How to Choose a Water Pump

Author: Faunus

Jul. 28, 2025

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How to Choose a Water Pump

How do you choose the right water pump when there are so many options? Petrol or diesel powered water pump? Electric or engine driven water pump? Firefighting or trash pump?

With competitive price and timely delivery, dingbo sincerely hope to be your supplier and partner.

Don’t worry! This simple guide will fill you in on the common types of water pump, their applications and provide handy tips when selecting a product. So if you are considering water pumps for the first time, this article is for you.

There are three parts to this article:

Part 1 – Pump types

Understanding the different types of pump available will help you work out the right pump for your application.

Engine driven

These are pumps driven by a combustion engine, powered by petrol or diesel. The two primary benefits are their portability and their ability to run independently of electricity supply. Water Master only makes this type of water pump. These pumps come in a variety of designs and sizes which we will go through below.

The last section of this article gives descriptions on different kinds of engine driven pumps

Electric powered

These come in a variety of sizes and designs to suit different purposes. These pumps can handle long running times and are often stationary units not intended for moving, such as providing a house or building with water pressure. While there are portable electric pumps, they obviously require access to electricity.

Jet

Jet pumps are designed to draw water from deep sources. They are typically used to draw water from bores, wells or sources much lower than the required destination. Many jet pumps are electrically driven, but engine driven models are available too.

Diaphragm

These pumps utilise a different mechanism than centrifugal pumps (read more about how pumps work here). They are designed to pump thick contents such as sewage, mud, or high solid containing water.

Stationary

Stationary pumps are often large and used for industrial or agricultural purposes. These are available as electric or diesel engine powered units. They are designed to move large quantities of water over long periods of time. (Welling & Crossley specialise in large pump engines and generators)

Part 2 – Pump applications

In Part 1 we had a look at the different kinds of water pump available. In this part we will look at some of the pump applications that are common for engine driven pumps.

Fire fighting

If you want a pump to use for home fire protection then it is essential to be able to power your pump without mains electricity. This means either a generator to power an electric pump, or the simpler solution of an engine powered fire fighting pump. Mains electricity is usually lost during a bushfire so it is very important to have an independently powered pump (read more about defending your property from bushfires).

Water transfer

Moving water from one place to another, whether it is from a dam, tank, construction site, building or some other source of water. The key considerations for this application are what level of pump performance you require (dealt with in the next section), and whether you need to move your pump from place to place. Our water transfer pumps are perfect for this application, with a wide range of sizes to suit your needs.

Dirty or debris filled water

If you are moving water that contains solids or debris then a trash pump is the ideal choice. They are designed to safely move water containing solids (up to certain sizes). This makes them well suited to dewatering worksites, and moving flood water.

Moving effluent or chemicals

Some chemicals, or contaminated water such as salt water and effluent can be damaging to certain pumps. A chemical resistant pump is made from materials that are corrosion resistant, such as plastic or stainless steel. If a chemical resistant pump is required, it is recommended to determine which materials are safe. These are commonly used for agricultural and industrial chemicals.

Providing water to buildings and gardens

The most common type of pump for these applications is an electric variant, with or without a jet. These pumps typically need to be able to run for long periods, and be ready on demand, so being powered by your electricity grid is ideal. There is a wide range of high quality options for this type of application.

Part 3 – Pump attributes

So you know about different pump types and some common pump uses, and you are interested in an engine driven pump, but there are still so many options. So how do you choose the right water pump? This section will tell you the most important pump attributes to consider when comparing products.

Water moving performance

The first and most important factor. Choose a pump that provides the performance you require. Water moving performance can be broken into three characteristics:

  • Flow rate. This is measured in litres per minute (L/min). The higher the flow rate the more water you can move in a given time. You may require high flow rates for quick water transfer.
  • Max head. This refers to how much vertical distance a pump can move water. The maximum head is an indicator of what a pump can achieve in suction height + uplift. For example, if you need to suck water up 5 metres and move it to a point 25 metres higher than the pump, then you will need a pump with a max head greater than 30 metres.
  • Water pressure. Measured in PSI. Pressure is related to max head, as the pressure determines how far water can be moved. At a pumps maximum head, the water pressure will be zero. So it is important to consider how much pressure you need, and how far you need it from the pump. For firefighting pumps this is critical, and it is recommended that your pump has a maximum pressure over 100PSI. Multiplying max head by 1.42 will give you the maximum pressure.

