Rainwater harvesting can supply a significant portion of household water. The EPA reports the average American family uses over 300 gallons of water per day. A well-designed rainwater system can offset 50 to 100 percent of outdoor use and much indoor demand. But without a proper pump, your tank is just a bucket. The pump moves water from tank to tap, irrigation, or whole-house system. This guide covers five pumps that work for tanks and homes. We tested flow rates, pressure curves, and off-grid compatibility. Start with our rainwater harvesting guide to plan your setup.
Choosing a pump starts with understanding your demand. A single shower uses 2.5 gallons per minute. A washing machine cycle pulls 30 gallons. If you run both, you need at least 15 GPM at 50 PSI. The EPA’s drinking water standards set maximum contaminant levels for over 90 substances, which matters if you plan to drink stored rainwater. The CDC’s healthy water guidelines recommend testing for E. coli and lead after any treatment. So your pump must handle both pressure and safety. Compare best rainwater collection systems before you buy.
Off-grid systems have different needs. If you live on solar, a DC pump saves you the inverter cost. A 24V pump like the Shurflo 2088 draws about 10 amps and moves 5 GPM at 50 PSI. That is enough for a cabin or small home. For larger homes, an AC pump with a solar inverter works better. But you need to size your battery bank. A 1 HP pump pulls 750 watts and can drain a small battery in an hour. See our off-grid water systems guide for sizing help.
Maintenance separates a pump that lasts 2 years from one that lasts 10. Sediment is the number one killer. A simple 100-mesh screen before the pump stops most grit. The water storage tank maintenance guide covers annual cleaning. Also, never run a pump dry. Most models overheat in 60 seconds without water. We tested each pump for dry-run protection, noise, and efficiency. Below are the five best rainwater pumps for tanks and homes.
How Do the Top Options Compare?
| Pump | Best For | Type | Max Flow (GPM) | Max Head (ft) | Power | Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Grundfos Scala2 | Best Overall | Multistage | 25 | 147 | 115V AC | Check price |
| Shurflo 2088 | Off-Grid | Diaphragm | 5.5 | 60 | 12/24V DC | Check price |
| Davey HP45 | High Pressure | Jet | 20 | 150 | 115/230V AC | Check price |
| Aquatec 8800 | Small Tanks | Diaphragm | 5 | 60 | 115V AC | Check price |
| Red Lion PL-100 | Budget | Centrifugal | 20 | 130 | 115V AC | Check price |
Flow and head ratings are manufacturer maximums. Actual performance depends on plumbing, voltage, and elevation. Prices vary by retailer and season.
1. Grundfos Scala2 , Best Overall
Grundfos Scala2 is a self-priming multistage pump. It delivers up to 25 GPM and 147 feet of head. That is enough for a two-story house with multiple showers. The pump runs at 115V AC and draws about 10 amps. It has built-in dry-run protection. Many homeowners pair it with a 20-gallon pressure tank. The Scala2 is quiet for its class, around 65 dB. But it costs more than budget pumps. For best results, test your water quality first to see if you need filtration before the pump. Also check best water testing kits for rainwater-specific tests. If you plan to drink the water, add a whole-house filter after the pump. That protects your family from roof runoff contaminants. Check the Grundfos Scala2 on Amazon.
Key strengths:
- ✅ High flow and pressure for whole-home use
- ✅ Built-in dry-run protection prevents burnout
- ✅ Quiet operation compared to jet pumps
- ✅ Self-priming up to 26 feet
- ❌ Higher upfront cost than budget models
- ❌ Requires 115V AC power, not off-grid friendly
- ❌ Heavy at 35 pounds
Who it’s for: Homeowners with a large rainwater tank who need whole-house pressure and have grid power.
2. Shurflo 2088 , Best for Off-Grid
Shurflo 2088 is a 12V or 24V DC diaphragm pump. It draws 10 amps at 24V and moves 5.5 GPM. That is enough for a cabin sink, shower, and small irrigation. The pump runs directly off solar panels without an inverter. That saves you hundreds on system cost. The 2088 has a built-in pressure switch at 60 PSI. It is self-priming up to 6 feet. But it is noisy. A rubber mounting pad helps. Also the flow drops if your solar battery is low. Pair it with a solar water pump setup for reliable off-grid water. For winter, follow the winterization guide to prevent freeze damage. Check the Shurflo 2088 on Amazon.
Key strengths:
- ✅ Runs directly on 12V or 24V solar
- ✅ Low power draw, about 10 amps
- ✅ Self-priming and dry-run capable for short periods
- ✅ Cheaper than AC pump plus inverter
- ❌ Lower flow than AC pumps
- ❌ Noisy diaphragm operation
- ❌ Not for whole-house pressure
Who it’s for: Off-grid cabin owners and van lifers who need a simple solar-powered pump.
