Gas Water Pump Buying Guide
Learn how to find the best gas water pump for residential and commercial applications
Whether you're watering a field, cleaning up flooding after a major disaster, or simply want to drain your pool, gas-powered water pumps have the strength to get the job done quickly.
Gas pumps offer unparalleled mobility, cutting the tether and allowing you to move water to your heart's content in wilderness, remote, or off-grid areas. However, selecting the correct pump is key to your success, and this guide will help you accomplish that.
Why Choose a Gas Water Pump?
Gas-powered pumps offer a specialized blend of performance and versatility unmatched by other types.
Unrivaled Power and Speed
Gas pumps deliver significantly higher Gallons Per Minute (GPM) and PSI (pressure) ratings than electric alternatives. For heavy-duty applications like flood removal or draining a deep construction pit, this power makes all the difference, turning a two-hour job into a twenty-minute result.
Total Mobility and Versatility
You can take a gas-powered pump anywhere on a job site without relying on a power source. This portability makes them a favorite in the agricultural and farming industries, where they are used to power irrigation systems or can be mounted onto equipment via PTO (Power Take-Off) drives.
Engine Reliability
Trust is built on quality. Most gas-driven water pumps are equipped with reliable engines from leading brands like Honda, Briggs, Kohler, and Generac, ensuring dependable performance for years of use.
Gas Water Pump Safety
Your safety is paramount. Please adhere to these critical guidelines for gas water pump operation:
- Non-Submersible: Gas pumps are designed to operate above ground and should never be placed in water.
- Critical Safety Warning: NEVER use a gas water pump indoors. The exhaust produces carbon monoxide, posing a deadly risk. Always operate your pump in a well-ventilated outdoor space.
How to Size Your Gas Water Pump
Choosing the perfect pump involves balancing power and flow. When consulting with our experts, consider the following critical sizing factors:
- GPM/PSI Ratings: How fast and how hard do you need the water moved?
- Total Head Lift (Vertical): The maximum height (in vertical feet) you need to pump the water.
- Horizontal Pumping Distance: The total distance the water needs to travel across the ground. Friction loss over long horizontal runs can affect performance.
- Inlet/Outlet Size: This determines the hose size and ultimately limits the pump's flow capacity.
Different Types of Gas Water Pumps
Gas pumps are differentiated by the kind of liquid they are built to handle. Use this table to narrow your selection.
Other Gas Water Pump Features
We partner with brands that build smart features into their pumps to save you time and protect your investment:
- Self-Priming Pump Designs: Save time on the job site by automatically preparing the pump for operation.
- Low-Oil Safety Shutoff: Protects the engine from costly damage by shutting down the pump if the oil level drops too low.
- Robust Protection: Look for features like roll cages and larger gas tanks for extended operation and durability on tough job sites.
Understanding your application and properly sizing your gas water pump are the keys to accomplishing your pumping goals. Reach out to our Ferguson experts for additional product support and expertise.