COMPACT AUTOMATIC JET PRESSURE SYSTEM
Davey TotalFlo TF40J-18 Jet Pressure Pump
The Davey TotalFlo TF40J-18 is a compact automatic jet pressure system designed for clean-water supply, rainwater-tank pressure boosting, garden watering and smaller domestic pressure applications.
The current TF40J-18 combines a 370W fixed-speed jet pump with Davey's automatic TotalFlo pressure controller. Manufacturer specifications list a maximum flow of 40 litres per minute, maximum head of 35 metres and a preset controller cut-in pressure of 180kPa.
The pump can be installed in either flooded-suction or correctly designed suction-lift arrangements and includes loss-of-prime protection through the automatic controller.
Installed Today can offer the TF40J-18 as supply only or through eligible supplied-and-installed pathways in Brisbane and Gold Coast service areas, subject to the water source, suction conditions, pipework, electrical supply, pump location and required flow and pressure.
Davey TF40J-18 at a glance: 370W fixed-speed jet pump, 40L/min maximum flow, 35m maximum head, 180kPa controller cut-in, 1.95A current, 1-inch BSP female suction inlet, 1-inch BSP male delivery outlet, 304 stainless-steel wet end, IP45 protection, 69.4dB manufacturer-listed noise rating and a two-year TotalFlo replacement guarantee for qualifying manufacturing defects.
CURRENT MODEL
What Is the Davey TotalFlo TF40J-18?
The TF40J-18 is the smaller jet-pump pressure system within Davey's current TotalFlo residential pressure range.
Davey positions the TotalFlo jet systems for gardens, smaller homes, tank pressure boosting and other compatible domestic clean-water applications.
Rainwater Tanks
Can draw clean rainwater from a suitable tank using flooded suction or a correctly designed suction-lift arrangement.
Garden Watering
The compact hydraulic duty can suit garden taps and selected irrigation loads where the required flow and pressure fall within the pump curve.
Light Domestic Supply
Can provide automatic pressure for smaller domestic water systems where a larger multistage pump is unnecessary.
KEY NUMBERS
TF40J-18 at a Glance
40L/min
Maximum Flow
35m
Maximum Head
370W
Motor Size
180kPa
Controller Cut-In
HYDRAULIC PERFORMANCE
Does the TF40J-18 Deliver 40L/Min at 35m Head?
No. Maximum flow and maximum head describe opposite ends of the pump's performance range.
The 35m maximum-head figure occurs at or near zero water flow. As water flow increases, the amount of pump head available progressively falls.
The 40L/min maximum-flow specification therefore should not be read as 40L/min at 35m head or approximately 343kPa.
Pressure pumps need to be selected from the required flow and pressure together. Pipe length, suction lift, elevation, filters, valves, fittings and pipe diameter also reduce the pressure available at the final outlet.
For this reason, the TF40J-18 is best treated as a compact light-duty pressure system rather than a high-flow whole-property pump.
TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS
Davey TotalFlo TF40J-18 Specifications
| Specification |
Current Manufacturer Detail |
| Brand |
Davey TotalFlo |
| Model |
TF40J-18 |
| System Type |
Automatic fixed-speed jet pressure system |
| Suitable Water |
Clean fresh water free of solids and abrasive material |
| Motor Size |
370W |
| Electrical Supply |
220–240V AC, 50Hz, single phase |
| Current |
1.95A |
| Nominal Speed |
Approximately 2820rpm |
| Insulation Class |
Class F |
| IP Rating |
IP45 |
| Power Lead |
1.8m lead with C38 3-pin plug |
| Maximum Flow |
40L/min |
| Maximum Head |
35m |
| Controller Cut-In Pressure |
180kPa / 1.8 bar |
| Suction Inlet |
1-inch BSP female |
| Delivery Outlet |
1-inch BSP male |
| Wet-End Casing |
304 stainless steel |
| Maximum Water Temperature |
35°C |
| Maximum Ambient Temperature |
40°C in the current technical datasheet |
| Manufacturer Noise Rating |
69.4dB |
| Warranty |
24 months / two-year replacement guarantee for qualifying manufacturing defects |
JET PUMP DESIGN
What Is a Jet Pressure Pump?
