Rating of the best self-priming pumps: what nuances to pay attention to when choosing

Owners of country houses or even just a summer cottage with a small house and a vegetable garden cannot do without a faithful assistant - a pump. Depending on the conditions, on the specifics of the water source and on the characteristics of the system for supplying it to points of consumption (for domestic use, household needs and irrigation), one or another model of submersible or surface type is purchased.

Rating of self-priming pumps - TOP 10 best models

If the water surface is located at a shallow depth (for a well, hydrant, etc.) or the pump can be installed at a small height from its surface (the shore of a natural or artificial reservoir), then it will be enough to purchase a surface self-priming pump. It can be installed permanently when it comes to organizing water supply at home, or moved to the right place as needed (watering, cleaning, pumping water from the drainage collector, filling tanks, etc.)

Which pump should I buy so as not to waste my money on a “pig in a poke”? We hope that the proposed rating of self-priming pumps for a country house or cottage will help readers with this.

First, there will be a table with the proposed rating - from first to tenth place. Then, let’s very briefly talk about what criteria are assessed when choosing such equipment. And finally, let's take a closer look at each nominee on our list, from last to first.

TOP 10 best self-priming pumps

Which pump would you choose or recommend?

Take the survey

conclusions

Does your dacha already have a self-priming pump?

Of course! No, but it will be!

To summarize, it is worth noting the following:

• The most suitable for home use are dynamic self-priming pumps of centrifugal and vortex types. They are able to provide both irrigation and water supply in the house.
• Maximum performance with a self-priming pump can be achieved by carefully observing the requirements for the installation location of the device, its process and operation.

• Select options that suit your specific needs and are able to work correctly under the conditions you specify.
• Before starting the self-priming pump, check the quality and tightness of the connections, the quality of the incoming liquid, the correct placement of the pipelines to the installation and the level of immersion of the hose in water.

A few words about choosing a surface self-priming pump

So much information has already been published on our portal about the design of pumps and their classification that it seems ridiculous to repeat ourselves. It’s better to offer you useful links – these topics are covered there fully and intelligibly.

Let's get acquainted with the design of surface pumps

In terms of design, most of them have a similar design and layout. However, there may be some fundamental differences that affect performance. In the article on pumping stations and in the publication on irrigation pumps, the reader will find all the necessary information.

And now, on the eve of a personal review of the models included in our rating, it makes sense to once again go through the main criteria for choosing such equipment.

• Supply voltage . We will consider models only for a single-phase network, that is, designed for the usual 220 volts. There are also three-phase pumps, of course, but on the scale of a country house (if it is not a castle or a palace) such capacities will be clearly excessive.
• Power . Typically balances between 500 and 1500 W, although it can be lower or higher. Power doesn’t tell us anything directly – only about energy consumption. Moreover, in some pumps the efficiency is so low that its main indicators look simply “shameless” against the backdrop of decent power.
• Height or depth of suction - both terms are used, but it’s just where and where to look. From the water surface to the pump - height, on the contrary - depth. And so - this is the same value, and it is extremely important.

Expert opinion: Afanasyev E.V.

Chief editor of the Stroyday.ru project. Engineer.

The peculiarity of surface pumps is that they must first be able to suck and draw water from the source to their chamber, and then also give the water the necessary pressure. Just according to the laws of physics, it is very difficult to carry out suction from a height of more than 8 meters. And designers here are fighting for literally every additional meter, using ejector or injection schemes. Which, by the way, although they increase this parameter, but at the expense of pump performance and a decrease in overall efficiency.

So let the suction depth of 8 ÷ 9 meters not scare anyone - this is a very good indicator.

• Created water pressure . But this parameter needs to be assessed seriously, especially if the pump will serve a large house or a large plot of land. The fact is that the pressure (usually presented in meters of water column - for greater clarity) should be sufficient to lift water from the point of installation of the pump to the highest point of water intake, and to overcome the hydraulic resistance in pipes and hoses, sometimes very long, and for operation of final plumbing or irrigation devices and appliances.

Self-priming pumps usually have good pressure indicators - about 40 meters of water column minimum and above. So in most cases there shouldn't be any problems.

