Water Pump Buying Guide

How to Choose a Water Pump

For homeowners tackling a flooded basement and professionals managing a complex job site, a water pump is a critical tool that helps eliminate water and make the basement more usable. With so many different types of water pumps to choose from, the key to choosing the best one for your space is to understand the key differences for each model.

Electric vs. Gas Water Pumps

The first step in choosing your pump is deciding how you will power it, which often dictates where you can use it.

Types of Water Pumps

Every pumping task is unique, and pumps are designed differently according to their specific application. Here are the most common types and uses:

What size water pump do I need?

To ensure your pump delivers the results you expect, it must be sized correctly. This is where the technical specifications become paramount.

You must calculate three essential ratings to determine the right power level:

• Gallons Per Minute (GPM): This is a measure of the flow rate—how many gallons the pump can move in one minute. This is determined by the volume of water you need to move and the time you want to accomplish the task.
• Suction Head (SH): The vertical distance from the water source (e.g., the bottom of the basement) up to the pump itself.
• Total Head Lift (THL): This is the ultimate measurement of a pump’s capability. It is the total height from the water source to the final discharge destination (e.g., pumping water from a basement to a discharge hose draining at street level). A pump's power is often measured by how high it can pump water against gravity.

Pro Tip: Never Reduce the Inlet Size

When connecting your hoses, match the size of your suction/inlet hose exactly to the pump’s inlet size. For instance, a 3-inch pump requires a 3-inch inlet hose. Never reduce the diameter of the inlet hose, as this restricts the pump's flow and can lead to damage.