A water transfer pump moves clean water from one place to another — tank to tank, source to field, or process to process. Type depends on flow, distance, head and whether suction lift is needed.
This guide covers the main transfer pump types and sizing basics.
Types of water transfer pumps
| Type | Description |
|---|---|
| End-suction centrifugal | High flow for general clean-water transfer |
| Horizontal inline | Compact, mounts directly in the pipe run |
| Self-priming transfer | Handles suction lift and frequent restarts |
| Deep-well | Lifts water from wells and boreholes |
What water transfer pumps are used for
Transfer pumps serve irrigation, industrial water supply, tank filling, construction and agricultural water movement.
How to choose
Size by required flow and total head (including suction lift and friction). Choose self-priming when the pump sits above the source, and deep-well units for boreholes.
Tip: Share your flow, head and application with a supplier to get the right size and configuration.
Guides in this series
Borra water transfer pumps
Borra builds water transfer pumps for industrial and project use:
- IS Clean Water Centrifugal Pump
- ISW Horizontal Inline Pump
- QJ Deep Well Pump
- ZX Self-Priming Water Pump
Need help choosing? Send your flow, head and application and Borra’s team will recommend the right water transfer pump.
FAQ
How far can a transfer pump move water?
It depends on flow, pipe size and total head; friction and elevation reduce reach, so size to the full head, not just distance.
Centrifugal or self-priming transfer pump?
Use self-priming when the pump is above the water source; centrifugal when it can be flooded-suction.