Are all portable water pumps the same? Not at all!
As with all types of pumps, there are several different portable water pumps available. Each has its own design, power, fuel source, and intended usage. While they can sometimes be mixed and matched, if you’re in the market for a portable water pump, you’ll do well to think carefully about your needs.
These are some of the most important considerations before you make a purchase.
Four Critical Factors When Choosing A Portable Water Pump
1 – Materials being pumped
Are you only pumping water, or will it potentially be used to pump more viscous fluids as well? A pump that isn’t suited for thicker fluids could easily get gummed up. Likewise, another consideration here is how dirty the water might be. Like if you’re trying to drain a field, you’ll need something robust enough to handle plenty of particulate matter, debris, and other materials which might potentially foul an unprotected pump.
2 – Amount of liquid being pumped
The size and capacity of portable pumps can vary a lot, depending on the overall amount of liquid you need to pump out. The lower the pump’s output, the longer it’ll take to do a job. It’s often better to over-estimate here so that you don’t end up being overwhelmed on a particular job.
3 – Fuel source
This is one a lot of people don’t stop to think about, which can cause them problems down the road. Electric pumps need a portable power source and getting big enough batteries for the job can be a challenge. On the other hand, for jobs like at construction sites where generators are available locally, electric pumps can be fine.
Gas-fed pumps are another option, but gasoline is volatile and flammable, meaning it may be dangerous to haul along on jobs. Fumes from the gasoline can be another danger.
Often, propane is the best option here, since it has good energy storage while being reasonably safe to haul into a wide variety of situations.
4 – Liquid storage/transportation
Finally, don’t forget the question of what you’re doing with the liquids you’re pumping out. If they’re going into some sort of storage container, your pump’s output will need to be able to properly interface with that container.
FloRight Pump & Controls has one of the widest selections of turbine pump, parts, and accessories in the country. Contact us for help selecting the right pump for your needs.