In the article about garden pumps, the link to which is given above, there is a method for calculating this indicator. There is also a performance calculation, which is discussed below.

• performance , or the amount of water it is capable of pumping per unit time. Usually expressed in liters per minute, although it can also be in cubic meters per hour (it’s easy to calculate). This already depends on the planned tasks. Some models, by the way, do not even reach their low ratings of 30-40 liters per minute. To avoid disappointment, read reviews in advance about the performance of the pumps you like.
• Weight is not a critical indicator if the pump is planned to be installed permanently, for example, in a caisson to provide a house (dacha) with water. But if you need to walk around the site with the pump, often moving its installation location, then it is better to purchase a model that is either lighter or specially designed for such purposes - equipped with a convenient handle for transportation and reliable legs (supports).
• The weight largely depends on the materials of manufacture . The cheapest, heaviest, but also very reliable is cast iron. Stainless steel for the body is a durable solution, but more expensive. And recently, there are more and more models with a predominance of polymer parts, which scares some “retrograde” users. In vain - these are all very high-quality models, and plastic nowadays is in no way inferior to metals, and sometimes even surpasses them in many basic indicators
• Device protection levels. High-quality pumps are equipped with protection systems against overheating, idling, and overloading. Some models have none of the above
• Ease of use . It is clear that such information should be obtained not from the manufacturer, but from users who have already tested the pumps in operation. Noteworthy are capriciousness or, conversely, unpretentiousness in operation, simplicity or complexity of preparation for work, clarity and accessibility of any controls, ease of transportation and other secondary criteria.

And, of course, the brand is important. Leading manufacturers of pumping equipment value their reputation, and they practically never have defects. There are also very few complaints during the warranty period.

Yes, of course, modern models from leading companies can be oh so expensive! But here the choice is personal: either shell out once and for a long time, or buy a new cheap one every year or two.

This is why our rating is offered to the reader.

Characteristics

Before purchasing a self-priming pump, you must familiarize yourself with a number of requirements that must be observed when connecting it:

• Depth of the water source.
• Distance from the source to the watering site or to the house.
• Degree of pressure.

• Quality of incoming water.
• Average water consumption.

Expert opinion

Kuznetsov Vasily Stepanovich

These requirements are usually necessary when selecting pump performance, as they affect the quality of its operation.

TOP 10 best surface self-priming pumps for home or garden

Self-priming pump VORTEX PN-370

The domestic company VIHR mastered the production of pumps back in 1974. The brand's extensive product range also includes a variety of power tools and construction equipment. For economic reasons, production facilities were eventually moved to neighboring China. VORTEX products are attractive due to their low prices and sufficient reliability.

Self-priming pump VORTEX PN-370

The pump is presented as having a built-in ejector and giving a good performance of 45 liters per minute. But in principle, this is the simplest classical centrifugal design with a straight impeller, driven by a coaxial electric motor with a power of 370 W. According to the passport - quite decent indicators for such a low power.

pros

• Cast iron durable body.
• Low power consumption.
• It cannot be called capricious - it works in any conditions.
• Low price.

Minuses

• It immediately reveals even the outwardly low quality of casting parts, their assembly and painting.
• It is very inconvenient to fill with water before starting.
• About the ejector - an unsuccessful “fairy tale”, a pitiful semblance.
• 40 liters per minute does not give - much less.
• There are no protection systems.

There are many disadvantages - but many users are in favor of such a pump, since its cost justifies the inconvenience. For a dacha (irrigation or water from a well into the house) is considered a very good option.

Pump VORTEX PN-370

Self-priming pump QUATTRO ELEMENTI GIARDINO 601 CI

A very interesting name, or “Four Elements” in our opinion. The company was founded in Italy by a group of young like-minded engineers with the goal of producing high-quality and accessible equipment for professionals and amateurs. The products have already won due recognition from craftsmen - they are famous for their simplicity, reliability, and durability. The lion's share of products are assembled in China.

