Sorry for slow reply. No it isn't submersible but, with the aid of the controller, which screws into top of pump, it is automatic. That means, you open a tap and it works, close tap and it's off. My pump is bolted to a concrete base near my water deposits, then continues to house.  If you're unsure about the quality of your water you could also put a filter between water source and pump. You can use polyphosphate crystals in a filter body to soften water, if that's an issue.
What else? Ah yes, I believe the maximum head (height) it'll pump to is 5 or 6 metres, so should pump to an upstairs loo, shower etc. Having said that, everyone i know that uses one, me included, have our bathrooms on ground floor. Hope this helps.
Oh, I also looked for Bloch pumps online and had no luck. If it's any consolation then, as stated, my current one is 8 years old, my neighbours is 14 years old, so at least you have an idea of life of these pumps.