Top 5 Best Water Transfer Pumps in 2024
Posted in Water Pumps
March 3, 2024
WAYNE PC2 Portable Transfer Water Pump
- 120V
- 5.0 out of 5.0 stars
WAYNE PC4 Multi-Purpose Pump
- 1/2HP
- 4.5 out of 5.0 stars
Smartbot Submersible Water Pump
- 1/2HP
- 4.5 out of 5.0 stars
Champion 2-Inch Gas-Powered Water Transfer Pump
- Gas-Powered
- 4.0 out of 5.0 stars
SumpMarine UTP Portable Transfer Water Pump
- 115V
- 4.0 out of 5.0 stars
Buying Guide for the Best Water Transfer Pumps
If you need to transfer a lot of water, carrying water cans is a waste of precious time and hiring a professional is expensive. What you need is a water transfer pump and we picked the best models to help do the job.
What Exactly is a Water Transfer Pump?
A liquid transfer pump is designed for draining fluid from one point to another. They are usually used for draining pools, emptying pits, pumping diesel, transferring chemicals, filling trucks with water, etc.
Pumps range from simple devices used for transferring water from one container to another, to more sophisticated devices used for lifting water from a lake or river. Water transfer pumps can be powered by electricity, compressed air, or even gravity.
They are often used in emergency situations where clean drinking water must be delivered quickly and are also used for other applications such as cleaning out sewers and removing debris from wells. Pumps can be manually operated, but they are most commonly driven by electricity.
Pumps have different flow types and different propellants like petrol, gas, and electricity. They are similar in function to a sump pump, so you must look closely before buying.
Check out Best Electric Water Transfer Pump sbf here
This guide considers pumping power, pressure, durability, and convenience.
Below is our buyer's guide for the top-rated pumps.
Best Water Transfer Pumps in 2024
1. WAYNE PC2 120V Portable Transfer Water Pump
In-Depth Review
This transfer pump is a personal favorite of mine because it is very affordable and gets the job done with its 120-volt motor with high pressure that can pump high volumes of water in a short period.
This pump is portable and lightweight for small to medium size jobs
It's an excellent tool for removing stagnant water off basement floors, cleaning fish tanks, draining water beds, and emptying hot tubs or even small pools.
The pump features a power cord that is long enough to help you connect it to any position.
The entire motor is only about 4 ¼ inches long, so very small. The impeller size is only about 1 3/8 inches so you can't expect too much out of this little pump.
The WAYNE PC2 box tells you what performance to expect, but I found this not to be accurate 100% of the time.
We ran a couple of different tests to see how well the pump performs and to see what limits it has.
First Test
Transfer water using the 6-foot hose (that came with the transfer pump) and we used it to transfer water from a 55-gallon drum into a 5-gallon bucket.
According to the manufacturer's specifications, it should pump 340 GPH. So, we tested using a stopwatch.
This test took 70 seconds and according to our math, this unit would have pumped 257 gallons per hour, which is less than what the manufacturer says that the pump can do.
Second Test
Hooked up a standard garden wand to the 6-foot hose that is included, to see what kind of flow pattern or spray pattern it puts out to see if it was something that would be useful in the garden.
This test didn’t go so well, it didn’t generate enough pressure to use on your garden using a wand. So, we replaced the wand with a standard sprayer nozzle and then we got good enough pressure and volume to water a garden. We consistently got a good 15-20 foot spray.
Third Test
Hooked the garden hose up to a 70-foot-long hose and the 6-foot hose that came with the pump to test the throw distance and to see if we lost too much pressure or flow rate. The pump struggled but performed to some degree.
So, after having an opportunity to run some new tests with this pump, I still think it's a nice small, portable, reliable pump. Just keep in mind the size of your project.
Summary
This is a small, affordable model, for small to medium size jobs. We noticed a nice flow with no resistance and the unit made very little noise when used outdoors. The unit did get hot under continuous use, but not too hot to touch.
