Little Giant 1-AA-18 Submersible Pump 170 GPH - Reliable Water

In this review the Little Giant 1-AA-18 is assessed as a compact, workhorse submersible pump best suited for simple water transfer tasks where reliability matters more than high flow. The bottom line: it is a small, permanently oiled pump designed for statuary fountains, water displays, air conditioners and light industrial duties, and its greatest selling point is long-term durability thanks to an epoxy coated die-cast aluminum housing and oil-filled motor. For anyone needing a low-maintenance, intermittently used pump that can run submerged for years, this model deserves consideration.

Key Features

• Compact submersible design: Small footprint lets the pump fit into fountain basins, condensate pans and tight drain areas for discreet water transfer.
• Epoxy coated die-cast housing: A tough exterior helps resist corrosion and physical wear in commercial and residential wet environments.
• Oil-filled motor housing: Permanently oiled internals reduce maintenance and support long service life under intermittent duty.
• Screened inlet and protected impeller: A screened inlet prevents debris from jamming the impeller, improving reliability in outdoor or dirty water situations.
• 170 GPH performance: At 1 ft lift the pump moves about 170 gallons per hour, making it suitable for fountain circuits and sump tasks that do not require high head.
• Long cord and simple discharge: An 18-ft cord and 1/4 in MNPT discharge provide flexible placement and easy plumbing connections.

Who It's For

The Little Giant 1-AA-18 is for homeowners, landscapers and light commercial operators who need a dependable, low-maintenance submersible pump for fountains, water features, condensate removal and small transfer jobs. It is ideal where continuous heavy duty pumping is not required but long-term submerged reliability is prioritized.

Those who need very high flow rates, significant vertical lift above a few feet, or a pump rated for continuous high-temperature duty should look elsewhere. This model is rated for intermittent liquid temperatures up to 120 degrees F and a maximum pressure near 3.0 PSI, so it is not intended for large irrigation or long-head industrial pumping.

Pros & Cons

Pros

• Durable construction with epoxy coated housing and oil-filled motor for long service life.
• Good pumping capacity for small displays and drains, about 170 GPH at minimal lift.
• Screened inlet and impedance protection reduce the chance of impeller damage in real-world conditions.
• Value-minded: customers report long service lives and dependable performance for routine tasks.

Cons

• Not a high-speed, high-head unit-flow falls with lift and it reaches shutoff around 7 ft.
• Designed for submersible use only, so it cannot be installed dry or inline above water.

Specifications

Flow rate	170 GPH at 1 ft lift
Shutoff	7 ft
Maximum pressure	3.0 PSI
Power	1/200 HP, 70 Watts
Voltage and current	115 V, 60 Hz, 1.1 A running
Discharge	1/4 in MNPT
Cord length	18 ft

Our Verdict

The Little Giant 1-AA-18 is a compact, dependable submersible pump that delivers solid performance for fountains, condensate removal and small water-transfer tasks. Its durable construction and oil-filled motor make it a sensible value buy for users who need a low-maintenance unit that can survive prolonged submerged service, while those requiring high flow or substantial head should choose a different model.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can this pump run continuously?
It is intended for intermittent duty and long-term submerged use; customers report long life when used for regular but not constant continuous heavy-duty pumping.

What liquid temperature can it handle?
Rated for intermittent liquid temperatures up to 120 degrees F, so avoid sustained higher temperatures.

Will debris damage the impeller?
The pump has a screened inlet and impedance protection to reduce debris-related impeller damage, but very large solids should be kept out of the intake.