Pump flow rates by hose length
A pump's maximum flow is measured with no hose and no lift. On a real job the water has to rise out of the hole and travel along a hose, and every metre costs some flow. These tables show how much our most popular site, puddle and engine driven pumps deliver through 1 m to 200 m of hose, so you can compare pumps on the job you actually have.
How the figures are measured
Every figure is in litres per minute with the water lifted 2 metres, then pumped along layflat hose laid on level ground, with no kinks and the same hose size as the pump outlet. Figures assume clean water, normal temperature and a pump in good condition. They are a guide rather than a guarantee: a higher lift, smaller or kinked hose, or dirty water will all reduce flow.
Electric submersible pumps
Single phase site, drainage and puddle pumps. The generator and 110v transformer sizes are the minimum we recommend to start and run each pump.
| Pump | 1 m | 25 m | 50 m | 100 m | 150 m | 200 m | Generator (kVA) | 110v transformer (kVA) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| APP BPS-400 | 220 | 175 | 165 | 145 | 130 | 120 | 2 | 2 |
| Tsurumi LSC1.4S | 170 | 80 | 60 | 20 | not recommended | not recommended | 3 | 3 |
| Tsurumi LB-480 | 225 | 215 | 195 | 175 | 160 | 145 | 3 | 3 |
| Tsurumi LB-800 | 310 | 300 | 265 | 230 | 205 | 180 | 4 | 4 |
| Tsurumi LB-1500 | 420 | 350 | 280 | 260 | 240 | 220 | 6 | n/a (230v only) |
| Tsurumi HS2.4S | 205 | 195 | 175 | 155 | 140 | 125 | 3 | 3 |
| Tsurumi HS3.75S | 310 | 295 | 290 | 285 | 278 | 272 | 4 | 4 |
| APP HD-15 | 830 | 625 | 550 | 475 | 425 | 375 | 5 | 5 |
LSC1.4S: "–" means not recommended at that hose length. It is a puddle pump designed to clear water down to 1mm over short runs.
HD-15: figures are for the standard 80mm outlet. With the 50mm outlet adaptor, flow will be lower.
Figures from supplier test data, 2 m lift, layflat hose.
Petrol and diesel pumps
Engine pumps sit beside the water and draw it up a suction hose. We recommend keeping the suction lift to 6 m or less for reliable priming, even where a pump is rated higher.
| Pump | 1 m | 25 m | 50 m | 100 m | 150 m | 200 m | Max recommended suction lift |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Honda WX10 | 120 | 90 | 80 | 60 | 50 | 40 | 6 m |
| Honda WB20 | 590 | 500 | 475 | 400 | 350 | 300 | 6 m |
| Honda WB30 | 1,090 | 950 | 890 | 800 | 725 | 675 | 6 m |
| Tsurumi TEM-25H | 120 | 90 | 80 | 60 | 50 | 40 | 6 m |
| Tsurumi TET2-50HA | 500 | 475 | 450 | 350 | 300 | 250 | 6 m |
| Tsurumi TDS-50HA | 780 | 590 | 475 | 375 | 300 | 275 | 6 m |
| Tsurumi TDS-80HA | 1,150 | 1,000 | 900 | 800 | 680 | 600 | 6 m |
| Tsurumi TD200 | 120 | 90 | 87 | 85 | 82 | 80 | 6 m |
| DryMax 2 | 190 | 150 | 140 | 130 | 125 | 120 | 6 m |
| DryMax 3 | 330 | 290 | 270 | 260 | 250 | 240 | 6 m |
The quoted maximum flow on each product page is measured at zero head, so it is higher than the 1 m figure here. For example, the Honda WB20 is rated at 620 l/min maximum and delivers about 590 l/min through 1 m of hose with a 2 m lift.
Diaphragm pumps (TD200, DryMax) lose very little flow over distance, which makes them good for long runs of dirty water.
Figures from supplier test data, 2 m lift, layflat hose.
How to use these figures
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Pick your hose length
Measure the full run from the pump to where the water will go, then read across to the nearest column.
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Compare like with like
A pump with a high maximum flow can drop off quickly over distance. Compare the column for your hose length, not the headline figure.
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Allow for your job
If the water has to rise more than 2 m, or the hose is smaller than the pump outlet, expect less. For a figure for your exact lift and hose, use our Pump Performance Calculator.
Frequently asked questions
How much flow do you lose with a long hose?
It depends on the pump. On the Tsurumi LB-480, flow drops from 225 l/min through 1 m of hose to about 145 l/min through 200 m. Larger pumps and diaphragm pumps hold their flow better over distance.
Why is the maximum flow on the product page higher than these figures?
Maximum flow is measured with no lift and no hose. These figures include a 2 m lift and a length of layflat hose, which is closer to a real job.
What size generator do I need for a submersible pump?
The tables list the minimum generator size for each pump, from 2 kVA for the APP BPS-400 up to 6 kVA for the Tsurumi LB-1500. Allow extra if the generator is also running other equipment.
Can I use a smaller hose than the pump outlet?
You can, but flow will drop, sometimes sharply. These figures assume hose the same size as the outlet.
Which pump moves the most water over 100 m?
Of the pumps listed, the Tsurumi TDS-80HA and Honda WB30 move the most, at about 800 l/min through 100 m of hose. For electric submersibles, the APP HD-15 delivers about 475 l/min at 100 m.
How far can a petrol pump suck water up?
We recommend a suction lift of no more than 6 m for engine driven pumps. Beyond that, priming becomes unreliable and flow falls away.
