge point, plus pipe friction losses based on pipe diameter, length, fittings, and flow velocity. The C1 Series shut off head of 225 feet and maximum pressure of 100 PSI gives it a generous operating range for most residential and agricultural cistern applications.

The C1 Series is currently available in 115 VAC only, which covers standard single-phase residential and light commercial electrical service. If your installation requires 230 VAC, contact Ken’s Distributing Company to discuss alternative cistern pump options available through Kendisco that may better match your electrical service configuration.

For rainwater harvesting systems, confirm that your tank inlet is screened and that the water passing through the C1 Series does not contain debris larger than 1/8 inch, which is the maximum solids passage rating for this pump. Installing a pre-filter or settling screen on the tank inlet will extend pump service life significantly in systems where leaf debris or other material may enter the storage tank.

C1 Series Cistern Pump Replacement Parts and Repair Kits

Genuine Franklin Electric replacement parts for the C1 Series Cistern Pump are available through Ken’s Distributing Company. Kendisco stocks service components to support maintenance and replacement needs for C1 Series installations in residential, agricultural, and light commercial cistern systems.

Visit our Franklin Electric replacement parts and repair kits page to find components compatible with your C1 Series model. Contact our team at Ken’s Distributing Company for help identifying the correct replacement part for your specific pump model and application.

Frequently Asked Questions About the Franklin Electric C1 Series Cistern Pump

What is a cistern pump?

A cistern pump is a submersible pump designed to pressurize water from an above-ground or below-ground storage tank or cistern rather than from a drilled well or municipal supply connection. The Franklin Electric C1 Series Cistern Pump is purpose-built for this role, using a bottom suction design to maximize the usable water volume from the storage vessel and a multi-stage hydraulic design to deliver consistent pressure for distribution to irrigation systems, livestock watering, or household non-potable uses. It is not a well pump and should not be installed in a drilled well casing.

How does a cistern pump differ from a well pump?

A well pump is designed for installation inside a drilled well casing and is sized to draw water up from the aquifer at the bottom of the well. A cistern pump is designed for installation inside a storage tank or cistern that has already been filled with water from a delivery truck, rainwater collection system, or intermittent supply source. The C1 Series is built specifically for cistern and tank applications and does not require a well casing, drop pipe, or pitless adapter installation.

Can the C1 Series handle rainwater?

Yes. The Franklin Electric C1 Series Cistern Pump is well suited for rainwater harvesting applications where collected rooftop runoff is stored in a cistern or tank before distribution. Its thermoplastic and stainless steel construction resists the varied water chemistry of collected rainwater, and its 1/8 inch solids passage capability handles the fine debris and small particles that are commonly present in harvested rainwater that has passed through a standard inlet screen. For best results, install a pre-filter or settling screen on the tank inlet to prevent debris larger than 1/8 inch from reaching the pump.

What tank size works with the C1 Series?

The C1 Series Cistern Pump is compatible with any cistern or storage tank that is large enough to accommodate the pump body and removable 5-inch base, and that allows proper submersion of the pump during operation. The pump is designed for tanks where the water level is sufficient to keep the pump submerged during operation. The bottom suction design means the pump can draw water down to a very low level inside the tank before losing prime, maximizing the usable storage volume. Contact Ken’s Distributing Company for help sizing the C1 Series to your specific tank volume and daily water demand.

What is the maximum pressure the C1 Series can deliver?

The Franklin Electric C1 Series Cistern Pump delivers a maximum shut off pressure of 100 PSI and a shut off head of 225 feet across its 6-stage hydraulic design. At typical residential operating flow rates, delivered pressure will be lower than the shut off maximum depending on where your system operates on the pump curve. For most residential and agricultural cistern distribution systems, the C1 Series delivers more than adequate pressure for single-story or two-story distribution, long horizontal runs to irrigation points, and elevated livestock watering troughs.

Is the C1 Series suitable for gray water systems?

Yes. The Franklin Electric C1 Series is specifically listed as suitable for gray water pumping applications. Its thermoplastic and corrosion-resistant stainless steel construction handles the soap residues, mild detergents, and fine solids typically found in residential gray water from sinks, showers, and laundry sources. The 1/8 inch solids passage capability also allows the pump to handle small particles that may be present in gray water without clogging the hydraulic stages. Always confirm that your local code permits gray water reuse and cistern-based gray water distribution before installing this system.

Does the C1 Series require a flow induction sleeve?

No. One of the key design advantages of the Franklin Electric C1 Series Cistern Pump is that its bottom suction design eliminates the need for a flow induction sleeve. Standard submersible pump designs draw water in from the sides and require a flow sleeve to direct water past the motor for cooling. The C1 Series draws water in from the bottom, which naturally cools the motor and allows installation directly in a cistern or open tank without additional sleeve components. This simplifies installation in tight or irregular tank openings.

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