A jet pump uses a centrifugal impeller together with a jet and venturi arrangement to create suction and move water through the pump.
This design can work well in smaller residential installations where the pump needs to draw from a tank positioned below or away from the pump.
The TF40J-18 is smaller than Davey's TF117MS-18 multistage system and is intended for more modest flow and pressure requirements.
Jet pump and multistage pump do not mean the same thing. The TF40J-18 is a jet pump. The larger TF117MS-18 is the multistage model within the same TotalFlo pressure-system family.
AUTOMATIC PRESSURE CONTROL
How Does the TF40J-18 Start and Stop?
The TotalFlo controller monitors pressure and flow and automatically starts the pump when system pressure falls to approximately 180kPa or 1.8 bar.
Once water demand stops, flow drops toward approximately 0.5L/min and the controller confirms suitable pressure before returning the pump to standby.
This provides normal automatic operation when taps or other connected outlets are opened and closed.
The TF40J-18 is not a variable-speed constant-pressure pump. The motor operates at a fixed speed while the controller handles automatic starting, stopping and fault protection.
LOSS-OF-PRIME PROTECTION
Does the TF40J-18 Have Dry-Run Protection?
The TotalFlo pressure controller includes loss-of-prime protection and an automatic restart sequence.
Davey's current installation instructions describe three automatic restart attempts following a dry-run condition before the controller enters a 24-hour hibernation period. The sequence can repeat if the dry-run condition remains.
Once the water supply has been restored, the controller can also be manually reset.
Loss-of-prime protection does not make dry running acceptable. Davey specifically instructs users not to run the pump dry or operate it with loss of prime.
SUCTION LIFT
Can the TF40J-18 Draw Water Up From a Tank?
Yes. Davey lists the TotalFlo pressure systems for both suction-lift and flooded-suction applications.
A suction-lift installation occurs where the pump sits above the available water level and must draw water up through the suction pipe.
Davey requires a good-quality foot valve for suction-lift installations to help prevent the suction line losing prime.
- Keep suction pipe as short as practical
- Use pipe at least as large as the pump inlet
- Maintain airtight threaded connections
- Avoid high points where air can collect
- Use a suitable foot valve
- Prime the pump and suction line before operation
Do not assume a universal maximum suction lift from the 35m head figure. Maximum pump head is not the same as allowable suction lift, and real suction performance depends heavily on the complete pipe arrangement.
FLOODED SUCTION
What Is a Flooded-Suction Installation?
Flooded suction means the stored-water level is above the pump inlet, allowing water to naturally reach the pump rather than being lifted under suction.
Davey requires an isolation or gate valve in a flooded-suction arrangement so the water supply can be shut off when the pump needs to be removed or serviced.
Where practical, flooded suction can reduce the priming challenges associated with longer suction-lift installations.
PIPEWORK
What Pipe Sizes Does the TF40J-18 Use?
The current TF40J-18 has a 1-inch BSP female suction inlet and a 1-inch BSP male delivery outlet.
Davey recommends using suction and delivery pipework at least as large as the respective pump openings. Larger pipe can be useful on longer runs to reduce friction losses.
The manufacturer also recommends unions so the pump can be removed more easily for servicing or replacement.
Undersized suction pipe can significantly reduce performance. A pump upgrade does not correct restrictive or leaking suction pipework.
STATIC OUTLET HEIGHT
Does the Height of the Highest Outlet Matter?
Yes. The automatic controller has a preset 180kPa restart pressure.
Davey's current installation instructions state that if the static discharge head above the pump exceeds approximately 18 metres, the automatic pressure controller will not permit normal starting.
