Water Pump Specifications

Maximum Flow

• One of the most important specifications for a pump is the maximum flow -- the most water that it can pump in a given amount of time. In the United States, this value is often written as gallons per minute; maximum flow might also be written as liters per second. If a pump has to raise the water from below, push the water through a long pipe, or provide pressure for some other reason, then the flow rate will be decreased. The maximum flow rate assumes that the water is being transported horizontally without resistance.

Maximum Pressure

• The maximum pressure that a water pump can achieve is important in many applications. If you want to pump water from underground, knowing a pump's maximum pressure allows you to calculate the deepest water that it can pump to the surface. It is usually a good idea to buy a pump whose maximum pressure is much more than you will need, since the maximum pressure is the point at which only a trickle of water will flow. Also, since water pumps lose pressure as they wear down, buying a pump with a higher maximum pressure than you need means it will be useful longer.

Water Type

• It is important to consider the type of water being pumped when selecting a water pump. A water designed to pump fresh water could get damaged if it pumps salt water, for example. Pump manufacturers distinguish between ground water, potable (drinkable) water, salt water, waste water and condensate.

Water Temperature

• Pumps are not necessarily designed to pump water at any given temperature. If a pump must move boiling water or steam, then you should buy a pump that has been specifically designed to withstand those high temperatures for long periods of time without melting or wearing down at a faster rate.

Type

• Pumps have become specialized for different uses, and choosing the correct type will make sure that your pump functions how you expect it to. For instance, if you are irrigating a large garden and your existing pump is not strong enough, booster pumps have been designed that supplement the original pump more efficiently than simply attaching a generic pump along the pipe.