This pump is better than cheap 100 gpm units, but if you need a pump to use for a big pool or flooded basement, you should look at some of our larger pumps reviewed below.
Features
- Very portable pump for small to medium size projects
- Heavy-duty bronze plated pump housing for durability
- The noise level is 74dBA at 3 feet distance
- 120 Volt Metal Transfer Pump
- Removes water down to 1/8" of the surface using the water suction attachment
- Pumps up to 340 gallons of water per hour using just the discharge head
Top Uses
- Drain basement floors
- Cleaning fish tanks
- Emptying hot tubs
- Winterizing small pools
Pros
- Discharge threaded to accept a standard garden hose
- Good pumping power and pressure
- Small and portable
Cons
- Lacks an "on" switch
- Lower GPH than advertised
2. WAYNE PC4 1/2HP Multi-Purpose Pump
In-Depth Review
This pump is made from durable cast iron that will give you the best service for a long time. This pump can remove water out of flooded basements, stock tanks, or boats within a shorter time.
It features a strong motor that has efficient pressure that makes it convenient to wash cars and sidewalks.
This pump also features a suction pump that filters debris easily and the brass hose connection resists stripping and can easily be connected to garden hoses.
Real-Life Scenario for this Review
I had a leaking water heater but didn’t have a floor drain nearby, and I needed to move fast before it damaged the carpeting.
No worries, a superhero came to save the day, and its name was the WAYNE PC4 Multi-Purpose Pump.
To be safe, I first turned off the breaker for the water heater. Next, I secured all my hose connections using reinforced / heavy-duty hoses.
NOTE: This pump is so powerful, that low-grade hoses kink from the pressure.
A friend also recommended that I purchase a fitting clamp at a local hardware store to secure the hoses to the water heater and pump.
After that, I simply primed the pump by following the instruction in the manual. Priming essentially speeds up the pump by adding water. It helps to reduce wear on the actual motor and extend the pump’s life. Think of it as water oil.
Once everything was primed and ready to go, all I had to do was turn on the unit and wait just a matter of minutes to pump 80 gallons of water.
On The Farm Use
My brother-in-law is a farmer, and he uses this exact same pump to clean off his tools and equipment.
He hooks it up to a garden hose with a nozzle attachment and uses it like a pressure washer. They don't get great water pressure out in the country, so this pump has come in really handy and lasted many years.
Summary
We love this pump. It can generate up to 50 PSI at the outlet hose and transfer up to 1450 GPH.
The pump also has rubber on the base that will ensure the pump stays in position without sliding.
Using this pump is easy and it has a great user guide.
Features
- Assembled in the USA
- Generates up to 50 PSI at outlet hose
- Generates up to 15 ft. of suction lift at inlet hose
- Highly durable and easy to use
- Easy installation and easy handling
Top Uses
- Draining flooded basement
- Emptying stock tanks
- Empty boats
Pros
- Durable
- Time-saving
Cons
- Leaks slightly when pumping under high pressure
3. Smartbot Submersible Water Pump
In-Depth Review
This is one of the smartest (hi-tech) transfer pumps we've reviewed in this price range. It is energy-efficient and energy-saving, meaning it will not consume much energy to save you money.
If you haven't heard of them before, the SmartBot company is an intelligent pump expert that makes people’s lives easier and better by offering reliable and competent water removal products with constant technology innovation.
In this review, we're going to be looking at the Smartbot, a state-of-the-art, half-horsepower, submersible utility pump.
Before we jump into my review, let's look at the box to give you a breakdown of what this pump has to offer.
According to the manufacturer, the Smartbot can easily remove up to 2,800 gallons per hour, and it has an anti-clog feature where it automatically shuts off to prevent breakdowns from clogging and burning out the motor.
The Smartbot senses and turns on as soon as you set it in water. And it will automatically turn off when you get down to only 1/16 of an inch of water.