Self-priming pump QUATTRO ELEMENTI GIARDINO 601 CI

We have before us a relatively inexpensive, quite compact and productive pump QUATTRO ELEMENTI GIARDINO 601 CI. It is made according to the classical scheme - the pumping chamber is located end-to-end with the electric drive, on the same axis. Most of the body and support frame parts are made of cast iron. The impeller is made of duralumin, that is, it is not susceptible to corrosion and is not afraid of serious mechanical loads.

According to reviews from online store employees, complaints regarding this model are very rare.

pros

• Again the built-in ejector is mentioned.
• Durable cast iron body
• Quite affordable price.
• A very good level of quality in the manufacture of components and assembly of the model.
• Not too heavy.

Minuses

• Air is released for a very long time when the chamber and suction hose are filled with water before the first start.
• There is a case of failure after a year of operation (not daily).
• In fact, there is no ejector – it’s an imitation.
• The factory paint quickly peeled off.

Pump QUATTRO ELEMENTI GIARDINO 601 CI

Self-priming pump ELPUMPS JPV800

The ELPUMPS company is of Hungarian origin. Since its inception in 1994, it has been positioned as a manufacturer of reliable and inexpensive pumping equipment for individual use or for the needs of small businesses. It must be said that the goal was achieved, and today ELPUMPS brand pumps are in great demand both in the European Union and in Russia.

Self-priming pump ELPUMPS JPV800

The pump included in our rating can be classified as a garden pump - thanks to the handle, it is convenient to move it from place to place when, for example, watering a garden or draining a swimming pool. Although the model is not particularly light, its weight reaches 11 kilograms. But these are the inevitable costs of a strong, durable and inexpensive cast iron body.

But the impeller here is made of a special composite - technopolymer, which is not inferior in strength to metal, but lighter and not subject to any corrosion.

pros

• Durable, reliable.
• Convenient to carry when working in the house or on the site.
• Good performance - no passport fraud.
• Low noise level.
• Quite a “nice” price.

Minuses

• The equipment is very poor - you have to buy everything in addition.
• There is no protection against dry operation - attention is required when using, as it may burn out.

Pump ELPUMPS JPV800

Self-priming pump GILEX JUMBO 70/50 P 3701

The name itself does not sound Russian, but JILEX is a purely Russian company. Moreover, one that you can be proud of - pumps of this brand are extremely popular both among Russian consumers and abroad.

Self-priming pump GILEX JUMBO 70/50 P 3701

Let's leave the electric drive alone, noting only that the power is considerable - 1100 W. Let's turn all eyes to the pump unit.

The plastic case immediately attracts attention. Some are afraid of such a replacement for the usual cast iron. You can reassure the skeptics - in terms of strength and durability, such a case is no worse, but it wins in lightness. True, there is a certain disadvantage to this - cast iron is clearly more effective at dampening noise.

By the way, two models were considered above, which seemed to mention a built-in ejector (in fact, it’s more like a pseudo...) But JAMBO actually has such a design improvement, and therefore, the pump shows very serious results in all basic characteristics. Attention to the table:

pros

• Excellent build quality.
• Experts note a very low percentage of manufacturing defects in components.
• The ejector increases the water suction depth to 9 meters.
• The pump is completely ready for use and extremely easy to use.
• I am pleased with the quality of the domestic product.
• The price can be considered affordable.
• Three-year warranty for JUMBO.

Minuses

• Complaints about high noise levels are a cost of the plastic housing.
• No other complaints were expressed.

Pump GILEX JUMBO 70/50 P 3701

Self-priming pump UNIPUMP МН-800 С

And here is another domestic brand, known far beyond Russia. The company once began with the installation of water supply systems, using equipment from third-party companies. However, over time, the conviction came in the need for pumps of our own design, taking into account the “flaws” of models already tested in practice. So first a design bureau appeared, and then production lines. And current products under the UNIPUMP brand meet all European standards and are very well received by consumers.

Self-priming pump UNIPUMP МН-800 С

Our rating includes an interesting model that uses a multi-chamber pumping circuit. Yes, this slightly increases the dimensions of the installation, but it also significantly increases the water supply - the pressure is increased to 85 meters of water column! That is, the pump is capable of providing water to a house with several floors or to the irrigation system of a large plot. And the output of 92 liters per minute is impressive.

