Most household pressure pump questions start the same way: "I need water from the tank (or the well) to the house at decent pressure." The answer depends on three things: where the water is, how clean it is, and how you want the pump to switch on and off. This guide walks through the five types in our Jet & Pressure Pumps range and when each one fits.
1. Where is the water?
A surface pump sits above the water and pulls it up a suction line. Physics caps how high any pump can pull water at well under 10 metres, and real pumps are rated for less than that. The datasheet gives the suction lift for each model. That one number sorts most jobs:
- Water at or above the pump (a tank beside the house, flooded suction): any of the pressure pumps below will work.
- Water a little below the pump (a shallow well, dam or below-ground tank): you need a self-priming jet pump.
- Water too deep for suction: you need a deep well jet pump with an ejector down the well, or a submersible pump. See our bore pump guide.
2. The five types, side by side
| Type | Models | Typical job | Price range |
|---|---|---|---|
| Automatic pressure pump | Hyjet DHJ600P (45 L/min), DHJ800 (60 L/min) | Tank to house, toilets and laundry | $397.05 to $457.55 |
| Stainless jet pump with controller | Hyjet HSJ370, HSJ550, HSJ750, HSJ1000 | Rainwater tank to house | $540.05 to $793.05 |
| Self-priming jet pump | Hyjet INOX80/100/140 (40 to 65 L/min), CAM100/150 (70 to 120 L/min), Pedrollo JSW and JCRm | Tanks, shallow wells, irrigation | $677.55 to $1,458.55 |
| Shallow well pump | Hyjet CAB150, CAB200, CAB300 (90 to 140 L/min) | Wells, rivers, dams, washdown | $1,552.05 to $1,673.05 |
| Deep well jet pump | Hyjet AP100 (2 m³/h), AP150 (4 m³/h) | Deep wells with an external ejector | $809.55 to $1,414.55 |
| Peripheral pump | Hyjet PM45, PM80, Pedrollo PKm60-EP1 | High pressure on clean water, small systems | $364.05 to $820.55 |
Prices are the listed prices at the time of writing. All flows are each model's listed maximum.
3. How clean is the water?
Jet pumps cope with water that carries a bit of air, which is why the listings recommend them for wells and tanks. Peripheral pumps are for clean water only. Their tight internal clearances give them high pressure for a small motor, but grit wears them fast. The Pedrollo PKm listing also notes it isn't self-priming and needs priming and a foot valve, so it suits flooded suction or a short, primed suction line.
Whatever the pump, fit a strainer on the suction side if there's any chance of debris. The Hyjet HSJ series comes with a Y strainer for exactly that reason.
4. How will it switch on and off?
A pressure pump needs something to start it when a tap opens and stop it when the tap closes. You'll see three set-ups across the range:
- Built-in automatic control (DHJ, HSJ). Plug in and go. Simplest for a house on tank water.
- Electronic pressure controller (the -PC and -EP options). Starts on pressure drop, stops on low flow, and gives dry-run protection. No tank needed.
- Pressure switch and tank (the -PT18 options). The tank stores a small volume under pressure, so the pump cycles less for small draws like a toilet refill.
Our pressure controller vs pressure switch guide covers that choice in more detail.
5. Quick rules of thumb
- House on a rainwater tank: an automatic pressure pump, or a stainless HSJ for longer life. If you also want mains backup, look at rain to mains systems.
- Several bathrooms running at once: consider a multistage pump instead. It's quieter and holds pressure better at higher flows.
- Drawing from a well or dam: a self-priming jet or shallow well pump, sized on suction lift first.
- Water too deep to suck: a deep well jet pump or a submersible.
All pumps should be installed with an isolating valve and non-return valve, and wired by a licensed electrician where required. If you're unsure on sizing, call our team on 0414 040 452 with the suction depth, the number of outlets and the distance to the house.
Frequently Asked Questions
What's the difference between a jet pump and a peripheral pump?
A jet pump uses an ejector to help it prime and handle water with some air in it, which suits wells and tanks. A peripheral pump gives high pressure for a small motor but is for clean water only, and some models, like the Pedrollo PKm, need priming and a foot valve.
When do I need a deep well jet pump?
When the water is too far below the pump for a standard surface pump to suck it up. The Hyjet AP series uses an external ejector in the well to lift water from deeper. Check the suction lift on the datasheet against your water depth.
Do I need a pressure tank with a pressure pump?
Not always. Pumps with an electronic pressure controller start and stop without a tank. A pressure switch set-up needs a tank, which also cuts down on short cycling for small draws.
Which pump suits a rainwater tank supplying a house?
An automatic pressure pump such as the Hyjet DHJ, or a stainless Hyjet HSJ with its pre-fitted controller and Y strainer. For several bathrooms at once, look at a multistage pump.