This pump flows continuously, even when knocked over. (As long as it is surrounded by liquid.) The manufacturer even has a U.S. Patent listed on the box for the auto flow for auto on/off operation.
For my review, I’m going to be using it in my hot tub using just the included accessories that come with it and a water hose. I have a 450-gallon hot tub and this pump drained it in less than 10 minutes.
To get started, all I had to do is attach the adapters, hoses, and power supply. As soon as we set it down in the water, it kicks in automatically, so be ready. With a standard hose, I got a great stream with a lot of pressure. Had I wanted to drain even quicker (than 10 minutes) all I would need is a larger adapter and hose.
One thing I wish they would improve on is installing a longer power cord. For example, If I was using this pump to drain a deep pool, it would have a difficult time reaching the bottom, and you don’t want to use an extension cord.
Important Note: When you need to pick up the pump, make sure you grab it by the handle, don't grab it by the cord because the thing is pretty heavy and you don’t want to risk dropping or wrecking the cord after continuous use.
We also used this pump on an above-ground pool right before winter, and other pumps that I’ve tested couldn't even come close to the Smartbot.
I highly recommend the Smartbot Submersible Water Pump for medium to large projects, without having to break the bank. In my opinion, this pump is very powerful and flexible as you can use it in your basements, yards, ground pools, hot tubs, bathtubs, flat roofs, window wells, and ponds.
Features
- Powerful 1/2 HP and Quick: Pumps water 1.4X faster than other submersible utility pumps.
- With an open impeller, a flow rate of up to 2800 GPH and a max lift-up capacity of 25FT.
- Auto-Flo Water Level Sensing Technology Saves Time and effort, while also protecting the pump from burnout.
- Automatic Knock Over Operation & Dry Run Protection.
- Smart and Portable: Small But Mighty at just 8*7*10 inches.
- 6 Adaptors Included. (2*2”,1-1⁄2”,1-1⁄4”,1”, 3⁄4”)
Top Uses
- Drain basement floors
- Empty your hot tub
- Winterize swimming pool
Pros
- Energy efficient
- Lightweight
- 6 Hose Kit
- Auto-Flo® Automatic Switch
- On-Demand Transfer Pump
- Knock Over Operation
- Dry Run Protection
- Great Customer Service
Cons
- Short Power Cord
- Limited Colors to Choose From
4. Champion Power Equipment Gas-Powered 2-Inch Semi-Trash Water Pump
In-Depth Review
This is a perfect choice when you want to pump water quickly and efficiently. It is designed for fast, efficient pumping and works well for commercial projects.
This unit will pump 343 gallons of water a minute and is powered by a 196cc Champion engine. With clear water fittings and constructed of chemical-resistant materials, this unit is your perfect pumping solution.
It can be used to drain water into and out of swimming pools, drain flooded areas, removing water from the basement.
This gas-powered pump features a handle that makes it lightweight and portable. It can deliver a maximum of 343 gallons per minute and can pass solid wastes up to 16 inches in diameter.
I was really impressed with how the unit comes complete with hoses and a basket for the end of the intake hose. It's got a cam lock for the intake to the pump, although it can be a little difficult to get the hose on super tight.
Another thing I really like about this unit is the simplicity of the motor, so if you're a gear head and you know anything about small engine mechanics this thing breaking is not a problem. You can literally rebuild it in your sleep.
When I tested this unit, I broke in the engine for about 10 minutes. There is a rubber plug on the end of a pipe that another pipe slides through, and that rubber plug essentially keeps it on. It did get pretty hot to the touch, so with a lot of use, I could see some of the rubber and plastic parts needing replacing. Be careful not to touch the muffler protective cage as it gets very hot as well. Probably not a big deal, but I thought it was worth mentioning.
This pump has a fuel tank that holds a large volume of oil, and this helps you to pump water within a shorter period without worrying about a breakdown.
