Types of Plumbing Pumps in San Francisco, CA

plumber working on pump

What are the types of plumbing pumps? 

There is a lot that goes into having a plumbing system able to work efficiently and effectively. Most of us spend time thinking about having the right toilet installed or getting a good water heater. However, there are other kinds of plumbing equipment that are often needed, such as plumbing pumps.

You may not know just how many different types of plumbing pumps there are. However, there are quite a few, each serving a different function. To learn more, or to schedule plumbing pump repair in San Francisco, CA or the surrounding Bay Area, give us a call at (628) 399-0730.

Submersible and Non-Submersible Pumps

There are numerous types of plumbing pumps on the market. However, while there may be many, they can all be broken down into two basic categories: submersible and nonsubmersible. The names are self-explanatory. Submersible pumps are capable of being submerged underwater. Meanwhile, nonsubmersible pumps don’t have this capability and, for the most part, need to stay away from water. 

Different Types of Submersible Pumps

Within the broad category of submersible pumps, there are still different types of plumbing pumps. Three basic types stand out, being in fairly wide use. 

Pony Pumps

Pony pumps are small electric utility pumps. You can connect the inlet side to an external source of liquid, such as a water tank, or to a water source itself. A garden hose is typically connected to the outlet end. This process is used to empty the water or liquid into a sink, floor drain, or to transfer it to an outside location.

Sewer Ejector Pumps

Like a pony pump, a sewer ejector pump is used to transfer liquids from one location to another, the difference being that these types of plumbing pumps are used for the transfer of wastewater. Notably, they are designed to handle the soft solids so often found in residential sewers. These can be important for the prevention of clogs.

Sump Pumps

Perhaps the best-known among the many types of plumbing pumps, sump pumps are often located in basements when a basement is below the water table. They are especially useful for basements with a tendency toward flooding. 

What You Should Know About Non-Submersible Pumps 

It may be surprising to some people that among the many types of plumbing pumps, there is a handful designed to stay out of water. One notable detail about non-submersible pumps, also known as inline pumps, is that they are easy to maintain. This can make the task of plumbing pump repair a little bit simpler.

Centrifugal Pumps

These pumps are designed to transfer the kinetic energy they create to water or another liquid, which helps keep it moving. They are incredibly common and come in many different types used in such wide-ranging applications as the chopper pump used for wastewater removal in industrial settings and the circulator pump used in HVAC.

Lift Station Pumps

When used for moving wastewater from a lower to a higher location, a non-submersible pump is known as a lift station pump. This kind of pump can move sewage along with stormwater.

Repair for Many Types of Plumbing Pumps

If you have a pump in your home or serving your business, it is likely you will at some point need plumbing pump repair. We offer help with repairs for many different types of plumbing pumps. San Francisco, CA residents and others throughout the Bay Area can be confident in knowing they have an experienced professional to offer any type of plumbing pump repair in San Francisco, CA they need. For more information, reach out to us today at (628) 399-0730.

  • Lift Station Pump Repair With our lift station pump repair services, you can always keep the station you use for wastewater removal in working order.
  • Sump Pump Installation If you have a basement prone to flooding, we offer sump pump installation so you don’t have to worry about that flooding issue anymore.