Not all pumps are made equal, and for good reason. There are so many ways that pumps can be applied to benefit our lives that a range of brands have to create a range of products.
There’s centrifugal, submersible, diaphragm, piston and many more pump types, and among these are different kinds of pump systems. But for today, we’re going to zoom out to compare and contrast commercial and domestic pumps.
If you’re still unsure about the world of pumps after reading this blog, get in touch with Pumps 2 You for all the answers and advice you could need.
Applications
Commercial pumps have a far greater breadth of applications by virtue of the fact there are so many industries where they can be used.
Commercial or industrial pumps can be used to move water and wastewater, chemicals, oil, petroleum, food, sludges, and slurries.
They also form an integral part of commercial heating and cooling systems where liquid must be moved up and down office buildings potentially hundreds of metres tall. This liquid captures the temperature of the unwanted air - hot or cold - and disperses it from the rooftop or basement. With a powerful pump, air conditioning would not be possible.
Domestic pumps take care of far simpler, but equally integral operations. This can include moving water from an underground tank, sewerage disposal, and to simply boost mains water pressure for showers, sinks etc.
Without domestic pumps, the supply of water for basic tasks like washing dishes and water plants would be far more difficult - yet many people wouldn't be aware of the part they play in the home.
How to Identify a Commercial or Domestic Pump
The most important distinction and specification to consider between commercial and domestic pumps is flow and head rate. Flow is simple the volume of liquid passing through the pump in a certain timespan. It could be measured in metres cubed per hour, litres per second, or litres per minute. Head is the maximum height the pump can move liquid to, accounting for the weight and friction of the liquid.
A small home with one shower and two toilets (or equivalent) is likely to require only a 35-litre flow rate and up to 400kPa of pressure. Comparatively, a large home of 3-4 bathrooms will call for up to a 75-litre flow rate and 600kPa of pressure.
Commercial pumps like a Lowara centrifugal pump or the DAB-151M Surface Mounted Shallow Well Pump can pump a head up to 61m, satisfying mid-sized office buildings.
Commercial pumps may also include multiple inlets or a pressure tank to allow for multiple pipes and heavy-duty applications.
Contact Us to Learn More
To learn more about the difference between commercial and domestic pumps, get in touch with Pumps 2 You. We know how to find the right pump for you – no matter the brand, no matter the application. We’re sure to pump the answer to you in no time.