Dowdens Pump Sizing Guide is a comprehensive guide to correctly sizing a pump. Our guide focuses on water requirements, suction lift, and flow rates. It includes detailed tables and explanations about average water needs for household devices and livestock, the concept of suction lift and its limitations, and how water temperature impacts pump performance.
Additionally, you will find guidance on flow requirements for different residence types and provide a form for users to get personalized pump recommendations from the Dowdens Pumping team. The page is a resource for understanding and selecting the right pump for various applications.
Option 1: You can complete the website form at the bottom of this page to assist the Dowdens Pumping Team determine the appropriate pump size for your application. Once you have submitted the form, a team member will contact you with any questions and provide a quote for a pump that meets your needs.
Option 2: You can download the form via the button below, fill it out and email it back to us.
Pump Sizing Guide PDF Download
If you have any questions or need help completing the form, please call us on 1300 176 074.
The average water requirements, shown below, may vary due to specific application concerns. Water requirements should be supplied within acceptable daily running times. This time will vary according to the nature of the application.
| Household Device | Average Requirement | Livestock | Average Requirement |
|---|---|---|---|
| Shower | 15 L/min at 140kPa (3.3 gph at 20psi) | Cattle | 30-55 litres/day (6.5-12 gallons/day) |
| Lawn Sprinkler | 15 L/min at 140kPa (3.3 gph at 20psi) | Milking Cows | 70 litres/day (15.4 gallons/day) |
| 1/2" Tap | 12-15 L/min at 140kPa (2.6-3.3 gph at 20psi) | Sheep | 5-10 litres/day (1-2 gallons/day) |
| 3/4” Hose & 1/4” Nozzle | 40 L/min at 210kPa (8.8 gph at 30psi) | Pigs | 10 litres/day (2 gallons/day) |
| 1” Hose & 3/4” Nozzle: | 75 L/min at 210kPa (16.5 gph at 30psi) | Horses | 55-60 litres/day (12-13.2 gallons/day) |
| 100 Chickens | 25 litres/day (5.5 gallons/day) |
Suction lift is the vertical distance a pump can raise a fluid from a level below the pump’s centerline to the pump’s inlet. The pump creates a negative pressure (a partial vacuum) to draw the liquid upwards. Imagine a pump trying to “suck” water out of a well or bore. The suction lift is the distance from the water level in the well or bore up to the pump.
Pumps do not suck; instead, pumps create a partial vacuum into which atmospheric pressure pushes the water via the suction pipework. A maximum practical suction lift of 6.7 metres at sea level is typical. The table below is a good guide.
| Elevation | Maximum Pratical Lift | Absolute Atmospheric Pressure (cold water) |
|---|---|---|
| Sea Level | 6.7m | 10.33m |
| 500m | 6.2m | 9.55m |
| 750m | 6.0m | 9.25m |
| 1,000m | 5.8m | 8.99m |
| 1,500m | 5.4m | 8.40m |
| 2,000m | 5.0m | 7.85m |
Water temperature significantly impacts suction lift due to its effect on vapour pressure.
Increased Vapor Pressure Reduces Suction Lift: Higher water temperatures lead to higher vapour pressures, which makes vaporising the water within the pump’s suction easier. Cavitation occurs when these vapour bubbles collapse, causing damage to the pump and reducing its efficiency.
Please note: Water Temperature and Friction Loss must also be considered. The table below is a good guide.
| Water Temperature (oC) | Suction Lift Reduction (metres) |
|---|---|
| 15 | 0 |
| 20 | 0.06 |
| 30 | 0.22 |
| 40 | 0.52 |
| 50 | 0.98 |
| 60 | 1.73 |
| 70 | 2.85 |
| 80 | 4.51 |
Table 4 below shows the standard flow rates associated with different sizes of homes, providing a better understanding of water usage and efficiency for each type of dwelling.
Please note: The flow rates in Table 4 below are a guide only and may vary based on the number of residents in the dwelling and other water use, such as irrigation.
| Residence Type | Average Flow |
|---|---|
| Weekend cottage | 10 to 20 L/min |
| Small Home | 20 to 30 L/min |
| Average Home | 30 to 50 L/min |
| Large Home | 50 to 90 L/min |
At Dowdens, we provide pumping solutions tailored to your needs. With decades of experience, we’ve earned a reputation you can rely on. Whether you’re managing a farm, industrial site, or commercial property, our team delivers expert advice and solutions that go above and beyond.
When you choose Dowdens, you’re getting more than just a pump. We offer a wide range of top-quality products for all applications, backed by seamless installation, maintenance, and repair services. Our focus is on ensuring your equipment delivers long-term value and reliability.
We pride ourselves on exceptional customer service. Our friendly team works closely with you, providing practical solutions, clear communication, and ongoing support. With Dowdens, it’s not just a purchase—it’s the start of a partnership built to last.
The “Pump Sizing Guide” PDF version is included in the document list below. If you prefer to fill in the information in this quote document, you are welcome to do so and email it back once you have completed it. Our preferred method is for you to fill out the website form located on this page. If you need assistance, you are welcome to contact our Water Treatment Team at Dowdens on 1300 176 074.
Fill in the form below, and the Dowdens Pumping Team can determine the correct pump size and type required to deliver water efficiently for your application. Call the DowdensPumping team on 1300 176 074 for help if you get stuck answering any questions. A pumping specialist will also contact you to answer any further questions after you have completed the form.
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