With so many available options and features to choose from, finding the right water pump for home can feel challenging. Fortunately, Ace Hardware carries a large inventory of water pumps to help you accomplish any job. Read on to learn everything you need to know about what water pumps are, what they do and how to pick the best option for your home.
What Are Water Pumps?
Water pumps are versatile tools necessary for moving water from one location to another. They help eliminate water in basements, on roofs and in other areas prone to flooding. A water pump can also be used to bring up water from a well or drain a pool. Each type of water pump is designed to deliver different amounts of pumping power and pressure.
Four Most Common Types of Water Pumps
Water pumps are all the same in that they move water from one spot to the next. Where they differ is the situations you use one type of water pump over another, as each is designed with a specific application in mind. Here's an overview of the four most common types of water pumps.
Utility Pumps
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utility pump is an incredibly versatile piece of equipment that performs a variety of jobs with ease. Use this type of pump to handle everyday applications, such as:
- removing standing water from your basement.
- operating your lawn sprinkler.
- draining your aquarium.
Many utility pumps can be fully submersible in water, but some are designed for out-of-water use only.
Sump Pumps
Sump pumps are usually placed in the lowest part of the house, such as a crawl space or basement. These pumps remain on standby until they're needed. Designed mainly to prevent basement flooding, sump pumps remove water and drain it to a nearby storm drain or another outlet.
Sewage Pumps
These pumps are usually installed at the lowest point of a sewage basin.
Sewage pumps are made to prevent sewage overflow, and they're submerged most of the time. These plumbing pumps are designed specifically with solid handling capabilities, with a large opening and carrying capacity to effectively transport both solid and liquid waste.
Well Pumps
Designed for homes that aren't connected to public water,
well pumps provide water from nearby underground sources. They can be used for both shallow wells and deeper wells. Often used in rural areas, these types of pumps have electric motors that push water from wells through pipes or jets.
What Powers a Water Pump?
Water pumps can be powered by a few different power sources, but electric-powered water pumps and gas-powered water pumps are most common.
Electric Water Pumps: Great for indoor and below ground use, many electric pumps can be plugged into a standard outlet. They include many utility pumps, well pumps and sump pumps, and are great for completing jobs around the house.
Gas Water Pumps: Perfect for projects requiring extra torque, its powerful engine can move many gallons of water quickly. A good option for quickly emptying the pool or dealing with excessive flooding fast.
While electric gas pumps are often reliable, it is always best to prepare for the unexpected with a backup battery for your electric water pumps. A backup battery will keep your sump pump working when the power goes out, helping to keep your home safe when you need it most.
Depending on your needs, the right water pump can solve a variety of problems and make your life much easier. Shop the selection of water pumps at Ace Hardware online or in store today.
