AUTOMATIC JET PRESSURE SYSTEM
Davey TotalFlo TF50J-18 Jet Pressure Pump
The Davey TotalFlo TF50J-18 is an automatic fixed-speed jet pressure system designed for clean-water supply, rainwater-tank pressure boosting, garden watering and selected domestic pressure applications.
The TF50J-18 sits above the smaller TF40J-18 in Davey's current TotalFlo pressure-system range. Current manufacturer specifications list a 600W motor, 50L/min maximum flow, 41m maximum head and 180kPa controller cut-in pressure.
The pump supports both flooded-suction and suction-lift installations when correctly designed and includes automatic loss-of-prime protection through its pressure controller.
Installed Today can offer the TF50J-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 position and required hydraulic performance.
Davey TotalFlo TF50J-18 at a glance: 600W fixed-speed jet pump, 50L/min maximum curve flow, 41m maximum head, 180kPa automatic-controller cut-in, 2.7A current, 1-inch BSP female suction inlet, 1-inch BSP male delivery outlet, 304 stainless-steel wet end, IP45 protection, 72.8dB manufacturer-listed noise figure and a two-year replacement guarantee for qualifying manufacturing defects.
CURRENT MODEL
What Is the Davey TotalFlo TF50J-18?
The TF50J-18 is the larger of the two current TotalFlo jet pressure systems and provides more hydraulic capacity than the TF40J-18 without moving to Davey's substantially higher-flow TF117MS-18 multistage model.
Rainwater Tanks
Can provide automatic pressure from a suitable clean-water tank using flooded suction or a correctly designed suction-lift arrangement.
Domestic Supply
Davey positions the TotalFlo pressure systems for gardens and smaller household pressure applications where the required flow and pressure suit the pump.
Garden & Irrigation
The TF50J-18 can support compatible garden watering and irrigation duties where the outlet demand falls within the hydraulic curve.
KEY NUMBERS
TF50J-18 at a Glance
50L/min
Maximum Flow
41m
Maximum Head
600W
Motor Size
180kPa
Controller Cut-In
HYDRAULIC PERFORMANCE
Does the TF50J-18 Deliver 50L/Min at 41m Head?
No. Maximum head and maximum flow occur at different points on the manufacturer's pump curve.
The 41m maximum-head figure occurs close to zero water flow. As flow increases, the available pump head progressively falls.
By the time the TF50J-18 is operating near its 50L/min maximum-flow point, substantially less head remains than the 41m headline specification.
Choose a pressure pump using required flow and required pressure together. Pipe friction, suction lift, building elevation, filters, valves and fittings further reduce the pressure available at the final outlet.
TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS
Davey TotalFlo TF50J-18 Specifications
| Specification |
Current Manufacturer Detail |
| Brand |
Davey TotalFlo |
| Model |
TF50J-18 |
| System Type |
Automatic fixed-speed jet pressure system |
| Suitable Water |
Clean fresh water free of solids and abrasive material |
| Motor Size |
600W |
| Electrical Supply |
220–240V AC, 50Hz, single phase |
| Current |
2.7A |
| Nominal Speed |
Approximately 2900rpm |
| Insulation Class |
Class F |
| IP Rating |
IP45 |
| Power Lead |
1.8m lead with C38 three-pin plug |
| Maximum Flow |
50L/min |
| Maximum Head |
41m |
| Controller Cut-In Pressure |
180kPa / 1.8 bar |
| Controller Low-Flow Stop |
Approximately 0.5L/min subject to controller operating conditions |
| 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 datasheet specification |
| Manufacturer Noise Rating |
72.8dB |
| Warranty |
24 months / two-year replacement guarantee for qualifying manufacturing defects |
AUTOMATIC PRESSURE CONTROL
How Does the TF50J-18 Start and Stop?
The TotalFlo pressure controller automatically starts the pump when system pressure falls to approximately 180kPa or 1.8 bar.
When water use stops and flow falls to approximately 0.5L/min, the controller checks whether sufficient pressure has been achieved before placing the pump back into standby.
This allows normal automatic operation as taps or other connected outlets open and close.
The TF50J-18 is not a variable-speed constant-pressure pump. Its motor operates at fixed speed while the controller manages automatic starting, stopping and fault protection.
LOSS-OF-PRIME PROTECTION
Does the TF50J-18 Have Dry-Run Protection?
The automatic controller includes loss-of-prime protection.
Davey's current operating instructions describe an automatic sequence with up to three restart attempts after a dry-run condition before the controller enters a 24-hour hibernation period. The sequence can repeat while the fault remains.
