Irrigation Pumps Buying Guide: Types, Tips & Best Uses

Looking to keep your garden lush or your fields thriving? The right irrigation pump can make all the difference. Our comprehensive shopping guide breaks down everything you need to know—whether you’re a home gardener or a small-scale farmer. Discover how to choose the perfect pump to save water, boost convenience, and maximize your plant health, all while simplifying your watering routine.

Comparison Table: Types of Irrigation Pumps

Pump Type	Power Source	Common Applications	Water Source	Flow Rate Range	Installation	Notable Features
Centrifugal Surface Pump	Electric/Diesel	Garden, Lawn, Farm	Pond, River, Tank	Med-High (Varies)	Above water, dry	Versatile, Easy Maintenance
Submersible Pump	Electric	Wells, Water Butts, Farm	Well, Cistern	High (Varies)	Submerged in water	Quiet Operation, Efficient Lifting
Booster Pump	Electric	Pressure boosting, Drip	Mains or Rainwater	Low-Medium	Inline/Above ground	Enhances Pressure, Compact
Diesel Engine Irrigation Pump	Diesel	Large Farm, Crops, Fields	Canal, Pond, River	High	Trailer/Sheds	High Power, Mobile
Multi-Stage Pump	Electric	Sprinklers, Irrigation	Clean Water Tanks	Medium-High	Above water/Inline	High Pressure, Multiple Impellers
Dirty Water/Trash Pump	Electric/Petrol	Drainage, Flood Water	Ponds, Sumps	Medium-High	Submersible/Above	Handles Solids, Rugged
Water Butt Pump	Electric	Small Garden, Pots	Water Butt	Low	Submerged in Butt	Compact, Budget-Friendly

Choosing the Right Irrigation Pump for the Garden or Home

1. Identify Your Water Source

The starting point for selecting an irrigation pump is assessing your available water source. Common sources include:
– Mains water supply (requires a booster or inline pump)
– Rainwater collected in water butts or tanks
– Ponds, streams, or wells (surface or submersible pumps)

Matching your pump to the source ensures reliability and efficiency. For shallow sources or water butts, submersible or compact electric pumps are ideal. For deep wells, opt for a submersible pump designed for higher lift.

2. Determine Required Flow and Pressure

Different irrigation applications need various combinations of flow (litres per minute/hour) and pressure (bar or psi):
– Drip systems: Low pressure, low-moderate flow
– Sprinkler systems: Medium-high pressure, moderate flow
– Hose watering: Medium pressure, moderate flow

Calculate the total flow needed by adding up the requirements of all outlets or sprinklers. Measure the vertical distance (head) from your water source to the highest outlet; every 10m elevation = +1 bar pressure needed.

3. Consider the Area and System Design

Match the pump type and power to your garden size and irrigation method:
– Small patio/vegetable gardens: Water butt or booster pumps
– Medium gardens/lawns: Surface centrifugal or submersible pumps
– Large plots or farm gardens: Diesel-powered, multi-stage, or high-flow electric pumps

4. Electric vs. Engine Powered

Electric Pumps: Best for residential, low-noise, low maintenance, instant on/off. Mains-powered or low-voltage for safety near water.
Diesel/Petrol Pumps: Best for large plots, off-grid use, or where mains power isn’t available. More maintenance, but high performance.

Performance Considerations for Domestic & Garden Irrigation

Flow Rate

Choose a pump that can deliver enough water for your entire irrigation system. A typical garden sprinkler needs around 10-15 litres/minute. Multiply this by the number you’ll use at once.

Pressure

For effective sprinkler or drip irrigation, ensure your pump provides enough pressure—usually between 2-4 bar. Higher for pop-up sprinklers or systems with long piping.

Lift and Distance

If you need to move water uphill or over long distances, select a pump with enough head (maximum vertical lift). For shallow water sources, most submersible or surface pumps will suffice. For deep wells, check the maximum head rating.

Pump Material

Stainless steel or corrosion-resistant plastics: offer longevity
Cast iron: robust, heavier, suitable for larger, fixed installations

Materials matter especially if your water contains minerals or is slightly acidic.