You can't go wrong with this powerful, eco-friendly, portable transfer pump. With this unity, you can pump quick. Plus, you can pump dirty water, in dirty situations, and in hard-to-reach places like a crawl space.
Features
- Dependable – With a 0.9-gallon fuel tank, a handy fuel gauge, and a 0.6-quart oil capacity, the 196cc Champion engine is the power behind the pump
- Efficient – 343 gallons per minute maximum delivery
- Semi-Trash – Capable of passing solid waste up to ¾-inch in diameter, this pump has a 2-inch inlet, a 2-inch outlet, a total head of 85 feet, and a suction head of 26 feet
- Convenient – Featuring a durable steel frame, this pump is built to last and is easy to store
- Champion Support – includes a 2-year limited warranty with FREE lifetime technical support from dedicated experts
Top Uses
- Drain flooded basement fast
- Empty fish tank
- Emptying hot tubs
- Winterize outdoor pools
Pros
- Great quality
- Well priced for a gas unit
Cons
- Lacks a detailed manual for water operations
- Gets very hot with continuous use
5. SumpMarine UTP 115V Portable Transfer Water Pump
In-Depth Review
If you are looking for an affordable and portable water transfer pump, this is one of the best choices you can find on the market.
This multi-purpose pump can pump 330 gallons of water per hour. This model can also be used to pump water for commercial use. The pump features a high power of 115V when connected to a socket.
The pump has high pressure and water flows conveniently even when you place the cord in a hilly position, and this will save you time.
I love the portability you get with this pump. It is lightweight and you can carry it to any place you need to pump water. Made from durable materials with metal hose connectors which provide more reliability than plastic threads.
We went a little out of the box with this model and hooked it up to a hose for a water sprinkler toy that our grandkids wanted to play with. Now, in the past, we simply didn't have enough outdoor water pressure for these types of toys, but with this unit, our grandkids had a blast.
To start it up, you simply pour 1/2 TBSP of vegetable oil into the inlet port, fasten the inlet & outlet hoses, mount the pump in a dry and stable area, submerge the intake hose, and plug it into an electrical outlet.
It does get pretty hot, so it isn't meant for commercial use or really big projects.
In summary, this pump is built well, it's portable, and the high water flow makes the pump great for watering gardens, draining pools, draining hot tubs, waterbeds, and unblocking sinks.
Features
- EASY TO USE: Simply Prime the pump with food-grade vegetable oil, place the intake hose attachment in the water, and plug it in!
- POWERFUL: The (115 Volt) 1/10 HorsePower motor, transfers water at a rate of up to 330 Gallons Per Hour!
- LIGHTWEIGHT & PORTABLE: Easy to store and haul, this mini utility pump offers big value in a little package
- MULTIPURPOSE: Perfect for transferring water from aquariums, washing machines, water beds, water heaters, clogged sinks, and more.
- INCLUDES: 6' hose and Water Suction attachment, as well as an impeller replacement kit
Top Uses
- Sprinklers
- Aid for watering gardens
- Draining water bed
- Fish tanks
Pros
- Multi-purpose
- Durable
Cons
- Has an overheating problem
6. Superior Pump 91012 12 Volt Utility Pump
In-Depth Review
This small, portable, battery powered pump is perfect for transferring small amounts of liquid.
This pump works virtually anywhere simply by hooking it up to a 12 Volt battery.
Superior Pump uses quality components including solid copper motor windings, heavy-duty stainless steel, double o-ring seals, and electronic controlled split capacitors.
I took this pump with me on a camping trip and was really impressed. For one thing, it is super portable, light, easy to use, and versatile. It even has an ON/OFF switch.
All you need to power it is a 12 Volt Battery, which also comes in handy for other uses when camping, or far away from a power source.
We hooked ours up to an outside shower setup and got some great pressure, which mirrored what we're accustomed to at home.
You can also use this pump to fill or empty camper water tanks, which comes in handy for winterizing.