Visually, the elongated, shiny stainless steel case immediately attracts attention. The impellers in the pump chambers are made of polycarbonate.

pros

• Good pump output parameters.
• Attractive appearance.
• Fairly moderate noise level during operation.
• Very compact for such power and capabilities.

Minuses

• Alas, there are many complaints about the quality of assembly carried out by our eastern brothers. Possibly poor control...
• Powerless against contaminated water.
• Considerable cost.

Pump UNIPUMP МН-800 С

Self-priming pump MARINA-SPERONI CAM 100/A-HL

The specialists of the Italian company MARINA-SPERONI probably know everything about pumping equipment. Since 1949, this company has been developing and original production of a variety of pumping equipment for all areas of human life. The authority of MARINA-SPERONI is not disputed even by its closest competitors.

Self-priming pump MARINA-SPERONI CAM 100/A-HL

The pump that was included in our rating and took a place in the top five, it would seem, does not stand out at all. It is difficult to surprise someone with a durable cast-iron body, non-corroding rotors and impellers. And the performance indicators, let’s say, are not shocking, the appearance does not amaze with increased convenience and “modernity”. But this brand has always been famous for its reliability. This means that anyone who needs a “workhorse” at a reasonable price, without unnecessary bells and whistles, but also requiring virtually no intervention, will choose this brand.

pros

• High quality original build.
• The pump is able to work without interruption, without overheating and without reducing performance.
• In the practice of craftsmen, it is difficult to remember failures of such equipment.
• Good equipment.
• Phenomenal reliability with a “working experience” of more than 15 years!
• Requires very little filling with water before launch - for lifting from 8 meters, only about 2 liters were filled into the chamber.
• Quite reasonable price.
• An excellent solution for a well or Abyssinian well.

Minuses

• Heavy.
• Not particularly beautiful (for those who care)
• No carrying handle.

But for all his other qualities, these minor shortcomings can be forgiven.

Pump MARINA-SPERONI CAM 100/A-HL

Self-priming pump METABO P 9000 G

The famous German company METABO is famous for its power tools, of course – only those of its own design. In terms of the number of patented innovations, it can probably compete with other major manufacturers. By purchasing products from this brand, the consumer is making a good investment - METABO equipment does not disappoint. Even if it was assembled at a Chinese enterprise.

Self-priming pump METABO P 9000 G

The illustration shows our nominee, the surface self-priming pump METABO P 9000 G. In the company’s product catalog it is listed as a garden pump, but judging by the characteristics, it is quite capable of coping with other tasks. So, if we evaluate it by the height of water rise (51 m) and by productivity (150 l/min), it is quite possible to entrust it with the complete water supply of a rather large country mansion.

The capacitor motor with an efficient cooling system is reliably protected from overheating and does not require frequent maintenance. The innovative sealing system completely eliminates leaks.

pros

• High quality materials, parts, product assembly.
• In terms of productivity and pressure, it can simultaneously service up to six sprinkler systems.
• Trouble-free, durable, does not like unnecessary human intervention.
• Relatively inexpensive for such power and such performance indicators.

Minuses

• Perhaps this is a “Chinese disease” of the model, but the power cord is very short.
• For a garden pump it is too heavy and inconvenient to transport manually. As a “hospital” it’s great.

Pump METABO P 9000 G

Self-priming pump CALPEDA MXHM 205/A

Italy again - but now the CALPEDА company, specializing in pumping equipment. The word “specializing” should be understood very broadly - from the development of new concepts, their implementation in prototypes, testing and launch into series - to the full production cycle. Moreover, components are not ordered from outside - even complex metal parts made of cast iron or bronze are cast in-house. Therefore, the company is not afraid to give its surface pumps a guarantee of five years!

Self-priming pump CALPEDA MXHM 205/A

The original design of the CALPEDA MXHM 205/A pump is immediately noticeable by its clearly elongated housing made of high-strength chromium-nickel stainless steel. By the way, the body is completely monolithic, which sharply reduces the likelihood of any leaks. Even in the illustration, it is noticeable how wide the “skirt” is used as a bell-shaped connection to the electric motor block - this means reliable fastening, a minimum of vibrations, reduced noise during operation, and complete tightness.

