How to Choose and Use a Water Pump

How to Choose and Use a Water Pump: A Simple Guide

Part 1: How to Choose the Right Water Pump

Choosing a pump doesn’t have to be complicated. Follow these steps to find the best one for your needs:

1. Know Your Needs water pump 

What will you pump?

Clean water (e.g., drinking, irrigation): Use a centrifugal pump

Dirty water with debris (e.g., sewage, construction sites): Choose a submersible pump or trash pump

Chemicals or corrosive liquids: Opt for corrosion-resistant pumps (e.g., stainless steel)

How much water do you need?

Flow rate: Measured in liters per minute (LPM) or cubic meters per hour (m³/h). Estimate how much water you need per hour (e.g., 500L for a small farm, 10m³ for a factory)

How high do you need to pump?

Head: The vertical distance (in meters) the pump must push water. Add 10-20% extra to account for pipe resistance (e.g., if you need to lift water 10m, choose a pump with 12m head.

2. Pick the Right Type

Centrifugal pumps: Best for high head (tall buildings, mountainous areas) but lower flow. Ideal for clean water

Axial flow pumps: High flow but low head (e.g., plain farmland irrigation)

Mixed flow pumps: Balance of flow and head (hilly areas)

Submersible pumps: Immerse directly in water (wells, ponds). Quiet and space-saving

3. Check Key Features

Power source:

Electric motors: Cheaper to run, quieter, but need a power supply. Best for fixed locations.

Diesel engines: Portable, no electricity needed, but louder and costlier to maintain.

Efficiency: Look for energy-efficient models (e.g., 5-star ratings) to save on electricity.

Size: Match the pump to your pipe diameter to avoid blockages12.

4. Trust Reputable Brands

Choose brands with good reviews (e.g., Grundfos, Wilo) for better quality and after-sales support5 6. Avoid cheap, unbranded pumps—they often fail quickly

Part 2: How to Use a Pump Correctly

Even the best pump needs proper use to avoid breakdowns:

Before Starting

Check for loose parts: Tighten bolts and connections.

Lubricate bearings: Add clean oil or grease (follow the manual).

Prime the pump: Fill centrifugal pumps with water before starting to avoid “dry running”1.

Clear debris: Remove leaves or stones from the water inlet

When Running

Start slowly: For centrifugal pumps, close the outlet valve first, start the pump, then open the valve gradually1.

Monitor for problems:

Noise/vibration: Turn off immediately—may mean loose parts or blocked pipes1.

Leaking water: Tighten seals or replace packing if dripping exceeds 60 drops per minute1.

Overheating: If bearings feel hot to the touch (over 85°C for sliding bearings), stop and check oil levels1.

After Use

Drain water: Prevent freezing in cold weather1.

Clean regularly: Remove dirt from the pump and pipes to avoid clogs6.

Change oil/filters: Follow the manual (usually every 500 hours of use)

If you have any questions please contact direct.