Filtration and Solids Handling

If pumping raw water (ponds, rivers), choose a pump with a strainer or suited to dirty water.
For pure rainwater or tanks, standard pumps suffice.

Maintenance Tips for Longevity and Efficiency

Routine Maintenance

Check and clean pump filters/strainers regularly.
Inspect for leaks, worn hoses, and connections.
For submersible pumps, clean any debris from intake grilles or impellers.

Seasonal Care

In cold climates, drain and store pumps inside over winter to prevent frost damage.
For diesel/petrol models, maintain engine oil levels and replace as per guidelines.

Electrical Safety

Always use RCD safety cutouts on mains pumps.
Regularly check cables and connections for wear or damage.
Only operate according to the manufacturer’s guidelines, ensuring weatherproof connections outdoors.

Professional Servicing

For larger diesel or high-capacity pumps, schedule annual professional servicing.
Keep warranty records and use approved parts for repairs to maintain the warranty.

Practical Tips and Best Practices

Installation

Position surface pumps on a solid, level base close to the water source.
Use the shortest, widest possible intake/suction hose to minimise flow loss.
Submersible pumps should always be installed below the water line but not sitting in silt or debris.
Fit non-return valves to prevent water draining back into the source.

Sizing and Matching

Never oversize your pump “just in case”—it leads to wasted energy, noise, and premature wear.
When in doubt, consult flow charts or calculators to match the pump specs to your garden layout.

Water Quality

If water is dirty or from ponds, filter before pumping to prolong the pump’s lifespan.
Avoid running the pump dry, as this causes rapid failure.

Energy Savings

Use timed controllers or automatic pressure switches to run pumps only as needed.
Consider solar or efficient low-wattage models for small, automated systems.

Security and Access

Secure external pumps with locks or enclosures to prevent theft.
For portable models, store indoors when not in use.

Technical Comparison Table: Common Irrigation Pump Models & Types

Model/Series	Type	Power (Voltage)	Flow Rate Max (L/min)	Max Head (m)	Application	Notable Features	Typical Price (£)
Ebara Matrix 230v	Multi-stage Surface	230V (Electric)	Up to 160	Up to 100	Pressure Groups, Garden	Compact, Robust	~£666
DAB E.sybox	Booster Pump	230V (Electric)	Up to 120	Up to 65	House, Garden, Irrigation	Automatic, Variable Speed	~£670
Calpeda MXV Vertical Multi-Stage	Multi-stage Vertical	230V/400V	Up to 270	Up to 110	Gardens, Sprinklers	Stacked Impellers, Durable	N/A
Hunter 230V Pump Relay	Accessory	230V	Not applicable	N/A	Booster Control	Ensures pump activation	~£146
DAB KVC Multistage Centrifugal (Range)	Multi-stage Vertical	230V (Electric)	Up to 150	Up to 90	Irrigation, Fire Systems	Handles various pressures	N/A
Submersible Water Butt Pump	Portable Submersible	230V (Electric)	Up to 35	Up to 7	Small Garden, Pots	Compact, Easy to use	£30-£60+
Briggs Diesel Engine Pumpset	Diesel Surface Pump	Diesel (Engine)	1000+ (varies by size)	100+	Large Agricultural	Quiet, Mobile, Heavy Duty	£5,000+
Einhell Dirty Water Pump	Dirty Water Submersible	230V (Electric)	Up to 300	Up to 8	Drainage, Flooding	Handles solids, Reliable	~£80-£100

Note: Performance (flow/head) values and prices are estimates — check with supplier for specific figures.

Performance, Selection & Use: In-Depth Guide

For Household and Small Garden Use

Performance

Flow Rate: For hand hoses or small sprinklers, pumps delivering 20-60 L/min are adequate.
Pressure: Most sprinklers and drip systems are optimal at 2-4 bar (20-40m head).
Noise: Choose electric pumps if quiet operation is important (e.g., evening watering).
Automation: Booster pumps with built-in pressure switches allow “on-demand” watering and prevent dry running.