This limitation comes from the controller's restart logic and should not be confused with the pump's 35m maximum hydraulic head.
RAINWATER TANKS
Is the TF40J-18 Suitable for Rainwater Tanks?
Yes. Pressure boosting from water tanks is one of Davey's listed TotalFlo applications.
The rainwater needs to be sufficiently clean for the pump. Where leaves, plant matter or other particles may enter the suction pipe, Davey recommends suitable straining to reduce the risk of pump blockage.
Tank sediment, grit or abrasive contamination should be addressed before installing a new pressure pump.
The standard TF40J-18 is a pressure pump, not an automatic mains-changeover system. Automatic rainwater-to-mains backup requires a compatible additional changeover arrangement.
AUTOMATIC MAINS BACKUP
Can the TF40J-18 Be Combined With Automatic Rainwater Changeover?
Davey's current installation documentation identifies an AcquaSaver-compatible TF40J-18AR arrangement for properties that require automatic rainwater priority with mains-water backup.
In that configuration, the compatible changeover device prioritises available rainwater and can automatically change to mains water when the rainwater supply becomes unavailable or during electrical interruption.
The manufacturer identifies the BAS20-S arrangement for the compatible TF40J-18AR and lists a maximum recommended flow of approximately 40L/min for that combination.
The standard TF40J-18 and a complete automatic rainwater/mains package are not the same product scope. Check whether an automatic changeover valve is actually included before ordering.
MAINS PRESSURE BOOSTING
Can the TF40J-18 Boost Mains Water?
Davey identifies pressure boosting from mains or water tanks as a TotalFlo application.
Its installation instructions also warn that direct pump connection to a town-water supply can be restricted and recommend an isolating tank as the preferred arrangement in many installations.
Where a direct mains arrangement is permissible and used, Davey states that pump casing pressure must not exceed 600kPa.
Direct mains boosting should be assessed for the actual property. A licensed plumber should confirm the proposed water-service arrangement rather than assuming the pump can simply be connected directly to any mains supply.
CLEAN WATER ONLY
What Type of Water Can the TF40J-18 Pump?
Davey specifies clean fresh water free of solids.
The pump should not be used for abrasive, corrosive, flammable or otherwise hazardous liquids.
The manufacturer lists a maximum pumped-water temperature of 35°C.
This is not a dirty-water pump. Sand, sludge, grit and other abrasive contamination can damage the hydraulic components and may affect warranty coverage.
DRINKING-WATER CONTACT
Can the TF40J-18 Be Used With Safe Drinking Water?
Davey's TotalFlo pressure-system datasheet states that the range has been tested in compliance with AS/NZS 4020 for use in contact with safe drinking water.
This relates to the suitability of the pump materials for contact with water that is already safe for drinking.
The TF40J-18 does not filter, disinfect or make contaminated rainwater potable.
Source-water quality and any required treatment remain separate parts of the overall water system.
STAINLESS-STEEL WET END
What Is the Pump Wet End Made From?
Davey lists a 304 stainless-steel wet-end casing across the current TotalFlo jet and multistage pressure systems.
The wet end is the hydraulic part of the pump that contains and moves the water.
The stainless-steel construction provides corrosion resistance for compatible clean-water service while retaining the compact format of the TotalFlo range.
ELECTRICAL CONNECTION
How Is the TF40J-18 Powered?
The TF40J-18 uses 220–240V AC, 50Hz single-phase electricity and has a manufacturer-listed current of approximately 1.95A.
Davey supplies the pump pre-wired with a 1.8-metre lead and C38 three-pin plug.
The power supply must be correctly earthed and appropriate for the pump.
Davey advises against long extension leads because voltage drop can reduce pump performance and may contribute to motor overload.
If no suitable power point exists at the proposed pump position, additional electrical work is outside a standard pump replacement.
