Water pumps move water from a source to a point of use and are essential infrastructure on most homesteads. Pump types are selected based on the source depth, required flow rate, total dynamic head, and power source available. The four most common types for homestead use are submersible pumps, jet pumps, centrifugal pumps, and diaphragm pumps. Pump sizing is expressed in liters per minute (gallons per minute) and total head in meters (feet), where head includes elevation lift, friction loss, and pressure requirements. [[Well Systems]] and [[Irrigation]] provide the system context for pump selection.
Submersible pumps operate underwater within the well or water source. They consist of a multi-stage centrifugal pump coupled to a sealed electric motor. Submersible pumps are the most efficient option for wells deeper than 8 meters (25 feet) and can lift water from depths exceeding 100 meters (300 feet). They are quiet and cannot be damaged by priming failure since they operate submerged. Sizing is based on well yield, with the pump selected to deliver 10 to 20 percent less than the well's recovery rate to prevent the pump from running dry.
Jet pumps are mounted above ground and use a venturi to create suction that lifts water from the source. Shallow-well jet pumps operate at depths up to 8 meters (25 feet). Deep-well jet pumps use a two-pipe configuration with an ejector in the well, capable of lifting from depths up to 30 meters (100 feet). Jet pumps are less efficient than submersibles but are simpler to service and cost less. They must be primed before operation, and the water in the pump and piping is subject to freezing.
Centrifugal pumps are used for surface water sources, booster applications, and irrigation at flow rates from 20 to 200 liters per minute (5 to 50 gallons per minute). They must be located within 8 meters (25 feet) of the water surface for reliable priming. Diaphragm pumps are positive displacement pumps used for low-flow, high-pressure applications such as sprayers and small-scale drip irrigation. Hand pumps, including pitcher pumps and deep-well hand pumps, provide manual water lifting independent of electricity. [[Ram Pumps]] offer an alternative for moving water without electricity in flowing water situations.