Reliability and quality

There are many pumps available on the market, including very cheap examples. However if you want to know that it will be there when you need it, you should choose a trusted name that uses quality materials and components. Engine quality is important, as well as the materials the pump end is made from. Water Master firefighting and transfer pumps are made from high quality cast aluminium, our trash pumps are cast iron, and our chemical resistant pump is stainless steel. We only use premium brand engines. Read about our engine manufacturers here

Warranty

Choosing a brand which provides warranties is a good way to protect your purchase. Since Water Master is fully Australian operated, we provide easy, local contacts to help you with any warranty claims. All of our engine manufactures provide warranties (up to 3 years) and we offer a 2 year warranty for the rest of the pump.

Service and Support

Engine driven water pumps require maintenance to be kept in optimal running condition. They may also require replacement parts. Choosing a local brand with a large dealer/service network will make getting support easier. Water Master has multiple branches and is backed up by a nationwide dealer network of hundreds of stores. We are also completely Australian operated so you will always be able to speak to a local.

Fuel type

Pumps are available in either Petrol or Diesel. Petrol models are cheaper and usually come in more models. Diesel models are more fuel efficient and better suited to running for extended periods but are also more expensive. Diesel is also less flammable than petrol so can be safer.

Water Master Pump Options

  • Firefighting Pumps – High pressure, moderate flow. A versatile pump that is useful for water transfer as well as defending homes from fire.
  • Transfer Pumps – High flow, moderate pressure. These pumps are well suited to moving clean water. Available in a wide range of sizes.
  • Trash Pumps – High flow, moderated pressure. These pumps offer the highest flow rates and are suitable for moving water that contains solids and debris.

Your Ultimate Guide to Choosing the Perfect Gas Water Pump

If you're on a mission to move a substantial amount of water at lightning speed, you've landed on the right page. Whether you're tending to your fields, tackling the aftermath of a flood, or simply looking to drain your pool, gas-powered water pumps are your go-to solution for getting the job done swiftly and efficiently.

Why Opt for a Gas Water Pump?

Unmatched Power

Gas water pumps pack a serious punch. They deliver a higher flow rate and pressure than their electric counterparts, making them the ideal choice for heavy-duty tasks. When you're faced with flood removal or need to drain a construction site, the impressive gallons per minute (GPM) and PSI ratings of gas pumps can mean the difference between finishing in two hours or just twenty minutes.

Versatility and Portability

One of the standout features of gas-powered water pumps is their portability. You can easily transport them to any job site without the hassle of finding an electrical outlet. This flexibility makes them particularly popular in the agricultural and farming sectors, where they can power irrigation systems or be mounted on tractors and other equipment. Additionally, these pumps are robust enough to handle solids, debris, and wastewater, making them a favourite for construction companies and municipal services dealing with flooding or quarry emptying.

Dependable Engines

When it comes to reliability, gas-powered water pumps are equipped with some of the most trusted engines in the industry, including renowned names like Honda, Briggs, Kohler, and Generac. This means you can count on the performance and durability of your pump, whatever the task at hand. If your needs are more geared towards general dewatering without the complexities of solids or debris, consider investing in a versatile dewatering pump for your various applications.

In summary, gas water pumps are the powerhouse tools you need to tackle water movement challenges with ease and efficiency. Get ready to choose the perfect one for your needs and make your water-related tasks a breeze!

How to Choose the Right Size Gas-Powered Water Pump

Choosing the right gas water pump is all about matching it to your needs and the urgency of your water-pumping tasks. Key factors to consider include:

- GPM/PSI ratings

- Inlet/outlet sizes for hoses

- Total Head Lift (how high you need to pump the water)

- Horizontal distance for pumping

And a crucial reminder: gas water pumps are strictly for outdoor use. Carbon monoxide from the exhaust can be dangerous indoors, so keep safety in mind!

Features to Consider in Gas Water Pumps

Explore a variety of features that can elevate your pumping experience, such as: 

- Larger inlet/outlet sizes

- Roll cages for protection

- Gas tank sizes for longer runs

- Low-oil safety shutoff to keep things running smoothly

- Self-priming designs that save you precious time on the job

With the right pump, you’ll be ready to tackle any water challenge that comes your way!

