Selecting the right water tank pump for your water tank system is essential to ensure efficient water delivery for domestic use, irrigation, or rural operations. With multiple pump types and specifications available, this guide will help you understand your needs and match them to the correct pump.
Understanding Your Water Needs
Before choosing a pump, identify the following:
- Purpose: Is the water for household use, garden irrigation, livestock, or transferring between tanks?
- Flow Rate: Estimate how many litres per minute (LPM) are required.
- Pressure Requirements: Consider elevation, pipe length, and pipe diameter—narrower pipes increase friction and pressure loss.
- Distance and Elevation: Longer distances and uphill pumping increase the required head height (vertical lift).
Types of Water Tank Pumps
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Jet Pumps
- Use: Suitable for small homes and light irrigation.
- Features: Above-ground installation; cost-effective; easy to maintain.
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Submersible Pumps
- Use: Ideal for underground tanks or where noise reduction is important.
- Features: Quiet operation; submerged in the tank; good for systems with minimal space.
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Multistage Pumps
- Use: Designed for larger homes or high-pressure requirements (e.g., multi-storey homes).
- Features: Multiple impellers for increased pressure; efficient; must be gravity-fed (flooded suction).
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Centrifugal Pumps
- Use: Suitable for water transfer between tanks or for general irrigation.
- Features: Simple and robust; low to moderate pressure capability.
Key Selection Criteria:
| Factor | What to Consider |
| Flow Rate (LPM) | Total flow needed if multiple outlets run at once. |
| Head Height (m) | Vertical lift + pipe friction losses = Total Dynamic Head. |
| Power Source | Electric (common), solar (off-grid), or fuel-powered (remote/rural applications). |
| Noise | Submersible pumps are quietest—ideal for urban or residential settings. |
| Pump Location | Submersible for underground tanks; jet/multistage for above-ground tanks. |
BASIX & Rain-to-Mains Compliance for Urban Installations
In urban developments, especially across New South Wales, BASIX (Building Sustainability Index) may require rainwater to be used for:
- Garden irrigation
- Toilet flushing
- Laundry use
To comply, a pump must:
- Deliver reliable flow and pressure to all designated fixtures
- Include a rain-to-mains changeover valve to switch supply to mains water when the tank runs dry or during power loss
Rain-to-Mains Valve OptionsValve Model Recommended Use Description RainPro® RM1600-2 Single-Level Homes Automatically switches to mains water if tank is empty or power fails RainPro® RM1500 Multi-Storey / Dual-Level Homes Enhanced pressure capacity for vertical applications (approx. $100 extra) Ensure your selected pump is compatible with the valve and can meet BASIX pressure and flow requirements.
Pump Selection Guide:
| Application | Recommended Pump Type | Flow Rate (LPM) | Head Height (m) | General Pump Recommendation |
| Most urban properties needing BASIX compliance | Jet Pump (above ground), Submersible (underground) | nominal | nominal | Reefe PRJ80 + RM1600 valve Reefe
RSMP35 + RM1600 valve |
| Small/Tiny Home (1–2 outlets) | Jet Pump | 20–40 | 20–30 | Reefe PRJ55
Reefe PRJ80 |
| Medium Home (3–4 outlets) | Jet or Multistage Pump | 40–60 | 30–40 | Reefe PRJ80;
Calpeda Meta Small |
| Large Home (5+ outlets) | Multistage Pump | 60–80 | 40–50 | Reefe RHM67-12;
Calpeda Meta |
| Garden Irrigation | Jet Pump | Variable | 20–30 | Reefe PRJ55;
Reefe PRJ80 |
| Underground Tanks | Submersible Pump | Variable | — | Reefe RSMP35 |
Note: These are general recommendations. Site-specific factors may influence final pump selection.
Maintenance Tips
- Inspect regularly for leaks, vibration, or noise
- Clean filters to maintain optimal flow
- Monitor performance for pressure or flow changes
- Schedule servicing by a qualified technician (plumber or irrigation specialist) every 1–2 years
Conclusion
Choosing the right water tank pump ensures water is delivered efficiently and reliably throughout your property. Whether you’re managing a BASIX-compliant urban home or an off-grid rural system, understanding your needs and matching them with the right pump, accessories, and installation practices will set you up for long-term success.
Explore our full range of pumps and controllers here: https://www.watertankfactory.com.au/types/pumps-and-controllers/ or contact our expert team today.
Disclaimer: This article is for general informational purposes only and does not constitute engineering or plumbing advice. Always consult your certifier, hydraulic consultant, or relevant authority when designing your system.