Electric Water Pump Buyer's Guide: 3 Types

How to Pick the Perfect Electric Water Pump

By  Jim O.
Water Pump Expert

Electric water pumps are extremely versatile and have many different uses for applications you would and sometimes wouldn't expect.

 

This article explains the most common types and uses of electric water pumps to take the guesswork out of choosing the right one for the job.

 

Whether you're watering your lawn with sprinklers, filling a pool, boosting water pressure in your home, or drying-out a flooded basement, there's an electric water pump out there built for the application you have in mind. We'll help you discover it.

 

Electric Water Pump Applications

Electric water pumps are used in all indoor and below-ground applications, but many electric water pumps are built to be used around the home. Most are 120V powered and can be plugged into a standard household outlet, however, some pumps are 230V or 240V, and with those models, you'll need to have the electrical wiring to power it.

 

The most common applications for electric water pumps for use around the home or yard include:

  • Shallow or deep-well pumps for well systems
  • Booster pumps to increase water pressure to your fixtures
  • Submersible utility pumps to remove standing water inside or outdoors
  • Pool cover pumps to remove water from covers
  • Sprinkler pumps for lawn watering or irrigation
  • Pond and fountain pumps for water features

 

Submersible Water Pumps

Submersible pumps are meant to be submerged in the water you need to move. These are built with homeowners in mind, and if you don't have a recommended heavy-duty discharge hose, you can attach an adapter and use a garden hose instead. Submersible pumps are used to remove standing water, empty clogged sinks, or drain window wells and other problem areas around or in the home.

 

The two most common types of submersible water pumps are utility pumps and trash pumps. If you're just moving water,  a utility pump will work great. However, if the water contains debris, sand or solids, only a trash pump will work properly. If you need to move a lot of water quickly, a gas-powered model is recommended. 

 

 How to Pick the Perfect Submersible Pump

 

Electric Well Pumps

Well pumps are used to deliver water from an underground source to your home. They also provide a consistent water supply, which is especially important for showers. There are 3 types of well pumps: shallow well pumps, deep well pumps. and convertible jet pumps.

 

Essentially, the depth of your well will determine which type of pump you'll need. Shallow well pumps work from 0-25', convertible pumps work for depth as much as 90' and deep well pumps are effective to as much as 300' or more below ground. Read the guide linked below to learn how to choose the right type of well pump.


 How to Pick the Perfect Well Pump

 

Specialty Water Pumps

Specialty water pumps come in many different shapes, sizes, and capabilities, generally with a specialized purpose for each type of pump. Sprinkler pumps are used to pump water from lakes, ponds, etc. to lawn sprinklers for irrigation.

 

Pool cover pumps are used to remove standing water and prevent damage to expensive pool covers. Drill pumps are used in conjunction with a drill to unclog sinks, drains or washing machines. Condensate pumps are used to remove condensation from air conditioning units. Read the guide linked below to learn about the types and more uses for specialty water pumps.

 

 How to Pick the Perfect Specialty Pump

 

When to Choose a Gas Water Pump

Remember that almost all indoor, underwater, or underground water pump applications need an electric pump. However, if you need more power or speed, you can use a gas-powered water pump and large inlet-outlet hoses to accomplish similar tasks as emptying a pool, pond, or flooding. Gas water pumps shine when you need to remove tons of water quickly. 

 

 NEXT: View Top-Rated and Best-Selling Water Pumps

By  Jim O.
Water Pump Expert
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