This versatile pump can be used for camping, cabins, backup boat bilge pump, basements, flushing tankless water heaters, draining pools and hot tubs, or other general water transfer applications.
Features
- Horsepower: 12 Volt (Battery Not Included)
- Construction: Thermoplastic
- Performance: 1380 GPH
- Discharge Size: 1-1/4 in. NPT
- Discharge Type: Top
- Power Cord Length: 20 ft.
- Impeller Material: Thermoplastic
Top Uses
- Camping
- Backup for boat bilge pump
- Flush tankless water heaters
- Draining pools and hot tubs
- Winterizing small pools
Pros
- Durable
- Multi-purpose
- Multiple discharge hookup options
- Oil-free design
- Easy to clean
Cons
- The pump doesn't have an automatic shut off
7. Wayne PC1-12V Battery-Powered Multi-Use Transfer Pump Kit
In-Depth Review
This 12 Volt DC Battery-Powered Multi-Use Transfer Pump Kit is perfect for transferring liquid from just about any location, especially hard-to-reach places with no power, like the middle of a farm field.
This pump has all the same features that we loved from our #1 Top Pick, plus it is battery-powered.
The PC1 portable electric model can easily pump water away down to 1/8" and lift water up to 35 ft.
We tested this model by emptying a rain barrel for winter and it did the job fast and efficiently. It is not just for draining either, I could easily use this pump to water our garden as well.
This utility pump connects to a 12 Volt battery with alligator clamps and includes an easy-to-use on/off switch. It is part of a kit, which includes everything that you need to get the job done.
This pump is a portable, affordable kit, for small to medium size jobs. It is far better made than most 100 gpm or 330 gph models on the market, plus it comes from a reputable brand with a nice warranty.
However, if you need a pump to drain a large pool or flooded basement, you should look at some larger pumps we reviewed on this site.
Features
- HP: 12V
- Max Flow Rate: 350 GPH
- Construction: Plated Bronze
Top Uses
- Drain basement flood
- Garden watering
- Empty hot tub and pool
Pros
- Multi-purpose pump
- Includes 6ft. suction hose and suction attachment
- Replacement parts kit included
- Reputable brand ensures quality and reliability
Cons
- Not an on-demand pump
- Struggles pumping fluid uphill
8. DuroMax XP650WP 208cc 3-Inch Gasoline Engine Portable Water Pump
In-Depth Review
When testing this model, the DuroMax XP650WP 208cc really stood out as extremely powerful and fast.
This pump can be used for both commercial and home projects.
How powerful is the DuroMax Portable Water Pump? Well, quite simply, it's powerful enough to put out a grass fire!
This pump is one of the most powerful models that I have ever tested. I firmly believe it could launch you into space. Seriously, I know some farmers that keep this model handy just in case a fire breaks out.
What is truly amazing is that it is gas-powered, so it isn't just powerful, it is also portable, in the sense that you can use it anywhere. And on top of that, the frame is engineered to keep vibration down to a minimum, which you can see in the video above.
With a 3" inlet and discharge, this pump can transfer massive amounts of liquid quickly, even muddy water with a hose sloping up a hill.
And with an adapter, you can go down to a 2” intake reduced the discharge to a 1 1/2” fire hose, and to a 1” hose reel with a nozzle to spray over long distances.
Whether you're a commercial business or a farmer, you can't go wrong with this super powerful, well-built water pump from a trusted brand name.
Features
- Engine: 208cc / 7 HP / 4 Stroke
- Max Flow Rate: 220 GPM
- Max Overhead Lift: 91'
- Max Suction Lift: 26'
- Max Torque: 13.2 Nm / 9.7 ft
Top Uses
- Drain large flooded basement
- Put out a small grass fire
- Winterize outdoor pool
Pros
- DuroMax 7 HP Air-cooled O.H.V Gasoline Engine
- Priming Port and Stainless Steel Shaft
- National Pipe Threads for Easy Connections
- Cast Iron Sleeve and Steel Bearings maximize Engine life
- Includes Accessories for Easy Operation
- Tool Kit with Spark Plug Wrench
Cons
- Average fuel consumption is only 2.4 hours
- Gas is Very Expensive
Important Factors to Consider When Choosing a New Water Transfer Pump for your Projects
1. Power Source
There are a few different options for powering your pump, and the right choice for your needs will depend on the location of the pump, the amount of pressure needed, how many gallons are getting pumped, and how fast you want to complete your project.
