Hand Pumps Key Terms

Get to know a few hand pump key terms before your next purchase

By Dianne Borgeson

By definition, a hand pump uses power supplied by the operator's own muscles to operate. Though many types of hand pumps have become increasingly more automated over the years, they're still used in many applications and industries including automotive and agriculture and often in homes to move liquids, prime pumps and distribute stored liquid products. Determine what hand pump would work best for your application by reviewing a few styles, types and other relevant terms associated with hand pumps.

Siphon pump, hand transfer pump

Most siphon pumps, also known as hand transfer pumps, consist of a plastic pumping mechanism and accordion tubing. Siphon pumps are used to pump water-based liquids, like thin lubricants, gasoline, chemicals, liquid soap and other liquids from one location to another.
Try: Gempler's offers a variety of siphon or hand transfer pumps. Click on each design to get specifics for your intended application.

Lift

Lift hand pumps, as the name implies, lift or draw water or other fluids, rather than forcing the liquid through the device, by using a reciprocating (up and down) motion. Lift pumps include types such as water and pitcher hand pumps - often used for wells. When using a lift pump certain factors need to be considered, including static level - the distance between the top of ground level and the top of the water level in the well itself.
Try: Look over various lift pumps offered by Bison Hand Water Pumps and SurvivalUnlimited.com.

Piston

Piston hand pumps are used in more high-flow applications and are ideal for transferring gasoline, oil and other petroleum-based products.
Try: Integrated Publishing provides a more complete definition of piston pumps.

Hydraulic

Hydraulic hand pumps deliver an extra boost of strength when you need to move fluid through the pump outlet faster. These pumps are used in low- and high-pressure testing and various other oilfield applications that include removing plungers from testing valves, insert liner pumps, casing, tubing and fittings, as well as cores from core barrels.
Try: Hydraulic Equipment Manufacturers provides a brief definition on this type of pump. Granger offers useful pics of hydraulic hand pumps. Click on each photo for detailed spec information.

Diaphragm

A diaphragm hand pump is a versatile style of hand pump that can handle just about any type of fluid or liquid, from clear to slurry to liquids that contain solid material. Diaphragm hand pumps can run dry without damaging the pump and have a self-priming mechanism. This style of pump can work with multiple applications including emptying drums; handling mud, sewage drains, manholes and clogged drains; and irrigation, ideal for dry farming and small farms.
Try: Chemineers offers a picture of a diaphragm pump as well as the applications it's most used for.

Flow capacity, pump capacity

Flow capacity, or flow rate as it's sometimes called, measures how much fluid is being moved or work being performed within the pump system. Flow capacity is often measured in GPM (gallons per minute) or LPM (liters per minute).
Try: Tooling University offers a brief definition of flow capacity. For a more detailed look at flow capacity and other pump measurements, visit Kiwi Pumps and scroll down to Pump Capacity.