Rental pumps may be the best way to go, especially if you'll only need to use the equipment for occasional projects. You will be saving money not only on the equipment itself but also on maintenance and storage. You'll also have access to the latest upgraded equipment for rent.

While pump rentals may be the best option for your business, you want to choose a company with whom you can trust to provide reliable units. Timely repair or replacement of parts are good attributes to look for when selecting a pump rental company.

Consider the following information when working with pump rentals:

1. Pump rental prices are significantly lower than what a new unit would cost, allowing you to forgo a substantial investment. You can choose to spend money on the day-to-day operations of your business instead.

2. Some pump rental services also sell new units or will work out a rent-to-own option. Choose what works best for your unique situation.

3. Pump rent may also depend on how long you wish to rent the unit.

Action Steps
The best contacts and resources to help you get it done

When working with pump rental services, make sure the unit meets your specifications

Consider how large of a unit you will need and what you specifically need it for. Review the specifications of the unit before you sign the rental contract and before it is delivered.

I recommend: Match the manufacturer and other unit specifications with your needs through Laco Technologies and Absolute Equipment.

Know the rental terms and policies before you rent a pump

What if you need to keep the unit for an extra day? What if it breaks down on the job? What kind of support does the company offer? These are all questions you should know the answers to before entering into a rental agreement. The bottom line? You should feel completely comfortable doing business with the rental company you choose, the terms and the policies associated with renting the equipment.

I recommend: Check out the leasing options from the Gorman-Rupp Equipment Leasing Program and then use their leasing calculator to help with your budget. Sunbelt Rentals guarantees their rental service with on-time delivery, availability and after-hours response.

Find a pump rental company for your pump accessory needs

You're in the middle of a job. The pump breaks down. And you just need one part to get you up and going again. The problem? You have to order it and it will be several days. The solution? A rental company that supplies the pump accessory and components you need. Put them on speed dial so that you don't lose precious time.

I recommend: Find your pump fittings for rent at BakerCorp. Along with a variety of pumps, Dahl's Equipment Rentals supplies pump accessories for rental as well.

When water fills your business and you need a pump, rent one fast. Whether the source is a broken pipe or a week of rain, water damage is one of the worst disasters a business owner can experience. Fortunately, there are a large number of pump rental companies ready to serve you at all times of the day and night.

Pump rental services range from simple do-it-yourself pump rentals to teams of professionals that will come in and do the pumping for you. To determine what sort of help you need, ask yourself the following questions:

1. How quickly do I need the pump rental?

2. How big is the job?

3. How long will I need rent a pump?

Action Steps
The best contacts and resources to help you get it done

Find a pump rental company that can serve you fast

Chances are, you're going to need to get pumped out as quickly as possible so that you can prevent any further damage to your business. Rent a pump from a company that can respond immediately, no matter what the time of day. Additionally, if your pump is going to be running for a long period of time, you'll want to use a company that can get the pump fixed if it breaks in the middle of the night.

I recommend: Allied Pump Rentals has an emergency service on call 24 hours a day for both pump rental and pump repair. Heartland Pump Rental & Service boasts the largest rental fleet in the Midwest and offers pumps from a variety of manufacturers.

Chose a pump rental that fits your needs

Before you start calling pump rental companies, take a moment to assess the situation. You may need an industrial pump rental, vacuum pump rental or simple water pump rental. Try to determine what sort of debris is in the water, the amount of water you need pumped and what type of access exists to the area that is flooded.

I recommend: Complete Dewatering Pumps & Wellpoints offers a wide range of pump rentals, including wellpoint pumps, trash pumps and high pressure jet pumps. Global Pump specializes in industrial pumping, maritime pumping and municipal pumping. The company's pumps are available for rent nationally.

Determine how long you need your pump rental

If the problem is a recurring one, you may want to rent a pump for an extended period of time. Several companies offer long-term pump rentals. If you chose one of these companies, be sure to ask what happens should your pump need repairs.

I recommend: Hinson Pump Rental offers pump rentals by the day, week or month. Atlas Machine & Supply provides 24-hour emergency support, as well as pump service and repairs.

Tips & Tactics

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  Some pumps require you to add water to the machine get the pump going. If your pump will be in place for a long period of time, chose a pump with a self-priming system that eliminates the need for you to manually add water.
• •  Before you pay to rent a pump, contact your local fire department. Depending on the source of the flood, fire fighters may be able to pump you out for free.