7 Essential Home Plumbing Pumps Every Homeowner Should Know About

Plumbing pumps are an integral part of any home, playing a vital role in maintaining the flow and pressure of water. Knowing about the different types of pumps, their workings, and maintenance can empower homeowners to handle minor plumbing issues and enhance the longevity of their plumbing system.

In this article, we will cover seven essential home plumbing pumps every homeowner should know about, their workings, and other crucial aspects related to home plumbing pumps.

Table of contents

7 essential home plumbing pumps for homeowners

1. Sump pump

A sump pump is a crucial plumbing pump for homeowners, especially those living in areas prone to flooding or with basements. It helps prevent water damage by automatically pumping out excess water from the sump pit or basement. Sump pumps are typically installed in a pit below the basement floor and activate when water levels rise. They can be powered by electricity or have battery backup systems. Investing in a reliable sump pump can provide peace of mind and protect your home from costly water damage.

2. Well pump

Well pumps are essential for homeowners who rely on well water as their primary water source. These pumps extract water from underground wells and supply it to the home’s plumbing system. There are different types of well pumps, including submersible pumps, jet pumps, and centrifugal pumps. Choosing the right well pump depends on factors such as well depth, water usage, and pressure requirements.

3. Booster pump

A booster pump is used to increase water pressure in homes with low water pressure issues. It helps ensure consistent water flow, particularly in multi-story buildings or areas with inadequate municipal water supply pressure. Booster pumps are typically installed in the main water line and can significantly improve water pressure throughout the house.

4. Circulating pump

Circulating pumps are commonly used in hot water systems to ensure the efficient distribution of hot water throughout the house. They help minimize waiting time for hot water at faucets, showers, and appliances by continuously circulating hot water through the pipes. This saves energy and reduces water wastage by eliminating the need to run the tap until hot water reaches the desired temperature.

5. Sewage pump

Sewage pumps are designed to remove wastewater from homes that are located below the main sewer line or lack proper gravity drainage. These pumps efficiently transport sewage to higher elevations, such as a septic tank or municipal sewer system. They are essential for preventing backups, maintaining proper sanitation, and avoiding potential health hazards.

6. Effluent pump

Effluent pumps are commonly used in septic systems where the waste needs to be pumped uphill or over a long distance to reach the drain field or municipal sewer line. These pumps efficiently handle liquid waste containing small solids and transfer it to the desired location for proper disposal or treatment.

7. Condensate pump

Condensate pumps are typically found in HVAC systems and are responsible for removing condensation generated by air conditioning units or high-efficiency furnaces. These pumps help prevent water damage by collecting and pumping out the excess condensate to a suitable drainage location. They are especially useful in cases where gravity drainage is not possible.

What is a pump, and how does it work?

A pump is a mechanical device used to move fluids, such as water, from one place to another.

It works by creating pressure and using that pressure to push the fluid through pipes or channels. Pumps typically consist of an inlet and an outlet, with an impeller or rotor inside. When the pump is activated, the impeller spins, creating a low-pressure area at the inlet, which allows the fluid to enter.

As the impeller continues to rotate, it pushes the fluid towards the outlet, increasing its pressure. This pressure forces the fluid to flow through the system and reach its intended destination.

Pumps can be powered by electricity, engines, or other sources of mechanical energy, depending on their design and purpose.

Commonly used positive displacement pumps in home plumbing

Reciprocating pump: This type of pump uses a piston or plunger to create pressure and move fluid. It operates by drawing the fluid into a chamber and then displacing it through the outlet using a reciprocating motion.
Diaphragm pump: Diaphragm pumps use a flexible diaphragm to push fluid through the system. The diaphragm moves up and down, creating suction on one side and pressure on the other, allowing the fluid to be pumped.

Gear pump: Gear pumps consist of two interlocking gears that rotate to move fluid. As the gears mesh together, they create chambers that trap and carry the fluid from the inlet to the outlet.
Peristaltic pump: Peristaltic pumps use rotating rollers or shoes to compress a flexible tube, pushing the fluid through it. The squeezing action creates a positive displacement and allows for accurate metering of fluids.

How do centrifugal pumps work in home plumbing?

Centrifugal pumps are commonly used in home plumbing systems due to their efficiency and simplicity.

These pumps work by converting rotational energy from a motor into kinetic energy in the fluid, which ultimately creates pressure and pushes the fluid through the plumbing system.

The pump consists of an impeller, which is a rotating disc with curved blades. When the motor spins the impeller, it creates a centrifugal force that propels the fluid towards the outer edges of the impeller.

As the fluid moves outward, it enters the volute chamber, a spiral-shaped casing surrounding the impeller. The volute chamber gradually increases in size, which converts the velocity energy of the fluid into pressure energy.