DIRECT SOLAR POWER
Can the TF40J-18 Be Connected Directly to Solar Panels?
No. Davey's current TotalFlo installation instructions specifically state that the equipment is not suitable for a direct solar-panel power supply.
The TF40J-18 is designed for the specified 220–240V AC electrical supply.
A normal grid-connected home can still have rooftop solar; the restriction is against treating the pump as a direct solar-powered appliance outside its specified electrical supply arrangement.
INSTALLATION POSITION
How Should the TF40J-18 Be Mounted?
Davey requires the TotalFlo jet pump to be mounted horizontally on a firm base.
The position should be as close to the water source as practical, while allowing drainage, pipe support, electrical access and future pump replacement.
Do not install the TF40J-18 vertically. Davey's current installation instructions specifically require horizontal mounting.
WEATHER PROTECTION
Can the TF40J-18 Be Installed Outdoors?
The pump can be used in outdoor water systems when the installation provides suitable protection.
Davey specifies a waterproof, frost-free and adequately ventilated pump cover or housing.
Weather protection should not seal the motor and controller into a small unventilated enclosure.
The base should also allow drainage so a leaking pipe joint or pump seal does not cause damage or leave the pump standing in water.
NOISE
How Loud Is the TF40J-18?
Davey's current datasheet lists a noise rating of approximately 69.4dB for the TF40J-18.
The manufacturer datasheet does not provide sufficient measurement context to turn that value into a guaranteed sound level at a particular property boundary or room.
Actual perceived noise depends on operating load, pump cover, mounting surface, pipe vibration, nearby walls and distance from occupied areas.
Secure mounting and correctly supported pipework can help reduce vibration being transmitted into the building.
TF40J VS TF50J VS TF117MS
Which Current TotalFlo Pressure Pump Is Larger?
| Specification |
TF40J-18 |
TF50J-18 |
TF117MS-18 |
| Pump Type |
Jet |
Jet |
Multistage |
| Motor |
370W |
600W |
750W |
| Maximum Flow |
40L/min |
50L/min |
117L/min |
| Maximum Head |
35m |
41m |
41m |
| Current |
1.95A |
2.7A |
4.0A |
| Cut-In Pressure |
180kPa |
180kPa |
180kPa |
| Manufacturer Noise Figure |
69.4dB |
72.8dB |
67.8dB |
The TF40J-18 is the smallest of these current TotalFlo pressure-system options. The TF50J-18 increases jet-pump pressure and flow capability, while the TF117MS-18 provides substantially more flow through its multistage hydraulic design.
WHEN TO CHOOSE THE TF40J
Who Is the TF40J-18 Best Suited To?
The TF40J-18 can make sense where the required water duty is relatively modest and a simple automatic pressure system is preferred.
- Small rainwater-tank pressure systems
- Garden taps
- Selected smaller irrigation applications
- Light domestic pressure supply
- Replacement of a similar compact jet pump
- Flooded-suction tank installations
- Correctly designed suction-lift installations
A larger pump may be more appropriate where several outlets operate simultaneously, long pipe runs create substantial friction losses or stronger pressure is required at higher flow.
WARRANTY
Davey TotalFlo TF40J-18 Warranty
Davey's current TotalFlo product listing specifies a 24-month warranty period.
The manufacturer's TotalFlo pressure-system datasheet describes this as a two-year replacement guarantee for qualifying manufacturing defects.
The same documentation states that no serviceable spare-parts or in-field service pathway is offered for TotalFlo products under this replacement guarantee.
This should not be described as a two-year onsite repair program. Davey's published TotalFlo arrangement is a replacement guarantee for qualifying manufacturing defects, subject to the manufacturer's conditions and proof-of-purchase requirements.
SUPPLY ONLY
Buy the Davey TotalFlo TF40J-18 Supply Only
Choose supply only where a suitable plumber, pump technician or other appropriately qualified installer is already arranged.