The pump can also be manually reset once the water supply has been restored.
Dry-run protection is a safeguard, not a normal operating mode. Davey specifically instructs users not to operate the pump dry or with loss of prime.
SUCTION LIFT
Can the TF50J-18 Draw Water Up From a Tank?
Yes. Davey specifies the TotalFlo jet pressure systems for suction-lift as well as flooded-suction installations.
For suction lift, a good-quality foot valve is required to help maintain prime.
The suction pipe also needs to remain airtight because Davey identifies suction leaks as one of the largest causes of poor pump performance.
- Use pipe at least as large as the pump inlet
- Keep suction runs as short as practical
- Avoid high points that can trap air
- Maintain airtight threaded connections
- Use a suitable foot valve
- Prime the pump and suction line before operation
Do not use the 41m maximum-head figure as a suction-lift rating. Suction performance is a separate installation consideration affected by lift, length, pipe size and air leakage.
FLOODED SUCTION
What Is a Flooded-Suction Installation?
Flooded suction means the available water level sits above the pump inlet, allowing water to naturally reach the pump rather than being lifted through the suction pipe.
Davey requires a suitable gate or isolation valve in flooded-suction installations so the water supply can be shut off when the pump needs to be removed or serviced.
Where the tank arrangement allows it, flooded suction can simplify priming and reduce suction-related performance losses.
PIPEWORK
What Pipe Sizes Does the TF50J-18 Use?
The TF50J-18 has a 1-inch BSP female suction inlet and a 1-inch BSP male delivery outlet.
Davey recommends pipework at least as large as the respective pump openings.
Larger pipe can be beneficial on longer runs because it reduces friction losses.
- Avoid undersized suction pipework
- Support heavy pipe independently of the pump
- Use unions to assist future pump removal
- Maintain airtight suction fittings
- Install suitable straining where debris may be present
- Avoid air pockets in the suction line
STATIC OUTLET HEIGHT
Why Does the Height of the Highest Outlet Matter?
The automatic controller relies on its preset 180kPa restart pressure.
Davey's operating instructions state that if the static discharge head above the pump exceeds approximately 18 metres, the automatic controller will not permit normal pump starting.
This 18m controller limit is different from the pump's 41m maximum hydraulic head. The controller's cut-in logic makes the vertical location of the highest outlet important.
RAINWATER TANKS
Is the TF50J-18 Suitable for Rainwater Tanks?
Yes. Davey specifically lists pressure boosting from water tanks among the TotalFlo pressure-system applications.
The stored water needs to be sufficiently clean for the pump. If leaves, vegetation or other solid material could enter the suction line, Davey recommends suitable straining.
Heavy sediment, grit and abrasive contamination should be addressed before installing a new pressure system.
The standard TF50J-18 does not automatically switch between rainwater and mains water. Automatic mains backup requires a separate compatible changeover system.
AUTOMATIC MAINS BACKUP
Can the TF50J-18 Be Used With Davey AcquaSaver?
Davey's current TotalFlo instructions identify a separate TF50J-18AR configuration for use with the compatible AcquaSaver mechanical rainwater-to-mains changeover arrangement.
For the TF50J-18AR with the BAS20-S AcquaSaver arrangement, Davey lists a maximum recommended flow of approximately 48L/min.
The AcquaSaver arrangement prioritises rainwater when available and switches to mains water when the rainwater tank runs low or during electrical failure.
A standard TF50J-18 and a TF50J-18AR automatic mains-backup package are different configurations. Confirm exactly what is included before ordering.
MAINS PRESSURE BOOSTING
Can the TF50J-18 Boost Mains Water?
Davey identifies mains-pressure boosting as an application for the TotalFlo range, but its installation instructions warn that direct connection to town water can be restricted by the relevant water-supply authority.
Davey recommends an isolating tank between the mains supply and pump as the preferred arrangement in many installations.
Where a direct mains connection is permitted and used, Davey specifies that pump casing pressure must not exceed 600kPa.
Do not assume direct mains boosting is suitable at every property. The final water-service arrangement needs to suit both Davey's limits and the requirements applying to the property.
CLEAN WATER
What Water Can the TF50J-18 Pump?
Davey specifies the TotalFlo pressure systems for clean fresh water free of solids.
The pump should not be used for flammable, corrosive or other hazardous liquids, and Davey specifically warns against pumping abrasive material.
The current maximum manufacturer-listed water temperature is 35°C.
DRINKING-WATER CONTACT
Can the TF50J-18 Be Used With Safe Drinking Water?