This increased pressure then pushes the fluid out through the pump’s outlet and into the plumbing system, allowing for efficient water circulation and distribution throughout the home.

Which home plumbing pump is right for you?

Choosing the right home plumbing pump depends on several factors that are specific to your needs.

First, consider the purpose or problem you are trying to address, such as boosting water pressure, removing wastewater, or circulating hot water.

Next, evaluate the specific requirements of your plumbing system, including the size of your home, the distance water needs to be pumped, and any unique features or limitations.

Consider factors like power source availability, maintenance requirements, and budget.

Considerations when choosing a plumbing pump for my home

Purpose: Determine the specific purpose of the pump, whether it’s for boosting water pressure, removing wastewater, circulating hot water, or any other specific plumbing need.

System requirements: Evaluate your plumbing system’s requirements, such as the size of your home, the distance the water needs to be pumped, and any unique features or limitations that may impact pump selection.
Power source: Consider the availability of power sources in your home. Some pumps run on electricity, while others may require alternative power options such as batteries or gas engines.
Flow rate and pressure: Determine the desired flow rate and pressure needed for your plumbing system to function optimally. This will vary depending on the specific application and the demands of your household.

Maintenance: Assess the maintenance requirements of different pump types. Some pumps may require regular maintenance or servicing, while others may be more low-maintenance.
Budget: Consider your budget and weigh the cost of the pump against its features, reliability, and expected lifespan.
Professional advice: It is highly recommended to consult with a professional plumber who can assess your plumbing system, understand your specific needs, and provide expert guidance in selecting the appropriate pump for your home.

Key differences between centrifugal and positive displacement pumps

Operating principle: Centrifugal pumps work on the principle of kinetic energy conversion, where rotational motion is used to create centrifugal force, pushing the fluid outward and generating pressure. Positive displacement pumps, on the other hand, use mechanical action to displace a fixed volume of fluid with each stroke or rotation.
Flow characteristics: Centrifugal pumps provide a relatively constant flow rate but can vary in pressure depending on the system’s resistance. Positive displacement pumps deliver a more consistent flow rate, regardless of system resistance, but can experience pressure fluctuations.
Suitability for viscous fluids: Centrifugal pumps are not well-suited for handling highly viscous fluids, as the rotational force may not be sufficient to move the fluid effectively. Positive displacement pumps excel at handling viscous fluids since they rely on mechanical action to displace fluids.

Self-priming capability: Centrifugal pumps generally require priming to create a vacuum and initiate the pumping process. Positive displacement pumps are often self-priming, meaning they can draw fluid into the pump without needing external priming.
Efficiency: Centrifugal pumps are generally more efficient in applications with high flow rates and low to moderate pressures. Positive displacement pumps are more efficient in applications with low flow rates and high pressures.
Application areas: Centrifugal pumps are commonly used in HVAC systems, water supply systems, and irrigation systems where high flow rates are required. Positive displacement pumps are suitable for applications involving metering, dosing, viscous fluids, and situations where a constant flow rate is necessary.

The role of axial flow pumps in a home plumbing network

Axial flow pumps play a crucial role in a home plumbing network, particularly in scenarios where large volumes of water need to be moved efficiently.

These pumps are designed to create a smooth, axial flow pattern where the fluid moves parallel to the pump shaft. Their main function is to generate significant flow rates while operating under low-to-moderate pressure conditions.

In a home plumbing network, axial flow pumps are commonly used for applications such as irrigation systems, water circulation in large pools or ponds, and drainage systems.

They are particularly effective in situations where water needs to be moved over long distances or when there is a requirement for high flow rates.

Why are pumps essential in a home plumbing system?

Pumps are essential in a home plumbing system for several reasons.

First of all, they help ensure the proper supply and distribution of water throughout the house. Pumps can boost water pressure, allowing for adequate flow rates at faucets, showers, and appliances.

Also, pumps play a crucial role in preventing water damage and flooding. They can remove excess water from basements or sump pits, protecting the home from potential water-related issues.

Pumps are necessary for handling wastewater, sewage, and effluent, ensuring proper disposal or treatment.

Where can I learn more about the maintenance of home plumbing pumps?

To learn more about the maintenance of home plumbing pumps, there are several resources you can explore. A good starting point is to consult the user manual or documentation provided by the pump manufacturer.

This will often include specific maintenance instructions and guidelines tailored to the particular pump model.

You can seek guidance from professional plumbers or plumbing contractors right here on Big Home Projects who have expertise in pump maintenance.

They can provide valuable insights, tips, and recommendations based on their experience. Online resources such as plumbing websites, forums, and instructional videos can also offer helpful information and step-by-step guides for pump maintenance.