Flow rate (capacity): The volume of water the pump can move per minute (or per hour), typically in litres per minute (L/min) or gallons per minute (GPM).

What is Head in Water Pumps?

Head / total head: A measure of the maximum “height” (vertical lift plus friction losses) the pump can push water to, usually in metres.

What is suction lift in water pumps?

Suction lift (or lift): The vertical distance the pump must draw water up from its source (e.g. well bottom to pump).

When specifying a pump, you need to ensure:

• Its maximum head exceeds the total vertical and friction losses in your system.
  

• Its flow rate meets or exceeds your required throughput under that head.
  

• Its suction lift is compatible with your source depth.
  

For example, the HYWP4300X petrol clean water pump has a total head of 35 m, 8 m lift, and 250 L/min flow rate.

As a rule of thumb, if you need to pump water up around 10 metres from a basement to an outside drain, choose a pump with a maximum head comfortably above that (for example, 20–25 m) to allow for friction losses in hoses and fittings.

Each pump type has pros and cons. Hyundai offers all three.

Submersible electric water pumps are designed to be lowered into the water body (well, sump, tank). They are efficient for vertical lifts and removing water from basins. Examples: HYSP550CD (dirty/clean) and HYSP1100CD (higher capacity)

A water pump will last longer and perform reliably if built from robust materials and with quality components. Here’s what to check:

• Pump housing & impeller material - cast iron, stainless steel, or heavy-duty plastics depending on water type.
  

• Shaft seals / mechanical seals - to prevent leakage, especially in dirty or abrasive water.
  

• Bearings / support - to resist vibration, wear, loads.
  

• Frame & protection (for open frame models) - for rugged outdoor use.
  

• Ease of maintenance - accessibility for cleaning, servicing, replacing parts.
  
  

• Always prime the pump (fill with water) before starting (unless it’s self-priming).
  

• Ensure air-tight suction lines; leaks reduce performance.
  

• Keep inlet clear of debris, silt and obstructions.
  

• Use appropriate hoses / pipes sized for the pump’s inlet/outlet to minimise friction losses.
  

• Monitor engine pumps’ fuel, oil, cooling (if applicable).
  

• For submersibles, ensure cable safety, avoid kinking, and protect against abrasion.
  

• Don’t run dry - pump failure is likely if no water is inside.
  
  

• Under-sizing the pump - choosing a pump whose head or flow is insufficient
  

• Ignoring friction losses in piping & bends
  

• Running a pump dry - critical cause of failure
  

• Using the wrong pump for dirty water - solids / debris will damage seals and impellers
  

• Poor maintenance / inadequate servicing

One of the benefits of choosing Hyundai Power Products is access to spare parts, servicing, and technical support via your UK network. With Hyundai you can rely on parts availability and warranty support. 

Hyundai offers a comprehensive range of clean water, dirty/trash and submersible electric water pumps designed for domestic, agricultural, commercial and industrial jobs. By understanding water quality, required flow rate, total head and power type, you can confidently choose the right model for long-lasting performance.

With Hyundai’s UK-based parts, warranty and support, you can rely on dependable pumping whenever you need it.

Need more help? Contact a Hyundai Water Pump Expert now.