Shopping for a domestic water pump can be a daunting task if you don't know what you are looking for. There are several pump designs such as centrifugal, positive displacement pumps, and submersible pumps among others. Here are some four basic facts for homeowners to consider when buying water pumps.

AS/NZS 4020 Standard -- The water pump you intend to purchase should be tested to ensure that it complies with the AS/NZS 4020 certification standards. The standard stipulates that any products, such as water pumps should not affect the appearance and taste of water. Also, pumps should not allow microorganisms to grow or cause the release of mutagenic or cytotoxic elements. Ideally, this standard guarantees that water pumps are safe when they come into contact with water. Therefore, homeowners must only buy water pumps that conform to the standard.

Head -- When buying a pump which can deliver water to your home, you have to know some standard terminologies, one of which is referred to as the head. A head is a maximum height that can be achieved by a pump while working against the force of gravity. Therefore, high-pressure pumps have high head compared to low-pressure pumps. Thus, when buying a pump, ask the supplier what the total head of the unit is coupled with the flow rate. Head is a critical attribute when you need to pump water to a higher level.

Vertical or Horizontal Pump Design? -- Centrifugal pumps have become common in pumping water because of their efficiency and ability to operate at different water pressure levels. The shaft of a vertical centrifugal pump is in an upright position while that of the horizontal type is in a horizontal position. The vertical centrifugal pump is ideal for small ground spaces. Also, the pump can withstand high pressure and temperature. The advantages of the flat type are high suction pressure and ease of installation. Centrifugal pumps have high discharge when compared to other water pump designs.

Power and Automatic Switching -- Before bringing a pump home, you must know where you intend to install it, that is, whether indoors or outdoors for purposes of connecting it to a power source. For outdoor installation, you might need to seek the services of a technician to install a weatherproof power point. Notably, never use an extension cord to connect the pump to a power source as it might cause shock or electrocution. Also, you need to ask yourself whether you will be going for an automatic pump or a manual type.  An automatic water pump ensures convenience for users because they don't have to be around all the time to control it.  

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