Davey's current TotalFlo datasheet states that the pressure systems have been tested in compliance with AS/NZS 4020 for use in contact with safe drinking water.
This relates to materials in contact with water that is already suitable for drinking.
The pump does not filter, disinfect or convert contaminated rainwater into potable water.
ELECTRICAL CONNECTION
How Is the TF50J-18 Powered?
The current TF50J-18 uses 220–240V AC, 50Hz single-phase power and has a manufacturer-listed current of approximately 2.7A.
Davey supplies it pre-wired with an approximately 1.8m lead and C38 three-pin plug.
The manufacturer requires a correctly earthed electrical supply and warns against long extension leads because voltage drop can reduce pump performance and contribute to motor overload.
Where no suitable outlet exists at the pump position, new fixed electrical installation work is separate from a standard pump replacement.
DIRECT SOLAR POWER
Can the TF50J-18 Be Powered Directly From Solar Panels?
No. Davey's current installation manual specifically warns that the TotalFlo equipment is not suitable for a direct solar-panel power-supply arrangement.
The pump is designed for its specified AC electrical supply.
A grid-connected property can still have rooftop solar; the restriction concerns attempting to operate the pump directly from solar panels outside the specified power arrangement.
INSTALLATION POSITION
How Should the TF50J-18 Be Mounted?
Davey requires the pump to be installed horizontally on a firm base.
The pump should be located as close as practical to the water source while maintaining suitable electrical access, drainage, pipe support and service access.
Do not install the TF50J-18 vertically. Davey's installation instructions specifically require horizontal mounting.
WEATHER PROTECTION
Can the TF50J-18 Be Installed Outside?
The pump can form part of an outdoor water system where it is appropriately protected.
Davey requires a pump cover or housing that is waterproof, frost-free and adequately ventilated.
The pump should not be enclosed so tightly that heat cannot escape, and the base should allow drainage if a pipe joint or pump seal develops a leak.
NOISE
How Loud Is the TF50J-18?
Davey's current TotalFlo datasheet lists a manufacturer noise figure of 72.8dB for the TF50J-18.
The datasheet does not provide enough measurement context to treat that value as a guaranteed sound level at a bedroom, boundary or neighbouring property.
Actual perceived noise depends on operating load, pump mounting, pipe vibration, nearby walls, the weather enclosure and distance from occupied areas.
CURRENT TOTALFLO RANGE
How Does the TF50J-18 Compare With the Other Pressure Models?
| Specification |
TF40J-18 |
TF50J-18 |
TF117MS-18 |
| Pump Type |
Jet |
Jet |
Multistage |
| Motor Size |
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 TF50J-18 provides more flow and head than the smaller TF40J-18 while retaining the compact jet-pump design. The TF117MS-18 moves to a multistage hydraulic design and provides substantially more maximum flow.
WHEN TO CHOOSE THE TF50J
Who Is the TF50J-18 Best Suited To?
The TF50J-18 can make sense where a compact automatic jet pressure system is required but the smaller TF40J-18 does not provide enough hydraulic capacity.
- Rainwater-tank pressure systems
- Garden taps
- Selected garden irrigation
- Smaller household water-supply systems
- Replacement of a similar surface-mounted jet pump
- Flooded-suction tank installations
- Correctly designed suction-lift applications
Higher simultaneous demand, long pipe runs or stronger pressure requirements may justify moving to a larger multistage or variable-speed pressure system.
WARRANTY
Davey TotalFlo TF50J-18 Warranty
Davey's current Australian TotalFlo product page lists a 24-month warranty period.
The current manufacturer datasheet describes this more specifically as a two-year replacement guarantee for qualifying manufacturing defects.
The same datasheet states that there are no serviceable spare parts or in-field service under this replacement-guarantee arrangement.
The current warranty should not be described as a two-year onsite repair plan. Davey's published TotalFlo wording is a replacement guarantee for qualifying manufacturing defects, subject to its warranty conditions.
SUPPLY ONLY
Buy the Davey TotalFlo TF50J-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
- Suction strainer 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 TF50J-18 Supplied & Installed
Eligible Brisbane and Gold Coast customers can select a supplied-and-installed pathway where the existing water system and pump position suit the TF50J-18.
Water Source Check
The installer confirms that the supply is clean and reliable and that the proposed flooded-suction or suction-lift arrangement is suitable.
Hydraulic Check
Pipe diameter, suction conditions, elevation and simultaneous demand need to sit within the TF50J-18 pump curve.
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 pump replacement assumes the existing location, water source, pipework and electrical supply are accessible and suitable.
