Pumps are machines that give water the push it needs when it can’t move on its own, and almost every building relies on one even if no one ever sees it. They help cold water reach the higher floors and they keep hot water travelling through the central heating so the radiators warm up properly. You’ll find them working in schools and hospitals too because anywhere that needs water moving through pipes all day depends on that extra boost. There are many types of pump such as submersible pumps, borehole pumps, irrigation pumps and more. When you’re choosing a pump it helps to think about the job you need it to do and how far the water has to travel as that’s what decides the kind of power it needs.

There are so many different pumps out there that it can feel hard to work out which one will actually do the job you need. A pump that’s perfect for a small heating system might struggle if you ask it to push water much further and the last thing you want is to install something only to find it can’t reach the height or pressure you were expecting. Taking a moment to look at the practical details makes a big difference and helps you end up with a pump you won’t have to replace any time soon.

The maximum head tells you how high the pump can send water before the flow slows right down. If a pump is rated to sixty metres that means it can push water up to that height but once it reaches that point the pressure will be gone and there’ll be no real flow coming out the other end. Think about the height the water needs to reach in your home or building and choose a pump that can manage that comfortably rather than just about doing it.

The inlet is the opening that draws water into the pump before sending it out again through the outlet. Inlets come in different sizes and that size has a direct effect on how much water can move through at once. A wider inlet will let more water in and the pump can usually shift it faster too which helps when you’re dealing with a bigger heating system or a long distance between the pump and where the water is needed.

Flow rate is used to determine the efficiency of a water pump. It's the calculation of the amount of water in liters per minute. For example, if you want to use your pump on farms or job sites, then it should have the ability to pump 2500liters of water in one minute. But if you want to use it in your home, then a flow rate of 100 to 200 liters per minute will do the job. In addition to selecting a pump with the right specifications, the efficiency of your water system can depend on its proper installation. This is where engaging experienced professionals, like well pump installers, can ensure that your pump is integrated smoothly, adhering to all safety standards and local regulations. 

The brand you choose usually gives a good idea of how long the pump will last and how well it’ll cope with daily use. The motor inside is a big part of that because better parts tend to run smoother and stay reliable when they’re switched on and off a lot. It’s worth checking reviews online to see how other people have got on since that can be more helpful than any description on the box. Think about the kind of water you’ll be pumping too as the needs of a simple home system aren’t the same as something like firefighting equipment where the pressure has to be much higher.