There are sump pumps, well pumps and pressure tank pumps. Let's take a look at how different and how similar to each other they are. The main difference probably comes from where they are used and for what special purpose they are used.
Sump pumps are pumps that keep your basement from being flooded. This is especially needed when there are storms and water collects in the basement. A sump is a kind of a reservoir which fills up with water under your basement. This prevents water from seeping in and damaging your basement. The sump pump then carries the water collected to a place away from the house and drains it out at the ground level.
How exactly does it work? The reservoir or a bucket-like contraption is put in below the floor level. Water flows into this. It helps if the sump is located at the wettest portion of the basement. The sump's motor starts when the water reaches a certain level and the blade pushes the water into the drain hose where it goes up and is drained outside.
Sump pumps come in two types. There is a submersible one which can be put below the water line and a floor one which is, as the name denotes, put at the floor level. Though both work in a similar manner the difference lies in the fact that the submersible one can operate under water without having to bother about any electrical shortages.
You also have well water pumps to pump water from the well into your house, garden or office. These come in a choice of different horse power. What you choose would depend on the size of the building and the amount of water that you need pumped.
You would also have to take into account the number of baths, washbasins and water outlets that you have. These pumps are what you would use to pump water up from underground sources up to your home or office. Typically, they have a motor which starts a blade spinning. This pushes the water up the pipes and into the building.
At the building, the pressure tanks which are also pumps take over. These are water pressure regulators. The pressure of the water supply can keep changing depending on the seasons. A lot of rain, melting snow and storms can mean a lot of excess water. These pressure tanks regulate the pressure and make sure it stays even no matter what the outside pressure.
Whatever your requirements of pumps might be, make sure you go to a reliable supplier and look at all the choices and options he has. First of all, you must be clear about your own requirements. That makes it so much easier to look at the pumps that will suit your need.