Some residential homes in Australia experience water shortages and inconsistent water supply. These issues are common in remote areas with limited water supply or in residential buildings with lower water pressure on higher floors.
Residences have only one solution: a household water pump. Household water pumps are essential for providing a reliable water supply to homes and residential buildings. Water pumps come in various types with their advantages and disadvantages.
If you are one of the households in Australia that may require a water pump, this article will help you address your water-related issues and provide a more reliable water supply to your home.
Different Types of Household Water Pumps: Their Pros and Cons
There are four main types of domestic water pumps. Let’s check on their characteristics, applications, advantages and disadvantages.
Centrifugal Pumps – Suitable for Most Household Applications
| Pros of Centrifugal Pumps | Cons of Centrifugal Pumps |
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Centrifugal water pump is easy to install, you can have it in various configurations depending on the specific needs of your household. It consumes less power and generates less heat while achieving high flow rates, making it ideal for households needing large water volumes.
Generally, centrifugal water pumps are the most common type for household water supply due to their reliability, simplicity, and cost-effectiveness. However, there are some cases that you might have to look into.
While a centrifugal pump can increase water pressure, it has a limit to the amount it can boost. Water treatment or filters may also be necessary with centrifugal pumps, which are less effective in pumping water quality. Debris and contaminants may be present in the water.
Moreover, centrifugal pumps are temperature sensitive. If it overheats, it causes damage to the motor or pump.
Jet Pumps – Suitable for Household with Shallow Wells or Low Water Pressure
| Pros of Jet Pumps | Cons of Jet Pumps |
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Jet pump is more suitable for households with shallow and limited-depth wells. It is easy to install and can be done above ground. They require regular maintenance to operate efficiently, including regular cleaning and replacement of parts when needed.
However, jet pumps have a limited lift capacity and lower flow rate, which is unsuitable for a household requiring a high water volume. Jet pumps also need a foot valve to prevent air from entering the pump, which is prone to failure or clogs.
A jet pump may be a cost-effective solution for households, but if it cannot provide your needs, this water pump is not the best option for you.
Submersible Pumps – Suitable for Household with Deeper Wells
| Pros of Submersible Pumps | Cons of Submersible Pumps |
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Submersible pumps are designed to be completely submerged in water, making them a popular choice for households with deep wells or other applications where the pump needs to be located underground or in a confined space. This water pump is expensive, which can be a deterrent for households on a budget.
Even when submersible pumps are designed to work with deep wells, it uses less energy and generates less heat. It is quieter than other types of pumps as it is confined underwater, helping it reduce noise.
Although a submersible pump is low maintenance, it is difficult to repair and install because it is located underwater, making it difficult to access for repairs and maintenance.
Booster Pumps – Suitable for Household with Low Water Pressure
| Pros of Booster Pumps | Cons of Booster Pumps |
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Booster pumps are designed to increase water pressure and flow rate in household water systems, making it ideal for households with low water pressure. It can be helpful to fill large containers or use high-volume appliances. However, this requires more electricity and produces a noise when pumping water.
Proper booster pump installation and maintenance are crucial to ensure its optimal performance and avoid any negative impacts on water quality. If not installed and maintained properly, it may cause turbulence and introduce air into the water system.
Ultimately, the best domestic water pump will depend on the specific needs of the household, so it is essential to look into the factors that are suitable for your situation before carefully considering the available options.
Factors to Consider When Choosing Household Water Pumps
It is not easy to choose a household water pump. You have to consider several factors to ensure you select the right one that can help you with your specific needs. Here are some factors you have to keep in mind when choosing household water pumps.
- Water Source and Depth. The type of water source and its depth will help determine the household water pump you need. For example, a submersible water pump is most likely appropriate for deeper wells.
- Amount of Water Volume. Your water needs are essential for the pump type you must install. If you need a large volume of water, you need a pump with a higher flow rate capacity
- Water Pressure. If the water source in your home has low water pressure, you may need a booster pump to increase the pressure.
- Power Supply. Some household water pumps require special wiring, a dedicated circuit, or a higher voltage. You have to check the power supply at your home.
- Noise. You have to choose a quiet or reduced-noise household water pump, especially if installed near living spaces.
- Maintenance. Household water pumps have different maintenance requirements. You have to consider the maintenance frequency and the repair and replacement cost.
Consider these factors to choose a domestic water pump that can meet your household’s specific needs and provide a reliable and efficient water supply. If you are overwhelmed and unsure, consult a professional to help choose and assist you with the installation.
