Water Pump Types Based on Purpose

Experiencing low water pressure at home is a common problem for many people. Water shortages are also becoming an increasingly common issue in some parts of the US with a hotter climate. 

A water pump can help you increase the water supply and pressure in your home. When choosing a quality water pump, it’s essential to be aware of the different types, so you can choose a pump that fits your needs. 

One of the main kinds of water pumps is a pressure booster pump. This one simply increases the flow of water in your home. But there are also submersible pumps, peristaltic pumps, and permeate pumps.

Types of Water Pumps

A Pressure Booster Pump

When investigating types of water pumps, one of the most basic kinds you’ll come across is a booster pump. Booster pumps increase the water pressure in your home. The pump works in a similar way that a fan moves air. Inside the pump, there’s a blade that spins and drives the water. 

Components of Booster Pumps

All booster pumps have the same primary components. They have an electric motor that makes the impeller or blade spin. They also have an inlet and an outlet to make water come through. Some devices also have a sensing mechanism of bad water pumps that helps manage and maintain the same pressure level.

Uses of Booster Pumps

Booster pumps have a variety of uses. The most basic use is to increase the pressure and flow of water through an entire house. You can also use a booster pump to move water through a tank. If you use a tank to collect water from the rain, you need to pump it out of the tank and into the house to use it. 

Where to Install a Booster Pump

A common spot for this device is in the basement of a home. However, there are many places or ways you can install the pump. The primary way to install a booster pump is to connect it to the mainline where water comes into the house. 

Additional Tips on Installing a Booster Pump

Something you should consider doing when installing a booster pump is making sure you have a bypass. This can redirect water if there’s a problem with the water pump. 

Also, have a way that you can run the pump without having it circulate water around the house. Pumps work by sensing water pressure or flow. If a leak occurs, it will start cycling because there’s a minimal flow rate. So the pump will start turning on and off. Having a way to test the pump independently allows you to see if the problem is in the pump or the house. 

A Peristaltic Pump

This kind of pump is also called a chemical feed pump. It moves liquid so that it has no contact with any of the inner mechanisms of the pump. Therefore, the main benefit of a peristaltic pump is that the chemical only touches a tube inside, and there’s no risk of cross-contamination. Peristaltic pumps are ideal for moving potent chemicals. 

How Does it Work?

A peristaltic pump has a motor that works with small wheels. The wheels press a tube that runs through the pump, and by pinching the tube, the wheels move liquid through it. 

What Are They Used For?

You can use a peristaltic pump for a wide variety of things. In medicine, doctors use it for dialysis, and it has several uses in agriculture as well. Peristaltic pumps are frequently used for home water treatments. If a home has water that’s very acidic, meaning lower than 5 on the pH scale, a peristaltic pump can push a potent chemical such as soda ash through the pipes. 

A Submersible Pump

This is a valuable pump that can move water that’s accumulating in your home. For example, if water is collecting in your basement, a sump pump is a good idea. Water can sometimes seep through the house’s foundation, and you need a way to move the water outside to avoid flooding. Another practical use of this kind of pump is cleaning tankless water heaters. 

How Does it Work

The submersible pump, also called a sump pump, sits in a pit right underneath the basement, and as the water comes through the walls and foundation, it accumulates in the hole. When the water level starts rising, the pump has a mechanism that senses the change in level, and it starts pumping the water outside. This is the most common application of submersible water pumps. 

A Permeate Pump

People investigate the different types of water pumps because they need something to improve their water filtering system. This kind of pump enhances the efficiency of a reverse osmosis filtering system. The permeate pump will also help a reverse osmosis system produce a higher quality of water.

How Does a Reverse Osmosis Filter Work?

A reverse osmosis system has a membrane, and as water is forced against it, the membrane filters the water and stores it inside a tank. The water that isn’t filtered by the membrane is usually called concentrate or reject water. This water simply exists through the drain. 

There’s a “bag of air” separated from the water by a diaphragm on the bottom of a reverse osmosis tank. As the water tank fills up with filtered water, it increases the pressure on the air. When you open the faucet, the tank uses compressed air to push the clean water out. 

The downside of this process is that pressure created by the “bag of air” works against the reverse osmosis system and the water attempting to enter the tank through the membrane. 

How Does a Permeate Pump Improve Reverse Osmosis?

A permeate pump collects the water heading to the drain and pushes it into the tank. This process creates some added pressure on the tank’s membrane while keeping the “bag of air” from pushing back on the membrane and reducing its effectiveness when you open the faucet.