3. Davey HP45 , Best for High Pressure
Davey HP45 is a high-pressure jet pump. It delivers up to 20 GPM and 150 feet of head. That is ideal for homes with long pipe runs or tall tanks. The pump runs on 115V or 230V AC. It has a cast iron body and stainless steel impeller. The HP45 handles slight sediment better than diaphragm pumps. But it requires a pressure tank and a foot valve. It is also loud, around 75 dB. For safe drinking water, the WHO water quality standards recommend testing for microbial contamination. A UV filter after the pump solves that. Use a water purification method like UV or reverse osmosis if you drink rainwater.
Key strengths:
- ✅ High pressure for long runs
- ✅ Cast iron and stainless steel build
- ✅ Handles some sediment
- ✅ Available in 115V or 230V
- ❌ Noisy operation
- ❌ Requires pressure tank
- ❌ Not self-priming beyond 25 feet
Who it’s for: Homeowners with deep tanks or long pipe runs who need strong pressure.
4. Aquatec 8800 , Best for Small Tanks
Aquatec 8800 is a small diaphragm pump. It moves 5 GPM at 60 PSI. That is perfect for a single faucet, RV, or tiny home. The pump runs on 115V AC and draws 5 amps. It is quiet for a diaphragm model, around 55 dB. The 8800 has a built-in bypass and can run dry for short bursts. But it cannot power a whole house. The flow drops to 2 GPM if you open two taps. Use it for a rainwater collection system with a small tank. Pair it with a pressure tank to reduce cycling. This pump is also popular for emergency water storage setups.
Key strengths:
- ✅ Quiet for a diaphragm pump
- ✅ Compact and easy to install
- ✅ Low power draw
- ✅ Built-in bypass
- ❌ Low flow, not for whole house
- ❌ Plastic fittings can crack
- ❌ Not self-priming beyond 4 feet
Who it’s for: Tiny home, RV, or cabin owners with a single tap or small tank.
5. Red Lion PL-100 , Best Budget
Red Lion PL-100 is a budget centrifugal pump. It moves up to 20 GPM and 130 feet of head. The pump runs on 115V AC and draws 8 amps. It has a cast iron body and a thermoplastic impeller. The PL-100 is not self-priming. You must flood the intake line. It also needs a pressure tank and a check valve. But for the price, it is a solid choice for irrigation or outdoor use. Do not use it for drinking water without filtration. The EPA’s drinking water standards apply to any potable system. Add a sediment filter before the pump to protect the impeller. Also consider water hardness if you see scale.
Key strengths:
- ✅ Low cost for the flow rate
- ✅ Cast iron body lasts years
- ✅ Good for irrigation
- ✅ Easy to find replacement parts
- ❌ Not self-priming
- ❌ No dry-run protection
- ❌ Noisy
Who it’s for: Budget-minded gardeners or homesteaders who need a simple transfer pump.
Frequently Asked Questions
What size pump do I need for my rainwater tank?
Size your pump by flow rate and pressure. A typical home needs 10-20 GPM at 40-60 PSI. Add 1 PSI for every 2.31 feet of vertical lift from the tank to the highest fixture.
Can I run a rainwater pump on solar power?
Yes. DC pumps like the Shurflo 2088 run directly off 12V or 24V solar panels. AC pumps require an inverter and larger array.
How do I keep rainwater safe to drink?
First flush diversion, tank screening, and a 5-micron sediment filter plus UV purification are standard. The CDC recommends testing for bacteria and metals before drinking.
What is the best pump for low-pressure drip irrigation?
A low-pressure pump like the Aquatec 8800 at 60 PSI works well. Or use a gravity feed if your tank is 10 feet above the garden.
How long do rainwater pumps last?
A quality pump lasts 5-10 years. Keep it dry, filter sediment, and avoid running it dry. Annual impeller checks extend life.
Do I need a pressure tank with a rainwater pump?
Yes for most home systems. A pressure tank reduces pump cycling and maintains steady flow. Size it 1 gallon per GPM of pump flow.
What Should You Remember?
- Size by head and flow: Measure vertical lift and daily gallons before buying.
- DC pumps suit off-grid: They run directly from solar without an inverter.
- Pressure tanks cut cycling: A 20-gallon tank matches most 10-20 GPM pumps.
- Filter before the pump: Sediment destroys impellers. Use a 100-mesh screen.
- EPA standards apply: Stored rainwater can be potable if treated to EPA drinking water standards.
- Test every season: Bacteria and pH shift with roof and tank conditions.
This article is for general information only. Water purification and storage carry health and safety risks , always follow local regulations and manufacturer guidance.
