A water pump is there to help you get clean water from your well, but it can be difficult to choose the right one. There are many different types of water pumps, and each has their applications for each situation. If you are having trouble picking out a water pump for your home or business, take some time and browse through this guide on how they work and what to look out for when purchasing one.
Humans need water to survive, so finding a way to move water to where they live, work and play are invaluable. The task has been made easier thanks to the invention of the water pump. This device can move water at relatively high pressure, making it possible for humans to have running water in their homes.
How Water Pumps Work
Water pumps are used to move water from one place to another, whether it’s in your yard or in the home. Although there are many different types of water pumps, they all work with the same basic principle: water moves from an area of high pressure to an area of low pressure.
Water pump come in two basic styles: centrifugal and positive displacement. Centrifugal pumps use a rotating impeller to draw water into the pump and pressurize the discharge flow. Positive displacement pumps trap a fixed amount of fluid then force (displace) that trapped volume into the discharge pipe.
The well-known piston pump is a positive displacement pump (Figure 1). The piston is inserted into a cylinder, and the space between the cylinder and piston defines the volume that is trapped by the pump. When you pull up on the handle, you increase the volume inside of the cylinder. This creates pressure air pressure for air or hydraulic pressure for liquid. The pressure forces fluid out of the discharge pipe at a rate equal to how fast you can force that fluid into it. Many other positive displacement pumps are just variations on this pump design like a diaphragm, peristaltic and gear pumps.
How To Choose A Water Pump Just Right For You
Choosing a water pump can be a crucial task. There are many options when it comes to water pumps, and they each have their own uses. If you have no idea where to start, you have come to the right place. Here is our guide on how to choose a water pump just right for you.
1. Choosing A Pump Based On Pressure
The most important thing when choosing a water pump is the pressure it creates. Most pumps will produce water at a specific pressure, so if you know what kind of pressure you need, you will be able to narrow down your choices by quite a bit.
The amount of pressure that your chosen system needs depends on what it is being used for. The more water that needs to be pumped and the further it has to travel, the more pressure you will need. For example, if you want to get water from the basement up through several floors in your home, then you will need a powerful pump with lots of pressure behind it.
2. Choosing A Pump Based On Size
When choosing a water pump, consider its size. Most pumps come in a range of sizes, and these sizes vary by horsepower. The higher the horsepower, the more water pressure you will get when using your pump. You also want to consider how much water pressure you need based on where it will be located and its intended use.
3. Water Source
It is vital to understand the source of your water before choosing a water pump. Water can either be drawn from a lake or an open body of water or from a well that has been drilled specifically for the purpose of accessing underground aquifers or groundwater sources.
4. Flow Rate
The flow rate of a pump is how fast the pump can deliver water. This is a major factor in determining the right size pump. You need to know which appliances are located on the same circuit as your pump, what the total flow rate is for those appliances, and then multiply that by 1.5. That number will be the minimum flow rate you need in a new pump. This allows for any additional water usage over time, like a new toilet or dishwasher.
