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We specialize in providing high-performance fluid handling solutions
designed to keep industries running smoothly.

 

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- Clark Edwards, Owner

4 min read

Which Pump Should You Use? A Comparison of the Most Common Pump Types

At EV Pump, we’re constantly asked the same question: What kind of pump do I actually need for this job?

And it’s a good question - because the wrong pump can waste time, energy, and budget, while the right one can boost efficiency and extend equipment life.

Whether you’re working in municipal water, oil & gas, construction, or manufacturing, choosing the best pump type for your fluid system comes down to understanding how they’re designed to perform. Below, we’ve laid out a side-by-side comparison of the most common pump types so you can make an informed call, fast.

Quick Comparison: Pump Types at a Glance

Pump Type

Best For

Key Advantage

Gear Pump

Precise fluid transfer

Consistent output, high pressure

Centrifugal Pump

High-volume, clean fluid systems

Efficient continuous flow

Diaphragm Pump

Abrasives, slurries, and corrosives

Self-priming, leak-free

Peristaltic Pump

Ultra-clean, contamination-sensitive fluids

Fluid only contacts tubing

Charge Pump

Hydraulic system support

Maintains system pressure

Positive Displacement

Viscous or high-pressure applications

High accuracy, consistent flow

Grinder Pump

Sewage and wastewater with solids

Grinds solids before pumping

Mud Pump

Thick slurries and drilling fluids

Handles high pressure and abrasives

Surface Pump

Above-ground water transfer

Easy maintenance, great for irrigation

Trash Pump

Dirty water with large solids

Debris-tolerant, ideal for dewatering

 

Understanding the Differences: When to Use Each Pump

Let’s break down each type of pump and what makes it unique - so you can confidently match your system needs with the right technology.

1. Centrifugal Pumps

Best for: High-volume, clean fluid systems

Centrifugal pumps are the backbone of many fluid handling systems. They use a rotating impeller to move fluid through a system with continuous, steady flow. They’re ideal for:

  • Water treatment and distribution

  • Industrial processing systems

  • Irrigation and agriculture

  • Horizontal directional drilling (HDD)

Why choose it?

Simple design, low maintenance, and excellent for high-flow, low-viscosity fluids.

👉 Learn more: When to Consider a Centrifugal Pump vs. Other Pump Types

 

2. Positive Displacement Pumps

Best for: Viscous fluids or metered flow

Unlike centrifugal pumps, positive displacement pumps move a fixed amount of fluid with each cycle. This makes them ideal for precise dosing or moving thick, slow-moving fluids under pressure.

  • Thick oils and lubricants

  • Chemical dosing

  • Metered fluid systems

  • High-viscosity applications

Why choose it?

Accurate, pulse-free delivery—perfect for chemicals, oils, or high-viscosity applications.

👉 Learn more: Positive Displacement Pumps: The Ideal Solution for High-Viscosity Fluids

 

3. Gear Pumps

A subset of positive displacement pumps

Best for: Precise chemical or oil transfer

Gear pumps use meshing gears to push fluid through a chamber. They offer smooth, controlled flow, especially in metering or dosing systems.

  • Lubrication systems

  • Chemical metering

  • Fuel and hydraulic oil transfer

  • OEM process systems

Why choose it?

Reliable high-pressure output and excellent for handling lubricating fluids.

 

4. Diaphragm Pumps

Best for: Abrasive or corrosive slurries

These pumps use a flexible diaphragm to move fluid and create pressure. They’re self-priming, can run dry, and isolate fluid from pump components, making them excellent for chemical processing or waste systems.

  • Chemical processing

  • Sludge and slurry handling

  • Wastewater systems

  • Oil & gas field operation

Why choose it?

Safe for hazardous fluids and built to handle solids or sludge.

👉 Learn more: How Does a Diaphragm Pump Operate in a Fluid Handling System?

 

5. Peristaltic Pumps

Best for: Sterile or contamination-sensitive applications

Peristaltic pumps move fluid by compressing tubing with rotating rollers. The fluid never touches the pump itself, which eliminates contamination risk.

