How to Choose a Water Pump? Centrifugal, Jet and Peripheral Pumps Compared, with Prices (2026)

Whether you are irrigating a garden, pumping water from a tank into a house, drawing water from a well or transferring water across a plant, choosing the right water pump ensures enough pressure and a long pump life. The wrong type of pump either cannot deliver the water or wastes energy and fails early. This guide explains step by step how to choose a water pump, the difference between centrifugal, jet and peripheral pumps, and which Pedrollo pump is right for which job.

Short answer: choose a peripheral pump for small systems needing high pressure at low flow, a jet pump to draw water from a well or a tank below the pump, a centrifugal pump for irrigation and transfer jobs needing plenty of water, and a multistage pump for tall buildings and quiet operation. Three values decide the right model: flow (m³/h), head (m) and suction lift (m).

Quick Selection Table: Which Water Pump for Which Job?

What Is the Difference Between Centrifugal, Jet and Peripheral Pumps?

• Centrifugal pump: a spinning impeller throws water outwards by centrifugal force. It gives high flow and is quiet and durable. To work, the pump and suction pipe must be filled with water.
• Jet pump: an ejector added to a centrifugal pump creates a vacuum on the suction side. It is self-priming, can draw water even with air in the line, and lifts water from depths of up to 8–9 metres.
• Peripheral pump: an impeller with many small vanes on its rim accelerates the water repeatedly. It produces high pressure at low flow and is small and economical; it needs clean water.
• Multistage pump: impellers in series raise the pressure step by step. Ideal for tall buildings and booster sets; available in vertical (MK) and horizontal (CR, 4CP) types.

Step 1: Determine the Flow You Need

Flow is how much water the pump can deliver per hour (m³/h). Approximate values for a first selection:

Step 2: Calculate the Head

Required head ≈ Vertical height + Pipe losses + Pressure required at the point of use

Example: to pump water from a basement tank to the top floor of a 4-storey building: vertical height about 4 × 3 = 12 m, pipe losses about 5 m, and 2 bar required at the top tap equals 20 m. Total about 37 m. The selected pump must deliver at least this head at the required flow; a pump's maximum head is its value at zero flow.

Step 3: Check the Suction Lift

If the pump sits above the water, it has to lift the water up. Surface pumps can theoretically lift water from at most 8–9 metres; in practice this drops with pipe losses and water temperature.

• Water level above or at the same level as the pump: a centrifugal, peripheral or multistage pump works easily.
• Water up to 7–9 metres below the pump: choose a self-priming jet pump.
• Water deeper than 9 metres: use a submersible pump, not a surface pump.

Step 4: Choose the Body Material and Power Supply

• Cast iron body: economical and durable for general clean water use.
• Stainless steel body (CP-ST, JCR, FCR): long life with drinking water, food applications, salty or chemically aggressive water.
• Bronze body (PQ-BS, PV): corrosion resistant in yacht, marine and cooling applications.
• Power supply: models with an "m" in the name (e.g. CPm, PKm) are single-phase 220 V; models marked "(TRF)" are three-phase 380 V.

Pedrollo Water Pump Prices (November 2026)

At Isımatik, all Pedrollo pumps are sold at list price excluding VAT; prices are shown on the site in Turkish lira at the daily exchange rate. Series starting prices:

For all models, see our Centrifugal and Jet Pumps category. Prices are list prices at the time of publication; the current price is shown on each product page.

5 Things to Watch During Installation

1. Keep the suction pipe short and straight: the suction line should not be narrower than the pump inlet; avoid unnecessary elbows.
2. Use a foot valve and a strainer: the foot valve keeps the suction line from draining, and the strainer protects the impeller.
3. Never run the pump dry: fill the pump body and suction pipe with water before the first start; use a level float switch on tank-fed systems.
4. Watch out for cavitation: operating near the suction lift limit causes cavitation, which quickly wears the impeller and seal.
5. Add a pressure tank or controller for automatic operation: to stop the pump starting every time a tap opens, use a suitable pressure tank or a Pedrollo Easy pressure controller.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which water pump should I buy for my home?

To boost mains pressure or pump water from a tank into a house, a peripheral (PK) or jet (Future Jet) pump is enough for most homes. If you want a ready-made set with a tank, choose the Pedrollo Hydrofresh packaged booster set.

What is the difference between a jet pump and a centrifugal pump?

A jet pump is self-priming and can draw water from up to 8–9 metres below. A centrifugal pump gives higher flow but needs a suction line full of water; it is usually used where the water level is close to or above the pump.

How high can a water pump lift water?

It depends on the model: peripheral pumps deliver 40–85 m, standard centrifugal pumps 20–45 m, and twin impeller and multistage pumps over 100 m.

Which pump is suitable for garden irrigation?

For a few sprinklers, a CP centrifugal pump is suitable; for large areas and drip systems, the high flow HF pump. If the water comes from a well, choose a jet pump or a submersible pump.

Why is the pump running but not delivering water?

The most common causes are an air leak in the suction line, a drained suction pipe, a blocked foot valve, or a suction lift beyond the pump's limit.