A submersible pump is a centrifugal pump that works by converting kinetic energy into potential energy. potential energy works to push water from the source to the surface. this energy is generated from the impeller spinning in the casing. the way this pump works is different from the jetpump. submersible pumps work by pushing water to the surface, while jet pumps work by sucking in water and then pushing it out. submersible pumps have a minimum head to be able to pump.