The engine power and performance indicators are average, so the price for this, even a very high-quality pump, looks overpriced.

pros

• Top quality workmanship.
• Ability to work day and night without breaks.
• Degree of protection – IP54
• Compact layout, not too heavy.
• Ability to handle extreme temperatures at both the lower and upper limits.
• Five years warranty!

Minuses

• The multi-chamber pump unit does not tolerate contaminated water.
• We agree that the model is very cool, but for its capabilities and taking into account the inconvenience of using it as a mobile pump, it is prohibitively expensive.

Pump CALPEDA MXHM 205/A

Self-priming pump KARCHER BP 7 HOME & GARDEN

Many people associate the name of this famous German company exclusively with high-pressure car washes - by the way, it has already become almost a household name. It is also known for its high-quality cleaning equipment. However, KARCHER is also a high-quality and, one might say, completely “original” equipment for the household and garden. So the name of the pump presented in the rating immediately makes it clear its purpose - “HOME & GARDEN”.

Self-priming pump KARCHER BP 7 HOME & GARDEN

One can only envy the design thought that has so arranged the pumping unit with quite serious performance indicators that it has turned into a neat “suitcase” with a convenient handle for carrying around the site. With a weight of just over 13 kilograms, such transportation should not cause serious difficulties.

Yes, of course, this could only be achieved by replacing metal in many components with polymers. But it hardly makes sense to worry about this - modern plastics and composite materials are in no way inferior to traditional metals in strength, and sometimes even surpass them in both durability and manufacturability.

The main parameters of the pump are in the table:

pros

• There is a filtration system for pumped water - good for both the pump itself and for points of consumption.
• Non-return valve and comprehensive pump protection system - from overheating, dry running, etc.
• Quick-release hose connection system. The ability to transfer water directly from the pump through two lines.
• Ease of transportation, compactness.
• Durability, reliability.
• Conveniently refills with water before starting.
• Low noise and vibration levels.
• With such a set of advantages, the cost is quite adequate.

Minuses

• They criticize us for the abundance of plastic – but we have “already been through this”.

Pump KARCHER BP 7 HOME & GARDEN

Self-priming pump GARDENA 5000/5E LCD COMFORT

It just so happened that the leader was the pump with, perhaps, the most extraordinary and attractive appearance. Once again the axiom is confirmed that aesthetics is never alien to a person, even when evaluating some kind of technological equipment, which includes pumps.

So, in first place is a product from a German company that has been developing and producing equipment and tools for gardening and park work for more than half a century (which is clearly heard in the brand name). In this specific field, it has few equals, so the trust of consumers in GARDENA products can hardly be doubted.

Self-priming pump GARDENA 5000/5E LCD COMFORT

Let's look at the pump itself - it's a champion. The unique layout and ergonomics thought out to the smallest detail immediately catches your eye. With a fairly considerable weight (more than 13 kg), the pump is easy to transport, and its weight is practically unnoticeable. Add here also the controls and controls, which are very unusual for such equipment - an information display and buttons, and it becomes clear that driving such a “machine” becomes a pleasure.

The case is plastic, there is nothing to rattle or vibrate - special shock-absorbing protection has been thought out. Built-in pressure gauge and baric fuse. The protection system probably includes all currently known levels. And with all this – 83 liters per minute of productivity and 50 meters of lift!

In a word, it is better to read about such a pump separately in all the details - it must consist of nothing but advantages.

pros

• Highest quality workmanship.
• Convenient layout
• Durability due to the quality of materials and assembly, the presence of all conceivable security systems for the device.
• Information display, convenient push-button control.
• Ease of preparation for launch.
• Very low noise operation, no vibration.
• “Stuffed” with other useful options.

Minuses

• There were no negative reviews.
• The price, at first glance, is considerable, but with such a set of advantages and compared to other models - take it, you won’t regret it!