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 modification
- Isolation valves or unions need replacement
- The rainwater tank contains heavy sediment
- Automatic mains backup is being added
- Mains-water plumbing requires alteration
- A new electrical outlet is required
- A support 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 TF50J-18 and the required installation scope are available.
Brisbane
Gold Coast
Supply-only ordering is also available for customers who already have an appropriate installer arranged and only require the pressure system supplied.
STEP-UP TOTALFLO JET PRESSURE SYSTEM
Why Choose the Davey TotalFlo TF50J-18?
The TF50J-18 provides a step up from Davey's smaller TF40J-18 while retaining the straightforward automatic fixed-speed jet-pump architecture.
Current manufacturer specifications combine 50L/min maximum flow, 41m maximum head, a 600W motor, 180kPa automatic-controller cut-in, 304 stainless-steel wet end, loss-of-prime protection and both suction-lift and flooded-suction capability.
It is particularly relevant for clean-water applications where more output is required than the TF40J-18 can provide but the substantially higher flow of the TF117MS-18 is unnecessary.
COMMON QUESTIONS
Questions About the Davey TotalFlo TF50J-18
Is the TF50J-18 Still a Current Davey Product?
Yes. Davey currently lists TF50J-18 within its TotalFlo Trade Range.
Is It a Jet Pump?
Yes. The TF50J-18 is a fixed-speed jet pressure system.
Is It Variable Speed?
No. It uses a fixed-speed 600W motor with an automatic pressure controller.
What Is the Maximum Flow?
Davey lists 50L/min maximum flow.
What Is the Maximum Head?
Davey lists 41m maximum head.
Does It Produce 50L/Min at 41m Head?
No. Maximum head is reached near zero flow and available head falls as flow increases.
What Is the Controller Cut-In Pressure?
The controller is preset to approximately 180kPa or 1.8 bar.
When Does the Pump Stop?
Davey's current instructions state that the controller stops at approximately 0.5L/min when the required pressure conditions have been achieved.
What Size Is the Motor?
The TF50J-18 uses a 600W motor.
What Current Does It Draw?
Davey lists approximately 2.7A.
What Power Supply Does It Use?
It uses 220–240V AC, 50Hz single-phase power.
Does It Come With a Plug?
Yes. Davey lists an approximately 1.8m lead with a 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 From a Rainwater Tank?
Yes, where the tank water is clean and the suction installation is correctly designed.
Can It Use Suction Lift?
Yes. Davey supports suction-lift installation and requires a suitable foot valve to help maintain prime.
Can It Use Flooded Suction?
Yes. Davey specifies a gate or isolation valve so the tank supply can be shut off when servicing the pump.
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 TF50J-18 is intended 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 datasheet lists 40°C.
What Is the IP Rating?
The current specification lists IP45.
What Is the Wet-End Casing Made From?
Davey lists 304 stainless steel.
Is It Suitable for Safe Drinking-Water Contact?
Davey's current datasheet states that the TotalFlo pressure systems are tested in compliance with AS/NZS 4020 for use in contact with safe drinking water. The pump itself does not treat the source water.
How Loud Is It?
The current Davey datasheet lists a manufacturer noise figure of 72.8dB for the TF50J-18.
Can It Be Mounted Vertically?
No. Davey's current instructions require horizontal mounting on a firm base.
Can It Be Installed Outdoors?
Yes, where it is protected by a waterproof, frost-free and adequately ventilated enclosure.
Can It Boost Mains Water?
Davey lists mains pressure boosting as an application but recommends an isolating tank in many situations. 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 TF50J-18 does not include automatic mains-water changeover.
Can It Be Used With AcquaSaver?
Davey's current instructions identify a separate TF50J-18AR configuration for use with a compatible BAS20-S AcquaSaver arrangement, with approximately 48L/min maximum recommended flow for that combination.
Can It Be Powered Directly From Solar Panels?
No. Davey's current installation manual states that TotalFlo equipment is not suitable for direct solar-panel power supply.
What Is the Warranty?
Davey currently lists a 24-month warranty, with the TotalFlo datasheet describing the coverage as a two-year replacement guarantee for qualifying manufacturing defects.
Can I Buy the TF50J-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 pump position are suitable.
FINAL CHECK
Is the Davey TotalFlo TF50J-18 Right for Your Property?
The Davey TotalFlo TF50J-18 is primarily suited to clean-water applications needing more hydraulic capacity than the smaller TF40J-18 while retaining a compact automatic jet-pump design.
Current manufacturer data lists 50L/min maximum flow, 41m maximum head, a 600W motor, 2.7A 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 diameter and length, highest outlet elevation, water 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.