  • Pharmaceuticals and biotech

  • Food and beverage processing

  • Lab and test environments

  • Dialysis and medical systems

Why choose it?

Sanitary, easy to clean, and ideal for pharmaceuticals, food, or lab applications.

👉 Learn more: Peristaltic Pumps: Understanding Function, Benefits, and Applications

 

6. Charge Pumps

Best for: Supporting hydraulic circuits

Charge pumps play a critical role in closed-loop hydraulic systems often used in construction equipment and heavy-duty field applications. These systems are only as strong as the infrastructure supporting them. For high-performance builds that require specialty welding and mechanical fabrication, check out Sprint Mechanical’s guide on industrial construction.

  • Hydraulic power systems

  • Mobile machinery

  • Heavy-duty industrial hydraulics

  • Construction equipment

Why choose it?

Maintains optimal system pressure and supports high-performance hydraulic functions.

👉 Learn more: Charge Pumps: Essential for Maintaining Optimal Pump Performance

 

7. Grinder Pumps

Best for: Residential and industrial wastewater systems

These pumps shred solids before moving wastewater under pressure. Common in lift stations and sewer systems.

  • Lift stations

  • Sewage systems

  • Commercial kitchens

  • Industrial wastewater applications

Why choose it?

Prevents clogs, handles tough solids, and works well in small-diameter piping systems.

👉 Learn more: What is a Grinder Pump and How Does it Work?

 

8. Mud Pumps

Best for: Drilling, HDD, and high-pressure slurry systems

Mud pumps are built to move heavy slurries and drilling fluids—especially in oilfield and trenchless drilling applications.

  • Horizontal directional drilling (HDD)

  • Oil & gas drilling rigs

  • Slurry recirculation

  • Mining and geotechnical operations

Why choose it?

Withstands abrasive materials and delivers the high-pressure circulation required in deep drilling systems.

👉 Learn more: What is a Mud Pump?

 

9. Surface Pumps

Best for: Shallow wells or above-ground water transfer

Surface pumps sit above the fluid source and pull water through suction. They’re commonly used in residential, agricultural, or light-duty commercial settings.

  • Irrigation and agriculture

  • Tank and pond transfer

  • Light commercial water systems

  • Rural property water supply

Why choose it?

Easy to maintain and perfect for irrigation or tank transfers where suction depth is limited.

👉 Learn more: Do you need a well pump replacement or your surface pump serviced?

 

10. Trash Pumps

Best for: Floodwater, construction runoff, or dirty fluids

Trash pumps are centrifugal in design but feature larger impellers and openings that allow them to pass solids without clogging.

  • Job site dewatering

  • Emergency flood pumping

  • Agricultural runoff

  • Utility pits and excavation sites

Why choose it?

Ideal for fast, debris-tolerant dewatering in harsh job site environments.

👉 Learn more: What Is a Trash Pump and What Is It Used For?

 

How to Choose the Right Pump

Choosing the right pump starts with asking a few key questions:

  • What type of fluid are you moving? (Viscous, clean, corrosive, solid-laden?)

  • What flow rate and pressure do you need?

  • How far and how high does the fluid need to travel?

  • Is the pump above or below the fluid source?

  • How critical is sanitation, noise, or energy efficiency?

Have Questions? Let’s Talk

At EV Pump, we help engineers, operators, and project managers choose the best fluid handling equipment for the job. From centrifugal to positive displacement, we’ve worked with every pump type across nearly every industry.

Need help figuring out your next system?

Let’s build something that works efficiently, reliably, and for the long haul. Click below to get started!


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EV Pump & Equipment is a leading provider of high-performance fluid handling solutions, specializing in custom pump systems and comprehensive services for industries like oil & gas, petrochemical, and municipal water. With a deep passion for pumps and a commitment to excellence, we deliver reliable, efficient solutions tailored to meet the unique needs of every client. Our hands-on approach and elite equipment ensure that your operations run smoothly and efficiently, every time.

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