A liquid transfer device is disclosed that has a fluid pump enclosed within a rigid, space enclosing housing. The pump has a strainer with strainer openings that provide a fluid connection between the pump and the inside of the housing. The strainer is located at the lower end of the pump and the housing. There are also openings in the housing that provide a fluid connection between the inside of the housing and its outer surface. The maximum size of the openings in the housing is less than the minimum size of the strainer openings so that the strainer does not clog with debris. A discharge manifold provides a fluid connection between the pump and the outside the housing. In this way fluid is drawn in through the housing openings and then the strainer before being pumped out via the discharge manifold.