Water Pumps

Main Types of Water Pumps

Pump types are grouped by how they move water and the duties they are designed to handle. These broad families provide a useful starting point.

Physical comparison

Recognize the Main Pump Families

Each example shows a different pump construction or installation context. Final selection still depends on the required duty and water condition.

Centrifugal water pump.

Centrifugal / Surface

Continuous-flow transfer, irrigation, circulation, and pressure duties.

Submersible water pump.

Submersible / Drainage

Operates while submerged for drainage, tanks, wells, or sumps.

Positive-displacement pump.

Positive Displacement

Moves measured volumes for dosing, viscous liquids, or controlled flow.

Special-duty water pump.

Special-Duty Pumps

Purpose-built designs for solids, very high volume, or unusual processes.

Key takeaways

What to Know

Scan the main ideas first. Open “Key points” only when you want the supporting details.

Swipe the cards to continue

01

Centrifugal Pumps

The pictured centrifugal pump uses a rotating impeller inside a casing to produce continuous flow. This family is common where water is relatively clean and the duty requires steady transfer, circulation, or pressure.

Key points 3
  • End-suction pumps for general transfer and process service
  • Multistage pumps when higher pressure is required
  • In-line pumps where a compact pipe-mounted arrangement is useful
02

Submersible Pumps

The motor and hydraulic section are sealed into a unit designed to operate below the liquid level. Submergence helps the inlet remain flooded and allows the pump to lift water from wells, tanks, pits, or sumps.

Key points 3
  • Drainage units may handle rainwater or lightly contaminated water
  • Well pumps use a narrow construction for boreholes
  • Wastewater versions require suitable solids passage and non-clogging hydraulics
03

Positive-Displacement Pumps

These pumps trap a defined volume and move it from inlet to outlet during each cycle. Flow is more directly related to operating speed than in a centrifugal pump, making the family useful for controlled flow or more viscous liquids.

Key points 3
  • Gear, screw, diaphragm, piston, and progressive-cavity designs serve different liquids
  • A relief path is normally essential because pressure can rise rapidly against a closed outlet
  • Clearances, viscosity, pulsation, and shear sensitivity must be reviewed
04

Special-Duty Pumps

The pictured special-duty category represents pumps designed around an unusual liquid or system requirement rather than a general clean-water duty.

Key points 3
  • Sewage and non-clog pumps provide wider solids passages
  • Axial- and mixed-flow pumps move very large volumes at lower or moderate head
  • Chemical, slurry, hygienic, and high-temperature duties require purpose-selected materials and construction
05

Choose the Family From the Duty

The appearance of a pump does not confirm that it suits an application. Selection must combine required flow and head with liquid condition, installation, controls, maintenance access, and manufacturer limits.

Key points 3
  • Begin with the required flow and total head, not appearance alone
  • Match construction and materials to the liquid and installation
  • Confirm the final operating range against verified manufacturer data