Selection Tips

Water Source Depth & Distance:
Use surface pumps for close-to-surface sources (ponds, tanks ≤8m deep).
Use submersibles for deeper wells or underground tanks (>8m).
System Size:
Micro-irrigation/drip: Small booster pumps suffice.
Multiple sprinklers or large lawns: Multi-stage or centrifugal pumps recommended.
Space and Installation:
Select compact or submersible models for space-limited or discreet setups.
For mobile/portable setups (e.g., allotments), consider lightweight, plug-and-play pumps.
Budget vs. Quality:
Avoid unbranded, ultra-low-price offers for reliability. Trusted brands (DAB, Ebara, Calpeda, Briggs, Einhell) offer far better long-term value.

Maintenance

Clean intakes and strainers every few uses during high season.
Store hoses and pumps out of direct sun to prevent UV damage.
Replace worn washers and seals to avoid leaks and loss of pressure.
For engine-driven pumps, check oil/fuel levels before each use.

Safety

Never run an electric pump with wet hands or standing in water.
Use pumps with thermal cut-outs and overload protection for peace of mind.
For diesel/petrol pumps, use in well-ventilated, outdoor areas only.

Best Practices: Getting the Most from Your Irrigation Pump

Prime the Pump: For surface pumps, ensure the body is filled with water (primed) before starting to prevent airlocks.
Avoid Running Dry: This is the most common cause of pump burnout—fit float switches or dry-run protection.
Pipe Sizing: Use pipes/hoses that match the pump outlet size for optimal flow. Too small = pressure loss; too large = wasted pressure.
Schedule Watering: Water early morning or evening to reduce evaporation and make best use of pump run time.
Winter-Proof: Always fully drain pumps and store indoors during freezing weather.
Test System Annually: Check pressure and flow at each outlet and adjust as needed before the main growing season.

Conclusion

Choosing the right irrigation pump is essential for maintaining a healthy, flourishing garden or an efficient domestic watering system. By carefully evaluating your water source, system size, pressure/flow demands, and operational preferences, you’ll select a solution that is reliable, effective, and economical. Regular maintenance and best-use practices further ensure long pump life and optimal performance, keeping your plants lush and your workload light.

FAQ

What type of pump is best for watering a small garden from a rainwater butt?
For small gardens, a compact submersible “water butt pump” is ideal. They’re affordable, easy to use, and provide enough flow for hoses or soaker lines.
Can one pump run several sprinklers at the same time?
Yes, if you choose a pump with enough flow rate and pressure. Add the requirements of each sprinkler to size your pump. Multi-stage or centrifugal pumps are good for this.
How can I increase water pressure for my irrigation system?
Use a booster pump designed for irrigation. These sense pressure drops and provide more consistent, higher pressure to your hoses or drip systems.
What’s the difference between a submersible and a surface pump?
Submersible pumps go underwater (e.g., in a well) and are great for deep sources. Surface pumps sit above the water source and “suck” water up—best for shallow or easily accessible sources.
Are diesel engine pumps too noisy for home use?
Yes, diesel pumps are powerful but noisy—best for farms or very large areas. For gardens or domestic use, electric pumps are much quieter and more suitable.
How often should I service or maintain my irrigation pump?
Clean filters/strainers monthly during high use, check hoses regularly, and have large/engine pumps serviced at least annually. Always prepare pumps for storage over winter.
Can I use river or pond water in my irrigation system?
Yes, but choose pumps suitable for dirty water and always fit a filter/strainer. This prevents debris from clogging or damaging the pump and irrigation equipment.
What’s the risk of running a pump dry?
Running dry can quickly damage seals or overheat the pump. Always prime your pump and consider models with dry-run or thermal protection.
How do I protect my outdoor pump from theft or weather?
Use lockable covers or pump boxes. Position pumps out of sight, and for engine pumps, remove transport attachments (like a drawbar) when not in use.
Can I automate my garden irrigation pump?
Absolutely. Timers, pressure switches, or even smart controllers can be fitted to many pumps, allowing watering routines without manual intervention.

By following the guidance in this shopping guide, you’ll confidently select, install, and maintain an irrigation pump that suits your needs, ensuring years of trouble-free operation and vibrant, well-watered plants.

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