The pump-only price does not automatically include:
- Plumbing installation
- Suction-pipe alterations
- Delivery-pipe alterations
- Foot valve
- Isolation or gate valves
- Unions and additional fittings
- Strainers or filtration
- Automatic mains-water changeover
- Electrical outlet or circuit work
- Pump-base alterations
- Weather-protection enclosure
- Existing pump removal
- Off-site disposal
SUPPLY & INSTALL
Davey TotalFlo TF40J-18 Supplied & Installed
Eligible Brisbane and Gold Coast customers can select a supplied-and-installed pathway where the existing water system and pump location suit the TF40J-18.
Water Source Check
The installer confirms that the water source is clean and reliable and that the proposed flooded-suction or suction-lift arrangement is suitable.
Hydraulic Check
Pipe size, suction conditions, elevation and outlet demand need to fall within the TF40J-18 hydraulic performance range.
Location & Power Check
The pump requires horizontal mounting, suitable weather protection and an appropriate earthed electrical outlet.
STANDARD INSTALLATION
What Can Change the Installation Scope?
A straightforward replacement assumes the pump is in an accessible position and the existing water source, pipework and electrical supply are suitable for the replacement.
Additional work can apply where:
- The pump is being relocated
- Suction pipework leaks or is undersized
- A new foot valve is required
- Delivery pipework needs alteration
- Isolation valves or unions need replacement
- The tank contains heavy sediment
- Automatic mains backup is being added
- Mains-water pipework requires alteration
- A new electrical outlet is required
- A pump base or weather enclosure is required
- Access falls outside the standard installation conditions
INSTALLATION AREAS
Davey TotalFlo Installation in Brisbane & Gold Coast
Installed Today can provide supplied-and-installed pathways across eligible Brisbane and Gold Coast service areas where the TF40J-18 and the required installation scope are available.
Brisbane
Gold Coast
Supply-only ordering can also suit customers who already have an appropriate installer arranged and only require the pump supplied.
COMPACT FIXED-SPEED JET PRESSURE PUMP
Why Choose the Davey TotalFlo TF40J-18?
The TF40J-18 is a straightforward automatic pressure pump for smaller clean-water applications where the hydraulic demand does not justify a larger multistage or variable-speed system.
Its current manufacturer specification combines 40L/min maximum flow, 35m maximum head, a 370W motor, 180kPa controller cut-in, 304 stainless-steel wet end, loss-of-prime protection and both flooded-suction and suction-lift capability.
It is particularly relevant for compact rainwater-tank systems, garden supply and replacement of similar small jet pressure pumps.
COMMON QUESTIONS
Questions About the Davey TotalFlo TF40J-18
Is the TF40J-18 Still a Current Davey Product?
Yes. Davey currently lists TF40J-18 within its TotalFlo Trade Range.
Is It a Jet Pump?
Yes. The TF40J-18 is the smaller jet pressure-system model in the current TotalFlo range.
Is It Variable Speed?
No. It uses a fixed-speed 370W motor with an automatic pressure controller.
What Is the Maximum Flow?
Davey lists 40L/min maximum flow.
What Is the Maximum Head?
Davey lists 35m maximum head.
Does It Produce 40L/Min at 35m Head?
No. Pump head reduces as flow increases. Maximum head and maximum flow occur at different ends of the performance curve.
Is 35m Head About 343kPa?
Thirty-five metres of water head is approximately equivalent to 343kPa, but that is a theoretical pressure equivalent near zero flow rather than the pressure available while delivering the pump's maximum flow.
What Is the Controller Cut-In Pressure?
The current TotalFlo controller is preset to approximately 180kPa or 1.8 bar.
What Size Is the Motor?
The TF40J-18 has a 370W motor.
What Current Does It Draw?
Davey lists approximately 1.95A.
What Power Supply Does It Use?
It uses 220–240V AC, 50Hz single-phase power.
Does It Come With a Plug?
