Three Crucial Questions to Address When Buying a Pump for Your Rainwater Tank

A rainwater tank provides supplemental water for household usage, lowers annual water bills and promotes sustainability. However, catching and storing rainwater in a tank is only half the battle. How will the water reach the access points? You need a reliable water pump to pump water into your house or garden. Below are three key questions you should ask yourself before investing in a water tank pump.

Where will you use the rainwater?

One important feature you should evaluate in a water pump is the flow rate. The flow rate refers to the maximum gallons of water the pump can pump in a minute (GPM). To determine the GPM, you must decide where you intend to use the water in the tank. 

If you choose a pump with a low flow rate, you won't be able to use the water in your house due to low water pressure and flow. Therefore, pick a pump whose flow rate matches the usage requirements. Ask your plumber to assess your water usage and recommend a suitable flow rate for your pump.

Do you have a single-storey or double-storey home?

The distance between the water tank and the farthest water fixture can affect the water pressure at the access point. If you have a multi-storey home, the pump works harder to overcome gravity and push water to the toilets and faucets on the upper floors. You need a pump with a higher pressure rating so the water can reach the farthest fixtures.

Note that it's normal for water pressure to fluctuate when you open multiple fixtures at once. To avoid this problem, opt for a variable-speed water pump. Variable speed pumps adjust the motor speed to the current water demand to ensure constant pressure. Thus, when multiple faucets are on, the motor runs at high speed to stabilise the water pressure.

Do you require an on-demand or transfer-type pump?

There are two popular water tank pumps: on-demand and transfer-type pumps. On-demand pumps pressurise the water in the faucets, and they stay on and pressurised at all times. They have sensors that detect when you turn on a faucet and pressurise the water to meet the demand. They are great for household use because you can leave the pump on at all times for a continuous water supply.

Transfer-type pumps have to be switched on to pump and pressurise water. When you need to use water, you simply turn on the pump and turn it off once you are done. These pumps are economical, making them ideal for pumping water to your irrigation system. Their configuration isn't great for household use as you have to turn on the pump every time you need to use water.

Keep the above issues in mind when buying a pump for your rainwater tank. For installation services, consult your plumber.