Choose the Right Type of Pump

A sump pump is an important part of a total solution for dealing with basement or foundation flooding. These pumps get their name because they’re used to remove water from a sump, or the basin that collects water from around a home’s foundation. They can also be used to help dry out a flooded basement. There are three main types of sump pumps:

• A submersible sump pump is installed at the bottom of the sump basin. They’re often less noisy than other sump pumps because they operate underwater.
• A pedestal sump pump has a design in which the motor is located above the sump basin, which can help prevent water damage to the pump. This type of sump pump may be a good choice for a sump pit that isn’t large enough to hold a submersible pump.
• A battery-powered sump pump can serve as an emergency solution to prevent your basement from flooding during a power outage. Backup sump pumps that are powered by water are also available.

To learn more about how to choose the right type of sump pump, see our informative sump pump guide.

Sewage pumps, which are sometimes referred to as sewage-ejector pumps, are designed to move water and solid-waste materials into a sewage system or septic tank. A sewage pump is necessary when a laundry room, bathroom or other plumbing fixture is located in an area that’s lower than the main sewage line. Because water will only flow via gravity from a spot of higher elevation to one of lower elevation, a sewage pump is sometimes required to maintain the appropriate water flow. A sewage grinder pump will pulverize solid waste to prevent clogs before transporting it into a sewage system.

A trash pump is used for removing water that also contains solid debris, such as small stones, twigs and leaves.

A condensate pump, or evaporative cooler pump, is used to pump away excess water that results when a refrigeration or heating and cooling system generates liquid from condensation. These systems have drip basins that can sometimes overflow without an attached pump.

Utility pumps, which are sometimes referred to as transfer pumps, come in a variety of sizes and are useful for many small jobs around the house, such as filling aquariums, hot tubs or small fishponds. Some utility pumps come in sizes that are compatible with a standard garden hose.

Homes that aren’t connected to a main municipal water source need well pumps to provide a water supply. There are several primary types of well pumps:

• Shallow-well jet pumps were more commonly used in the past. These above-ground devices are intended for shallow wells — 25 feet deep or less — and employ a simple design that suctions water up through pipes into a separate plumbing system where it can be stored.
• Deep-well jet pumps are designed for moving water from wells as deep as 200 feet. In general, deep-well jet pumps are more efficient at moving large amounts of water.
• Convertible-jet well pumps sit above ground and are designed for water 25 feet deep to around 100 feet deep. The main visible design difference between a convertible-jet well pump and other types of pumps is that the convertible design has two suction ports that attach to hoses, whereas others pumps only have one port. 
• Submersible well pumps are for deeper wells. Some will even work for wells up to 400 feet deep. Unlike jet pumps, submersible pumps are located fully below the water. Instead of moving water through tubes using suction, these pumps use pressure to force well water toward the surface and into a well pressure tank located above ground. From there, the water can travel into a home’s plumbing system. Although it may depend on the application, submersible well pumps can last longer than other kinds of pumps that pull water toward the surface using suction.

Irrigation pumps and lawn pumps are designed to be used in conjunction with lawn sprinkler systems, irrigation pipes and other irrigation supplies to water lawns and gardens or to fill and empty reservoirs or tanks as needed for farm work.

Pool pumps circulate and filter water in swimming pools to keep it properly chlorinated, free of algae and debris, and at the desired temperature for systems with a heater.

A hot-water recirculating pump cuts back on wasted water and ensures hot water is always available.