Pump GARDENA 5000/5E LCD COMFORT

Video: GARDENA pumps - convenience, durability, reliability.

Installation and connection of the device

Installation of different types of self-priming pumps is carried out according to the same algorithm. First, you need to make sure that the installation is located in a room or pit to avoid damage from frost or flooding.

Since the suction lift is limited, a number of requirements must be taken into account:

• If the dynamic water level is less than 5 meters, it is necessary that the nominal opening at the suction pipe and the pipeline be the same.
• If it is necessary to raise water above 5 meters, the diameter of the pipe should be increased by one size.
• The pipe responsible for suction must be straight and short, without any damage or bends.
• The supply part of the pipeline must be placed strictly vertically and have only a slight slope towards the unit.

• Since it is necessary to ensure that there is no air, the pipe should be immersed in water at least 40-50 centimeters. And water consumption should not exceed natural water inflow.
• To improve pump service, shut-off valves are installed on the suction and pressure parts of the pipeline.
• To simplify water adjustment and reduce the frequency of starting and shutting down the engine, it is worth supplementing it with a high-quality hydraulic accumulator.
• When installing a self-priming pump yourself, you must strictly follow the manufacturer's instructions. In this case, the installation process and operation of the unit will not create any problems.

Voting by our readers

Which pump would you choose or recommend?

GARDENA 5000/5E LCD COMFORT

16.67 % ( 3 )

KARCHER BP 7 HOME & GARDEN

16.67 % ( 3 )

CALPEDA MXHM 205/A 230/50 Hz

5.56 % ( 1 )

METABO P 9000 G

5.56 % ( 1 )

MARINA-SPERONI CAM 100/A-HL

5.56 % ( 1 )

UNIPUMP MH-800 C

5.56 % ( 1 )

GILEX JUMBO 70/50 P 3701

16.67 % ( 3 )

ELPUMPS JPV800

0.00 % ( 0 )

QUATTRO ELEMENTI GIARDINO 601 CI

0.00 % ( 0 )

Pumps for wells no more than 20 meters deep

For wells 10 or 15 meters deep, injection-type surface pumping equipment can be used, which is much more convenient to maintain than submersible devices. Meanwhile, it should be borne in mind that such equipment is characterized by low efficiency. Because of this, submersible equipment is most often purchased to pump out liquid media from wells of such depth.

In order to select pumping equipment with the appropriate characteristics for a well whose depth does not exceed 20 meters, you must perform the following steps:

1. The value of the well depth (it can be measured with a simple rope with a weight at the end) must be added to the distance over which the liquid medium must be transported along the horizontal section of the pipeline.
2. From the obtained value, subtract the distance by which the submersible pump will be removed from the bottom of the underground source.
3. Based on the calculated distance, you can select pumping equipment with the required characteristics. It should be taken into account that to transport liquid over a distance of 10 meters, a pressure of 1 atmosphere is required.
4. The power of the selected equipment, in order to take into account the hydraulic losses occurring in the pipeline, must be increased by 10%.

For example, let’s select a pump for a well 20 meters deep, which should create a pressure equal to 2 atmospheres (20 meters) in a pipeline 40 meters long. If the distance at which the pump is located from the bottom of the well is 4 meters, the pressure that the selected equipment should create can be calculated as follows:

20+20–4+(40x0.1) = 40 m

Based on the obtained value, you can select inexpensive pump models made in China or Russia, or more expensive equipment from European manufacturers.

Pumps for equipping wells from 20 to 30 meters

If a well that needs to be equipped with a deep-well pump is drilled to a depth exceeding 20 meters, then the selection of equipment for it is also carried out according to the principle described above. So, if a pump is needed to service a well 25 meters deep and transport a liquid medium through a pipeline 40 meters long under a pressure of 3 atmospheres (30 meters), then the pressure created by equipment suitable for solving such a problem is calculated as follows:

25+30–5+(40x0.1) = 54 m

Based on the obtained value and the cross-section of the casing pipe installed in the well, pumping equipment with the appropriate characteristics is selected. To equip wells of this depth, as a rule, centrifugal-type deep-well pumps are selected.

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