Newly Arrived Gas Engine Powered Water Pump at FabHeavyParts.com

 1.

Gas Engine Powered Water Pump 3' inlet&outlet Flow 264Gpm 7HP Engine 212CC EPA Certificated

7HP Gas Engine Powered Water Pump – 212cc 4-stroke EPA-certified engine, 264GPM flow, 3" NPT ports with 3"-to-2" adapter. Includes 50ft discharge hose, 12ft suction hose, filters, clamps. Lightweight aluminum pump, steel frame with wheels & handle. Max suction: 23ft; lift: 98ft. Ideal for construction, irrigation, and flood control.

Specifications

Main Color: Black+Red

Main Material: Steel

Dimensions & Weights

For more information, please visit Engine Driven Water Pump.

Assembled Length (in.) : 22.00

Assembled Width (in.) : 20.00

Assembled Height (in.) : 21.50

Weight (lbs) : 62.00

2.

Gas Engine Powered Water Pump 3' inlet&outlet 7HP Engine with 25FT Flat Hose Outlet

7HP Gas Engine Powered Water Pump - 212cc 4-stroke EPA-certified engine (CA non-compliant), 264GPM flow, 3" NPT ports. Includes 25ft discharge hose, filter & clamps. Lightweight aluminum body, steel frame with handle. 23ft suction, 98ft lift. Ideal for drainage and irrigation.

Specifications

Main Color: Black+Red

Main Material: Steel

Dimensions & Weights

Assembled Length (in.) : 16.00

Assembled Width (in.) : 20.00

Assembled Height (in.) : 17.75

Weight (lbs) : 51.00

3.

38CC 4-Stroke Gasoline 1.5Inch Portable Gas-Powered Commercial Engine Water Pump r/min

38CC 4-Stroke Gas Powered Water Pump - Compact 1.5" portable pump with L/h flow, 7m suction, 30m lift. Features aluminum/iron construction, heat dissipation, anti-slip base, and EPA-compliant r/min engine. Includes 1"/1.5" adapters. Ideal for irrigation and drainage. 

Specifications

Main Color: Yellow

Main Material: Aluminium

Dimensions & Weights

Assembled Length (in.) : 14.20

Assembled Width (in.) : 9.40

Assembled Height (in.) : 15.00

Weight (lbs) : 14.00

4.

38CC 4 Stroke Gasoline Water Pump 1.5Inch Portable Gas Powered Transfer Pump Commercial Engine r/min 10FT x 1"Suction 1.5" Lay Flat Hose

38CC 4-Stroke Gas Powered Water Pump - Compact 1.5" portable pump with L/h (gal/h) flow, 7m suction, and 30m lift. Features durable aluminum/iron construction, heat dissipation, anti-slip base, and EPA-compliant r/min engine. Includes 10ft 1" suction hose and 57.5ft 1.5" lay-flat discharge hose. Ideal for irrigation, firefighting, and drainage. Energy-efficient 4-stroke design with pull start.

Specifications

Main Color: Yellow

Main Material: Aluminium

Dimensions & Weights

Assembled Length (in.) : 14.20

Assembled Width (in.) : 9.40

Assembled Height (in.) : 15.00

Weight (lbs) : 18.00

5.

Semi Trash Water Pump 3 inch 209cc 7HP 4 Stroke OHV Engine Gas Powered 50 ft Discharge Hose 12 ft Suction Hose with Complete Fittings EPA Compliant

7HP Gas Powered Semi-Trash Water Pump - 209cc 4-stroke OHV engine delivers 264GPM flow with 23ft suction and 98ft lift. Handles solids up to 0.75". Includes 12ft suction hose (with filter), 50ft discharge hose, cam lock coupler, clamps, and adapters. Features durable steel frame, wheels, and 3.6L fuel tank. EPA-compliant for construction, flood control, and irrigation.

Specifications

Main Color: Black+Blue

Main Material: Steel

Dimensions & Weights

Assembled Length (in.) : 19.70

Assembled Width (in.) : 16.80

Assembled Height (in.) : 17.10

Weight (lbs) : 90.00

FAB Heavy Parts  Can Help With Your Needs

If you are looking for more details, kindly visit Diesel Water Pump with Trailer.

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