Battery-powered pumps are the most portable, but least powerful.
Electric transfer pumps are great for indoor use and even for swimming pools.
Gas-powered pumps are usually used for commercial businesses and are generally the most powerful.
2. Pressure
Before choosing any water transfer pump, pressure is an important thing to consider.
The pressure applied by the pump should be powerful enough to pump liquid even when the pipe is set in a hilly position.
You can buy a pump that does not have much pressure, but this will lead to slow pumping and more wasted time.
You should also consider how the pressure is being applied when you can use it for a household application or outdoor applications like gardening.
An indoor pump will not require that much pressure compared to the pressure being used to wash cars.
3. Size of Inlet
The size of the water inlet will highly determine how much water will be pumped.
A bigger inlet will drain water faster and fill your tank fast, and this will save more time.
A smaller inlet can take a long time to fill your tank because the pipe will only carry a small amount of water.
A good pump inlet should have a size of 1-5” size for easy and frequent passing of water.
You have to make sure you get the best inlet with a good size that will transfer your liquid very fast. Therefore, the bigger the water inlet, the more the pump will transfer more liquid within minutes.
4. Cost
High-quality pumps are usually costly because they are made from quality materials that enhance good performance.
Less costly pumps still perform their functions well, but if you spend more, typically you're buying a pump that will last for a long time.
5. Quality
One of the things you should look at with any pump is quality. A good quality motor should be reliable and quick enough to pump large amounts of liquid within a short period.
6. Environmentally Friendly
Most water pumps have motors that aren't environmentally friendly and make a lot of noise.
7. Durability
Water pumps are usually made from durable materials to ensure good pumping and water flow.
Be wary of water pumps that are not well designed with durable materials, like stainless steel.
A good pump should last for a long time and save you the expense of repeatably buying new pumps.
8. Ease of Use
Water transfer pumps are usually quite easy to use and come with user guides that indicate how to operate the pumps.
9. Accessories
There are many accessories available to buy that make pumps more useful and versatile than ever. Most dewatering pumps simply need a discharge hose and an inlet hose, but some uses may require a suction strainer to keep solids out of the pump.
For pumps that go inside homes, you should always consider valves, float switches, and water alarms.
When using a powerful, outdoor, gas-powered pump to clear an indoor basement, you'll need a hose kit while using a suction hose and strainer remotely.
Who needs the Best Water Transfer Pumps?
These types of pumps are a perfect choice for people who use a lot of water for gardening, washing cars, and even for commercial uses. They are made for individuals who want to transfer most liquids fast and easy.
Frequently Asked Questions About Water Transfer Pumps
The most common types of pumps are submersible and centrifugal pumps.
If you are looking for a pump that is going to move smaller amounts of water on a more frequent basis, then a submersible pump is likely your best option.
However, if you need to move larger volumes of water on a less frequent basis, then a centrifugal pump may be the better option for you.
Conclusion
When you need to transfer any liquid from one place to another, you need a pump that is safe, strong, efficient, and easy to use. You also want a tool that saves you time and energy.
Buying a transfer pump that will suit your needs can be time-consuming because the products are many in the market and thorough research is needed to avoid making a wrong purchase.
The guide above helps you choose from the top pumps we reviewed last year. We looked at features like size, portability, lightweight, design, cost, and durability.
Consider buying one of the products in the guide above because they are well researched and they will suit your projects perfectly.
[…] portable transfer pumps are especially useful for homeowners with wells and cisterns on their […]