Yes. Davey lists a 1.8m lead with C38 three-pin plug.
What Size Is the Inlet?
The suction inlet is 1-inch BSP female.
What Size Is the Outlet?
The delivery outlet is 1-inch BSP male.
Can It Draw Water From a Rainwater Tank?
Yes, where the water is clean and the suction installation is correctly designed.
Can It Use Suction Lift?
Yes. Davey supports suction-lift installation and specifies a good-quality foot valve to help maintain prime.
Can It Use Flooded Suction?
Yes. Davey specifies an isolation or gate valve so the water supply can be shut off for pump servicing or removal.
Does It Have Loss-of-Prime Protection?
Yes. The automatic pressure controller provides loss-of-prime protection and an automatic restart sequence.
Can It Run Dry?
No. Davey specifically warns against operating the pump dry or with loss of prime.
Can It Pump Dirty Water?
No. The TF40J-18 is designed for clean fresh water free of solids and abrasive material.
What Is the Maximum Water Temperature?
The manufacturer lists 35°C.
What Is the Maximum Ambient Temperature?
The current technical datasheet lists 40°C.
What Is the IP Rating?
The current manufacturer specification lists IP45.
What Is the Pump Casing Made From?
Davey lists a 304 stainless-steel wet-end casing.
Is It Suitable for Safe Drinking-Water Contact?
Davey's current datasheet states that TotalFlo pressure systems are tested in compliance with AS/NZS 4020 for use in contact with safe drinking water. The pump does not purify the source water.
How Loud Is It?
The current Davey datasheet lists a 69.4dB noise rating for the TF40J-18.
Can the Pump Be Mounted Vertically?
No. Davey's current installation instructions specify horizontal mounting on a firm base.
Can It Be Installed Outdoors?
Yes, where the pump is protected by suitable waterproof, frost-free and ventilated housing.
Can It Boost Mains Water?
Davey lists mains pressure boosting as an application but recommends an isolating tank in many installations. Any direct mains arrangement needs to satisfy the applicable water-service requirements and must not expose the pump casing to more than 600kPa.
Does It Automatically Switch From Rainwater to Mains?
No. The standard TF40J-18 does not include automatic mains-water changeover.
Can It Be Used With Davey AcquaSaver?
Davey's current instructions identify a compatible TF40J-18AR configuration for use with the appropriate AcquaSaver changeover arrangement.
Can It Be Powered Directly From Solar Panels?
No. Davey's current installation instructions state that the TotalFlo equipment is not suitable for direct solar-panel power supply.
What Is the Warranty?
Davey currently lists a 24-month warranty. The current TotalFlo datasheet describes this as a two-year replacement guarantee for qualifying manufacturing defects.
Can I Buy the TF40J-18 Supply Only?
Yes. Supply-only ordering suits customers who already have an appropriate installer arranged.
Can Installed Today Install It?
Eligible Brisbane and Gold Coast properties can select a supplied-and-installed pathway where the water source, suction conditions, pipework, electrical supply and installation position are suitable.
FINAL CHECK
Is the Davey TotalFlo TF40J-18 Right for Your Property?
The Davey TotalFlo TF40J-18 is primarily suited to smaller clean-water pressure applications where a compact, automatic fixed-speed jet pump provides enough hydraulic capacity.
Current manufacturer data lists 40L/min maximum flow, 35m maximum head, a 370W motor, 1.95A current, 180kPa controller cut-in, 1-inch suction and delivery connections and a 304 stainless-steel wet end.
Before ordering, check the required simultaneous flow and pressure, water source, suction lift, pipe size and length, outlet elevation, tank cleanliness, electrical supply, horizontal mounting position and weather protection.
For supply only, arrange a suitable installer. For eligible Brisbane and Gold Coast properties, select the matching supplied-and-installed pathway and any required plumbing, filtration, electrical, mains-changeover, weather-protection, removal or access add-ons before checkout.
